10 ways to take time out for reading despite the busy schedule

Often, with our fast-paced lives, traffic, work deadlines and hectic social lives, we find little time to catch up on reading. When we hear our peers or colleagues speak about new books, we may seem to wonder how they manage to find time to read that book, despite having a similar routine as ours.

Here are some ways in which we can try and squeeze in some reading time, without altering our busy lifestyles...

Take a designated reading break

Every day, instead of chatting with friends or going for that extra tea or coffee break, dedicate even 15 to 20 minutes to just read a book.

Cut down on social media time

Instead of spending that extra hour checking out profiles and statsu updates or playing a random game online, try to give that time to reading.

Go digital with your reading

If you're travelling to work by bus, try and read an e-book on your laptop or tablet. If you drive, why not insert an audio book instead of playing the radio.

Find a reading buddy

At work, try to find a friend who likes reading and read the same books and compare notes. This way, it encourages you to keep up with each other.

Cut down on Random browsing

Instead of reading those forwarded blogs or web links, try to utilize that time to read a book that you wanted online or at your work desk.

How about some bed time reading

A good time to read is before you go to bed. If you're married, why not pick a book that you and your spouse can read together. This adds to the 'us' time.

Go out on a reading date

If you're happy with your own company, head to a quaint coffee shop and read a book you wanted. This way, the ambience and the coffee perks you up.

Leave a book in the bathroom

Now, this doesn't need much explanation does it? Instead of the newspaper or magazine, read that book.

Say no to a bad book

If the first 50 pages seem daunting, read another book. This way, a bad book won't put you off when you're attempting to read more.

Read the movie

Yes, if you're planning on watching a new movie and it happens to be an adaptation of a book, then read the book first.