One of the most tedious trials of the bookworm life is finding enough time to read.
Because believe it or not: bookworms do NOT have more hours in the day than everyone else. Unless they have a time turner or are, perhaps, a wizard. Which honestly is quite likely because if you devour hundreds of books odds are you’re going to develop magical powers. Eating trees does that.
But you’re getting me off track here.
Most bookworms are not wizards. And if you’re not a wizard, WHAT ARE YOU TO DO IF YOU HAVE A BUSY LIFE YET WANT TO READ A LOT???? It’s a dire quandary and can cause our eyeballs to leak with the pain of having a million books staring at us and no time to read them.
But as it is my duty in life to provide helpful * and informative posts that will change your life for the better ** so I’m listing 10 ways to find more time to read. All of them are 500% sensible and legitimate. Follow my tips and you will be waving your TBR pile problems goodbye.
* This has been debated across the globe, even to the Arctic, about whether my posts actually HELP or just confuse everyone monstrously. Decision has not been reached. Will get back to you. For now: assume I am flawless.
** Well this is clearly true. Isn’t your life better for reading Paper Fury? Optional answers include: yes or yes.
1. GIVE UP SLEEPING FOREVER AND JUST SLEEP WHEN YOU’RE DEAD.
Unless of course you have the misfortune to come back as a zombie or vampire or an anxious ghost — and then I suppose you don’t get to sleep when you’re dead either. (But if that happens: more reading time! No downside!) But THAT ASIDE: you really don’t need as much sleep as you think you do. Don’t the experts * say 8 hours for an adult? BAH.
I’m sure you could survive on 30 minute speed naps and extra coffee. People do this all the time. Parents of small children, for instance! Geniuses who are too busy inventing rocket ships do it too! Also Sherlock Holmes! And Ronan Lynch! **
* And by “experts” I mean GOOGLE obviously.
** FYI Google also says you can survive from 11 to 30 days without sleep and then you DIE but don’t let Google tell you how to live.
2. PUT BOOKS UNDER YOUR PILLOW AND ABSORB THEM WHILE YOU’RE SLEEPING.
This is for if you’re weak and disregarding #1 and have decided you want to still sleep. (You pathetic marmalade scone you.) Apparently there are scientific articles to prove learning by osmosis doesn’t work — BUT DO YOU BELIEVE THEM OR ME???? * Try stuffing some books under your pillow or teaching your pet to read aloud to you as you sleep. I’ve also heard ** that sleeping in the same room as your bookshelf will help you to absorb the words through your skin.
* The correct answer here is: me.
** The word “heard” is an interesting word here which means “Cait made it up just now”.
3. SPEND LESS TIME ONLINE AND MORE TIME FACEPLANTING INTO A PAPERBACK.
You know that mindless 20 minutes you just spent on instagram? YOU COULD BE READING. Although I’m not saying quit ALL your social media or mindless internet time. Pfft. I love social media. But just try and gauge how much time you spend doing that and see if you can trim back and add a few more chapters in.
Because unfortunately reading 94 tweets doesn’t help your TBR pile. It actually expands it because you see recommendations and — BOOM — 17 new books on your wishlist and 0 books read.
4. WATCH LESS TV AND MOVIES AND USE THAT TIME TO SIT ON TOP OF YOUR TBR PILE.
Not that that would be very comfortable. But whatever. Your choice of reading spot is your own business. Either way, movies and TV shows do take up several hours. I mentioned to my sister that I could read an entire book in the time it would take her to watch one Lord of the Rings movie. She wasn’t impressed because she’s BORING and sisters sign a life-sealing contract to never be impressed with each other. So that’s unfortunate.
Again: obviously don’t take this to mean “NEVER WATCH TV AGAIN” because that’s dumb and you should do things you enjoy. But if you really really really really want to find more time to read? Here’s something to trim back.
