Habit Stacking for Readers: 7 Ways to Effortlessly Incorporate Books into Your Daily Routine
If you're like most people today, you're constantly scrolling and work, life, and family are dominating your time and attention every day. Many of us want to read more but struggle to find the time. But what if the secret to reading more isn't about finding more hours in the day but rather about weaving reading seamlessly into the rhythms of your everyday life? So here enters habit stacking - the art of linking new habits with already established ones.
You probably don't even realize that you already have a habit stack, like when you pair drinking your morning coffee with meditation. If you are a former bookworm trying to rekindle your love for reading or a busy professional trying to squeeze more reading into your busy schedule, these seven proven strategies will help you incorporate reading effortlessly into your everyday life.
What Exactly is Habit Stacking?
You know those little routines you do without even thinking about it? Like how you always put on your workout playlist before you step on the treadmill. Or how you do your facial skincare routine right after your evening shower. That's because your brain has created these automatic connections and habit stacking uses these existing routines to your advantage by linking a new habit to something you already do without thinking. Essentially it's piggybacking off of something you already do rather than trying to force an entirely new routine from scratch.
Strategy 1: Start Your Morning with Pages (Not Posts)
This concept is not only for writers, okay? Readers can also use this strategy but with a bit of a twist. When you wake up in the morning, instead of immediately checking your phone, grab your book and read for a set amount—15 minutes, 10 pages, one chapter, whatever you choose.
The key is doing this while your mind is still fresh and receptive before the day's obligations start competing for your attention. The beauty of making reading a morning habit is that you're not trying to "find time" to read, you're starting your day with it and you're also more likely to stick with it because you haven't yet depleted your willpower or exhausted yourself mentally for the day.
Tip: Choose a book that aligns with how you usually feel in the morning. Light non-fiction, inspirational memoirs, or short story collections are often good choices for the morning.
Strategy 2: Turn Dead Time into Reading Time
Ah, the daily commute. It can and often does feel like wasted time. Those precious minutes (or hours) sitting on a train or being stuck in traffic can feel boresome and like time is just slipping away from you. But that does not have to be the case. Turn your commute into prime reading time! Now let me just say, I am not suggesting that you try to balance a paperback while driving (please don't) but, this is where audiobooks and e-readers become your best friends.
When I was working in NYC, I had a 2.5-hour commute on the train and I dreaded it every day until I realized this was the perfect time to read. If you're driving, audiobooks are best. Traffic does not seem as bad when you're completely lost in that thriller you've been wanting to read. And for my public transit people, an e-reader is best - lightweight and perfect for one-handed reading while you're hanging onto that subway pole for dear life.
“The difference between who you are and who you want to be is what you do.”
Strategy 3: Rescue Your Lunch Break with a Reading Escape
It's time to reclaim your lunch break! Inhale the sandwich, gulp down the soda, do what you have to but get some reading time in. Choose a quiet corner in your office, or a coffee shop nearby, hey, even your desk could be a good spot for you. I work in homes as a nanny so my lunch break is when the children are napping and that is also when I read - it's perfect because the house is so very quiet and peaceful at this time. Just remember that this time is to disconnect from the work day. Take this reading break seriously because it will help you power through that afternoon slump and have an equally, if not more productive, afternoon.
Strategy 4: Turn Show Breaks into Book Breaks
If you’re like me then when you say “just one more episode”, you never really mean it. At least not for the next few episodes. Well, instead of mindlessly watching Netflix auto-play the next episode, take a few breaks between episodes & make ‘em count. Keep your current read, in whatever form, nearby, and use those natural breaks to knock out a few pages. You may even find that the chapter pulls you in so much that you just stick with reading.
Tip: I've found that shorter books or collections of essays work perfectly here - you can actually finish a whole piece before diving back into your show.
Strategy 5: Make Your Bedroom a Reading Haven (and Sleep Better!)
Did you know that reading before bed makes you sleep better? No, seriously. Look it up! So every night before bed — create your cozy reading spot, whether in a comfy chair in the corner or in your bed with extra pillows, & a soft blanket, and snuggle up with a good book. I always have to have a cup of tea before bed so if you’re into that, I’dconsider adding that too.
Tip: If your evening shower & nighttime skincare routine are extensive, I find that listening to audiobooks is a perfect hands-free way to get some reading in while winding down for the day.
Create your cozy reading haven: A warm cup of tea and a good book - the perfect bedtime routine.
Strategy 6: Turn Workout Time into Reading Time
Working out for some is a dread but for others, it’s revitalizing. Either way, what if you could feed your mind while also feeding your body? Doing cardio on a treadmill or exercise bike? Prop up a book or e-reader. Weightlifting and HIIT workouts? Audiobooks are your new gym buddy. I’ve found that motivational books are great for weightlifting and a good mystery or crime-thriller is great for cardio because you get so wrapped up in the story that you forget you’re actually working to burn calories in the first place. (And if you hate doing cardio like me then you love that.)
Stack your workout routine: Turn gym time into story time with audiobooks and proper equipment.
Strategy 7: Swap the Scroll for Stories
How much time do we spend mindlessly scrolling on social media? I know for me, don’t let me get onto the explore page because if I do, then it’s over. Hours of my day gone. But what if we swapped our mindless scrolling for mindful reading? Use your scrolling time as reading time by using app blockers to give yourself a gentle nudge away from social media. Plus, it’s much more worth it to get lost in a story than on Instagram or TikTok.
Ready to do this?
Reading doesn't have to be another "should" on your endless to-do list. By linking it to habits you already have, you can naturally weave more books into your day without the struggle or guilt. And not only are you reading more but you’re also changing your daily habits from mindless to meaningful. Start small – take a look at your day and see which moment needs a refresh. Start by choosing just one strategy. Remember consistency is key so try to focus on making one strategy stick before adding more.
I’d love to hear which strategy you’re going to try first! Drop a comment below sharing your pick and, if you found these tips helpful, help a friend out and share it with them too!
Always here to empower and inspire,
Nadashia N.