How to make more time for reading (or any hobby!)
Life gets busy, and finding time for the things we love—whether it’s reading, exercise, learning a new hobby, or something else—can feel impossible.
But the truth is, we don’t always need more time; we just need to be more intentional with the time we have. If you’ve ever wished for extra hours in the day, here are some practical ways to carve out space for your hobbies–especially reading.
Make use of small pockets of time
One of the biggest misconceptions about hobbies is that they require long, uninterrupted stretches of time. In reality, small moments add up. I do this by listening to an audiobook while I cook, sneaking in a chapter or two before bed (my Kindle is especially useful for this because I can put it on dark mode so I don't disturb my husband), and catching a few pages while waiting for an appointment. Sometimes I pull double duty by listening to an audiobook while doing household chores like laundry, vacuuming, or mopping. Even 10-15 minutes here and there can make a big difference over time.
Replace scrolling with storytelling
It’s easy to lose track of time scrolling through social media, but swapping out some of that screen time for reading (or another hobby) can make a huge impact. Next time you catch yourself mindlessly reaching for your phone, consider picking up a book instead. I never realized how much extra reading time I had until I started swapping doom scrolling for books—and honestly, I feel so much better for it!
Make it a ritual
Incorporating your hobby into your routine makes it feel more natural. Create a small ritual around it—like enjoying a cup of coffee with your book in the morning, setting aside time for journaling before bed, or crafting on Sunday afternoons. When it becomes a habit, it’s easier to stick with. Lately, I’ve been waking up an hour earlier each morning to enjoy a quiet moment with my coffee while listening to an audiobook and updating my digital journal. It’s become a peaceful way to start the day and ensures I make time for something I enjoy before the busyness begins.
Set realistic goals
Sometimes, we put too much pressure on ourselves, thinking we need to read a book a week or master a new skill overnight. Instead, set achievable goals that fit into your lifestyle. Maybe it’s reading for 20 minutes a day, finishing one book a month, or just enjoying your hobby without any pressure. I use a digital planner to set goals and mark progress, and I use a reading journal and Fable to track what I'm reading. And it's fun to document the journey—whether using an app like Fable, a physical or digital journal, or a reading journal/tracker. Progress, no matter how small, is still progress.
Give yourself permission to prioritize fun
We tend to prioritize work, errands, and obligations over the things that bring us joy. But hobbies aren’t frivolous—they’re essential for creativity, relaxation, and wellbeing. Treat your reading time (or any other hobby) as an appointment with yourself. Block off time in your calendar if you need to, and don’t feel guilty for indulging in something you love. As someone who works 100% remotely, my schedule is somewhat chaotic because my team works across five time zones globally, and I can have meetings from 6AM to 11PM any given day of the week. I started putting in an hour block a couple of days a week where I simply had time to do something for myself. Everyone's situation is different, so it really is about understanding what works for you. Even if you can't manage it every single day, maybe start small and try adding one or two days a week where you block time to read or practice a hobby.
Try habit stacking
Habit stacking is a simple way to incorporate new activities into your routine by pairing them with existing habits. For example, if you already have a morning coffee routine, keep a book nearby and read a few pages while you sip. If you always go for a walk, try listening to an audiobook. I'm the type of person who will have the same book in three different formats or have multiple books going at one time, so I can read one way or another! Sometimes I listen to an audiobook while practicing crochet (a brand new hobby that I love) or read my Kindle while I'm out for a walk or at the gym. These small adjustments make it easier to fit hobbies into my daily life and ensure I get to do multiple things I enjoy!
Make it social
If you struggle to find time for hobbies, consider making them social. I created a book club to help make reading a daily habit for myself. Finding friends with similar interests made the experience even more enjoyable—we could gush about books we loved (or hated!), and it felt like a shared adventure rather than just a personal goal. Instead of feeling guilty for prioritizing reading, it became something I genuinely looked forward to. If you’re looking for a way to stay accountable and make time for a hobby, joining a book club like our Illumi-Naughty Story Sippers book club on Fable (this month, we’re reading Love Letters and Thirst Tonics by Hailey Blackwood!) or connecting with like-minded friends can help. Having a supportive community makes the experience more engaging, whether it’s sharing book recommendations, celebrating progress, or simply knowing others are on the same journey.
Be flexible
Some weeks will be busier than others, and that’s okay. Don’t beat yourself up if you don’t read as much as you’d planned or miss out on a creative project. Flexibility is key—sometimes hobbies need to fit around life, and sometimes life needs to make space for hobbies. The important thing is to enjoy the process and make the most of the time you do have.
Making time for reading—or any hobby—doesn’t mean overhauling your entire schedule. It’s about being mindful of how you use your time, making small but intentional changes, and giving yourself permission to prioritize the things that bring you joy. Whether you’re picking up a book, trying out a new craft, or learning a new skill, the key is to start small, stay consistent, and most importantly, have fun!
I challenge you to pick one (or even two!) ideas from this list and try incorporating them into your routine this month. See what works for you, make adjustments, and most importantly, enjoy the process!