5. LISTEN TO AUDIOBOOKS WHILE YOU WALK OR SUMMON THE DARK FORCES OR CLEAN YOUR HOUSE.
These three suggestions of things to do while listening to audiobooks aren’t ALL going to be helpful obviously. Because who cleans??? Hahah. Silly.
Audiobooks are great for multitasking, though, and I don’t know about you, but I find it 100% boring to sit down and do NOTHING while listening. I’m either exercising or doing origami or pinning ideas for the bullet journal I have not started even though I said I would and it’s already the 14th. (#help)
6. DON’T LET ANYTHING PUT YOU OFF READING.
Some people don’t read if it’s too hot or too cold or they’re standing in the middle of a cyclone. Obviously this is weakness. Let NOTHING stop you from reading.
7. MAKE READING A PRIORITY.
Now hold your unicorns — I realise that people are busy. I’m busy! Sometimes I don’t get to pick up a book until it’s 9:00pm and apparently I’m a 23 year old granny and my eyes get tired after two chapters and I NEED TO NAP FOREVER.
But sometimes a human creature might have the mindset that reading isn’t a priority because it’s “just a book” or “we should be doing something more important” WHICH OF COURSE IS NONSENSE. First and foremost because doing things you enjoy IS important! And you shouldn’t feel guilty for using your downtime for reading! So once you smush this little guilty feeling in the face and feed it to Dracula — let reading be a priority for your mental health and happiness! This might mean you just catch a small 15 minutes in every afternoon. Whatever it is, (A) don’t feel guilty for wanting to read, and (B) take some time for yourself. *
I also made reading a priority because I want to be a writer. And reading = research for writing. ONE CANNOT BE A CHEF WITHOUT EATING FOOD, RIGHT?!?
* I am 100% aware that this isn’t always possible! Especially if you’re a mother / father with small replicas of yourself clamouring for attention or work a full time job or spend a lot of time doing schoolwork. But the mindset of not feeling guilty for taking a little time to do something you love is still a good thing to learn. I HAD TO LEARN IT.
8. READ INSTEAD OF SOCIALISE.
Because who needs REAL people around when you can have FICTIONAL people??? It’s just the honest truth of course. And besides, if it’s socially acceptable to be on your phone all the time (don’t deny; no one gets mad if someone checks their phone on an outing….you’re just checking up on your fictional children, yes??) then surely you can read during dinner. Unless dinner is delicious. Then focus on dinner because yum.
Also reading CAN be social! Just thump your acquaintance * with a book and say excited things like “OMG THE DRAGON!!” and now they’re included. Win!
* Note: If you do this with a hardcover you may permanently damage someone. Not that this has happened to me. I didn’t use to have more sisters than I do now. Hahaha. No of course not.
9. BRING A BOOK WITH YOU WHEREVER YOU GO.
This is also good for protecting yourself against small fierce dogs, terrifying children, zombies, and unfortunate escaped minotaurs. But apart from being a handy weapon — you can whip out that book whenever you’re out and about and suddenly have a spare moment. Like when you’re travelling. Waiting in line. Waiting for an appointment. Waiting for the apocalypse.
NOTE: Reading while grocery shopping is highly recommended, particularly if you bring along your child or a sister to push the trolley while you sit in it and read.
NOTE #2: However reading certain books while grocery shopping can cause unfortunate incidents. For instance, if your’e reading Simon Vs The Homo Sapiens Agenda, there is a 500% chance you will come home with just oreos.
10. JUST TURN YOURSELF INTO A BOOKSHELF AND THIS WILL SOLVE EVERYTHING.
Because no one will expect anything of you except more reading and you’ll be free to hold books and absorb them to your bookshelfish heart’s content.
Turn into a bookshelf. Embrace the books. Be the books. You can do this.
YOU ARE THE BOOKSHELF. BE THE BOOKSHELF.
I LOVED THIS!! I particularly resonate with number nine. Many’s the time when I’ve avoided conversation because I’m reading a book. Also, they can be good for whacking creepy people with. I would recommend LOTR or The Order of the Phoenix for this purpose. XD
These all made me crack up tbh! So relatable. I can’t even think of anything to add, apart from procrastinating from important tasks to read, but as that is what most of us do anyway I don’t think it’s necessary. XD Thank you so much for writing this! Completely made my day 🙂
–Emmeline 🙂
I totally hide behind books if I have to go out.😂 They make good disguises too right? I mean am I REALLY THERE or is that just a book in the corner? Who can know. :’)
haha. I love this. I like when I’m at uni because I can at least 80 mins of reading every time. I’m also a read before I sleep person – which means I stay up all hours of the night reading, but hey. What is sleep? thanks for the post!
Angel @Angel Reads recently posted…Disability Diaries: Living with Chronic Pain
Pfft, we don’t need sleep. I mean who cares if no-sleeping can kill you??? SURELY GOOGLE MADE THAT UP.😂
You have inspired me to somehow manage to fit more reading into my schedule! At whatever cost! It will be done!
HUZZAH! I hope you absorb all the books of ever while you’re sleeping. :’) And also find immortality. That should help too.😂
I swear my life in the downtime is a struggle between reading or watching TV, because WHAT DO I DO!?!? Not sure I could completely sacrifice my TV show addiction hahaha. In all seriousness, though, sometimes it’s good to schedule reading time, you know??? Even if it’s literally just five mins on the train/bus to or from somewhere, or a chapter before bed, or when you wake up.
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I totally agree! It’s kind of a mindset too, right?!? Like I kind of think “oh I only have 10 mins, I won’t start reading”…but one can really use all those 10mins snatches and get a lot done!!
I WANT TO TURN INTO A BOOKSHELF!! How awesome would that be, LIKE, a tiny bookshelf full of cute-ish books! *Dreams*
And pfft of course reading is way BETTER than socialising. Unless you are #fangirling! I mean who wouldn’t want to be DROWNED IN BOOKS AND BE SCREAMED OUT BY MOI?!
Oh yes! Putting your bookshelf under your pillow is completely safe AND more books in your squishy brain! And, when you have a bath, just drown yourself in books instead of water #genius…
I think the audiobook one is very #sensible. Even though I’ve listened to only 1 audiobook in my life! It was a good experience walking and listening but I just haven’t done it again!
YES LET’S ALL BE BOOKSHELVES. THIS IS 100% THE PERFECT LIFE CAREER.
I think being chased about by a bookworm who wants you to flail over a wonderful book is obviously a good thing. No one could dislike that, right? RIGHT?
Ah this post was ace, I can totally see you being a successful writer. I love the idea of multi-tasking with audiobooks, as I’ve never completely got into them before. The reading a newspaper clip in the middle of the cyclone is hilarious too. Making time for yourself is important, for me reading is a great way to do that. My own tip for reading more would be to make it part of your routine, and set a time in the day to read. Happy reading! 🙂 xx
Helen | Helens Fashion & Beauty Blog
Multi tasking with audios is the ONLY way I can listen!! Otherwise I wouldn’t be able to focus.😂 And yessss, making it part of one’s routine is excellent advice.
Haha. Love this post. Yes, I do have a book beside my pillow if not beneath. Yes to audiobooks, And ofcourse reading is a priority. I cannot understand people who don’t love reading. Why? Why?
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It is always mind-boggling to meet non-readers. Like what do they even DO WITH ALL THAT SPARE TIME!?? XD
I love this post, really fun to read!
I’m able to read a lot because mostly because of #9. I bring books with me wherever I go, and in any spare moment, I try to read as much of it as I can.
YAY I AM GLAD THIS MAKES ME HAPPY. *beams* And yes, taking books everywhere is such a great way to read more. :’)
Absorbing books while sleeping? Sounds like a solid plan to me! Although it does sound a bit sciencey, is it osmosis or diffusion? This post does bring up a very good point, especially in regards to my life. I tell myself that I don’t have time to read, all the while I’m getting started on my 5th youtube video of the day. The I go and comment on some blogs, then I might go on Instagram for a while. I don’t know how to choose! On one hand, I liked reaching out to people via blogs but on the other hand, if I don’t read – I might not have a blog to go back to? There’s only so many posts you can make about the same books.
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Considering I know not science…I HAVE NO IDEA. I mean I’m also all for finding immortality and then not having to worry about TBR piles and ten billion books you have to read because IMMORTALITY. I’m always so logical omg. :’)
These were all very helpful suggestions!
Personally I just read at whenever I’m not doing anything. This drives my family crazy, but of course they can’t be expected to understand the book worm life.
Mironiel Blokzyl recently posted…2016 Wrap Up || In Which I Completed and Went Over My Goodreads Reading Challenge And Yet Still Somehow Did Not Read All The Books.
You are MOST welcome. I’m here to help. Especially with suggesting we all turn into bookshelves. I mean, what better life plan is there than that? :’)
I’m not certain that imitating either Sherlock or Ronan is necessarily the best idea. They might be wonderful people, but they’re also special people who tend to make life choices that would probably kill the rest of us. (Anyway, out of all the Raven Boys, Ronan probably spends the most time asleep, just sayin’ . . .)
Anyway. I love this list. Reading time can be hard to find . . . my usual method is that I carry a book around with me (like you suggested!) and every time I have 5-10 minutes before class or chapel, I read a chapter or two. Or if my computer is being slow to wake up, I read a chapter then. Or so on. Occasionally this time gets claimed for writing, but that’s ok.
Also, audiobooks are wonderful, and I should possibly start listening to them while I exercise- except that the gym at my university has exercise bikes with backs to the seats, so you can just sit there and pedal and read an actual book and it’s awesome.
Omg Ronan Lynch and Sherlock are both KIND OF INSANE (I love them) but you think Ronan gets the most sleep? He seems to be 100% wake the whole books. Whenever Gansey gets up with insomnia Ronan is ALWAYS already up!?😂 And we all know Adam doesn’t sleep, the poor little psycho.
Carrying a book around is obviously a great life decision. But also becoming a bookshelf should not be underestimated for usefulness. *nods*
(That sounds like the best gym though omg.)
Hahaha this is all too true! Hate to admit it, but I’m guilty of absorbing books one after the other instead of socializing and attempting to actually function as a social human being in our society.. I’m guilty, but the level of remorse felt by me doesn’t even hit the double digits haha.
Also that gif on number six…can I say that that** is accurate representation of what it’s like trying to read outside/in bus stops and metro stations when you live in Ireland hahaha.
**I die inside a little every time the English language makes me use ‘that’ twice consecutively in order to express myself correctly ugh.
Great post, loved it!
PFFT WE BOOKWORMS SHOULDN’T BE GUILTY. Normal humans need food. Bookworms need books…and food. Like both in great quantities probably because they’re delicious. *nods* 😂
That gif is my new favourite honestly omg.
I actually needed to read this, all of your suggestions are perfect. I am going to start implementing them and I will let you know what happens! As always Cait, your a star and really funny. Thank you <3
Best of luck! Especially for turning into a bookshelf. I KNOW YOU CAN DO IT THOUGH.🎉
Thank you, I am confident I can too! You have some of the best ideas! 🙂
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haha this is so awesome. from personal experience, I can tell you that number 1 and 9 are foolproof. i always read before bed, (or else i just sit there staring at the ceiling) and you know what that means: staying up all night to read!
i totally need to try listening to audiobooks while i run! thanks for giving me that idea!
Madeline recently posted…my tbr list // the stack that eats me alive
*nods* They totally are. I mean, why do we need sleep anyway? SURELY IT’S A MYTH THAT WE CAN’T STAY UP AND AWAKE ALL THE TIME. :’)
Wow! A nice advice from the queen of bookstagram, Ha!. I agreed to all of these and also for me since I’m currently an intern, I think I should quit to have more time reading. HA! Just kidding…………………
WELL YOU’RE MOST WELCOME. *twirls majestically* 😂 Just get paid to read, right!?? That will fix all our problems.
Great post as always. So, last week I got all stressed out about the zillion things I have to do, political stuff, social media, a few things that were just bugging me and an overabundance of dealing with everybody else’s “stuff” rather than my own. On Wednesday, I made the decision to give up screens for a week. The only exceptions are: checking my personal e-mail once a day (and dealing with it, which meant coming to read your blog.. lol) and checking my work e-mail incessantly, because I have a few big things that are coming up for my students and they are time sensitive. Other than that- no Facebook, no notifications on my phone, no television, etc. It has been glorious. With that being said, I finished one book, started reading a book with my boys and now I started another book that I will probably finish in 3 or 4 days. My 2017 reading goal is a lot higher than my original 2016 goal. If I keep up this pace, I might even catch YOUR reading goal. 🙂
I agree with you, I have to make reading a priority if I want to really enjoy myself. I always read before bed to destress before sleeping (or get too involved and forget to sleep). Lately I have also picked up my book first thing in the morning when everybody else is still sleeping.
A funny thing has happened since reading more. A few of my students have been asking about my books. I just lent The Land of Stories to one of my 8th graders and 3 or 4 “non-readers” have been carrying books around (that they don’t have to read for classes.) It’s one of my goals to make the next generation love to read… and to use snail mail too. If you didn’t know, I’m also a huge letter writer. (Which I also have to make time for)
I SO SO SO ADMIRE YOU FOR DOING THAT!! Honestly most social media sites are insane at the moment and it makes me anxious to look at them. I’m purposefully cutting down too *nods* and like I always get frustrated if I spend more time blogging about books than READING them..hehe. So I’m trying to keep that in mind this year too!! I love blogging and social media…buuuut, I love books the best. <3 (I'm also glad you found a good way to get yourself centred!)
Ohhhh I love that goal. KEEP THAT AWESOMENESS UP PLEASE.
It is always necessary to find time to read, and to make reading a priority. Obviously as a book dragon I knew this to be the absolute truth a long time ago. But let’s all embrace it!
Even with small children. I usually make time after he’s in bed, or eating a meal, or in front of a movie I put in the player because I am on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Reading is a haven. The haven must be protected at all costs.
You are a genius and wise book dragon OF COURSE. *nods wisely* And I think it’s amazing that you’re a mother and reader! Reading is a haven I find?! And like for me, if I’m really stressed out it makes me insanely relaxed if I fold origami and listen to an audio. Books are like crucial for bookworms to survive. Or else we’ll starve to death. #legit
Yes, yes, we totally need to feed on books (evil laughter)…
Seriously, yes, we do.
😉
Great tips! Watching less TV has helped me read more. Also, I lock myself in my bedroom at 8pm every night and read for a few hours before bed. No screwing around on the Internet after 8. That’s reading time.
Aj @ Read All The Things! recently posted…2016 Wrap-Up & Reading Stats
That’s such a good idea!! I would 100% do that if I didn’t spend so much time blogging hhaha.😂 And I hate how tired my eyes get at night (seriously I’m accidentally a granny apparently) but I do plan to focus more on reading this year. <3 I better. My TBR is insane.😂
Where do you get those awesome gifs?? The cleaning one and the tornado one xD oh my god. Brilliant. Finding gifs isn’t always easy.
As for reading tips, I do most of those indeed! I used to do more audio reading when I had a setup on the phone. Now I don’t. Used to like listening on the bus, especially the way it gave my eyes time to recover. But it kind of sucks in the winter cause if you miss a word or someone talks to you, it’ll take you forever to even GET TO the phone through all the heavy clothes and then rewind it. That can get annoying about listening to books. But you’re totally right, I should get back to it. Especially because of my eyes. THINK OF THE EYES!
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Those two I just found on giphy actually!! It’s really helpful for having so many gifs all in the one place. :’)
I do get the problem with losing your place when listening. Like if your attention wanders for like a minute YOU MIGHT LOSE EVERYTHING TERRIBLY. *weeps* I like re-reading via audio actually because I know what’s happening mostly but since I forget like everything, it’s still an exciting “new” story.😂 If that even makes sense. Knowing me: pROBABLY NOT.😂
I guess I just suck at getting the right giphy keywords. It always takes me forever to find what I want D:
I used to have a voice reading app. I should look for a good one. Especially one that can read acsm files from NetGalley. Wonder if that exists.
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RE: I found an app! It’s so good! This is gonna be great, exercise, dishes and cooking, here I come.
(Started Miranda and Caliban this time)
Evelina recently posted…Our Short History by Lauren Grodstein
This list is absolutely perfect 😛 You made me lol at so many sentences I don’t even know what I should comment about anymore 😛 100% efficient tips I would say ;))
Yasmine @ Swissbookworm
OMG THIS MAKES ME VERY HAPPY THANK YOU. <3
I mean, if you *have* to do other things (drive, shower), than audiobooks are the best!
SO TRUE HONESTLY. Or else like teach your dog to read outloud for you so you can do things and still have books going at all times. My dog is stubborn with the alphabet but we’re working on it.
OMG, what a great post!! I couldn’t stop laughing :). I am 51 years old and am starting to realize that life is really short, so I squeeze reading in whenever I can. Being social is totally overrated!! Reading makes me happy, helps me relax, and I totally believe makes me smarter!! My hubby is working all weekend, so I have lots of alone time to read. Yayyy me! Last night I sat in total peace and quiet and finished Wayfarer by Alexandra Bracken, and when I was done I sat hugging the book until my heart calmed down. It’s an awesome 2 book series if you haven’t read it :).
Books > people. EVERY TIME HONESTLY.😂 And yes yes we must read all the books of ever or else discover immortality. I’m for both? :’) It’ll solve all problems.
(Eeep, sorry I have read Passenger and wasn’t such a fan. but I’m so glad you loved it!!)
That’s totally ok. We don’t all love the same ones :).
Totally true! And that’s what makes reading so amazing because we’re all different and there’s something for everyone. <3
I neeeeed this advice. My baby is due tomorrow (!!!), and I’ve been trying to figure out how to make time for reading after they’re born. Pretty sure audiobooks are going to be my saving grace. Plus, reading bedtime stories totally counts, right? 😉
OMG GOOD LUCK FOR TOMORROW!!! *sends you cake* And managing children + reading is honestly a superhero thing to do. ☺️ I do hope you get some reading time! And sleep.😉
Hi Cait!
I just love your lists.
I ussually read on my bus travels to work and back and before sleep. Those are my regular reading times.
Now I’m on holidays so I can read a little more. But like I told you in another post, I’m such a lazy reader, plus I get distracted very easily by shiny things. And by shiny things I mean social media and TV shows.
About your tips… I’m always complaining of not being a Twilight vampire, so I wouldn’t have to sleep and I will be able to read more.
But I love sleeping though. I wish we could learn and absorb books while we sleep T-T
I already do number 9, plus my bag feels very empty without a book in it. I have to try audiobooks, but again… distracted by shiny things :/
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We must all just become immortal queens of the darkness and therefore not need sleep or like to do anything EXCEPT READ ALL THE THINGS. *flings confetti in the air* 😂
Stepping away from the TV is probably the best idea. Too much time is wasted there. (Unless, of course, you’re watching something really good.)
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Too true *nods* absolutely. And like I do like watching an epic TV show now and then, but books first. 😂
Firstly, and formostly (autocorrect says that’s not a word. Too bad, it is now) if you published your blog posts, tweets, and bookstagram captions, people would buy it.
Secondly, I VERY MUCH agree with audio books. I felt for years that I wouldn’t like them, but one day on my commute home from work there was extra traffic and my one hour commute was going to be a two and a half hour commute. I immediately went to Amazon and bought an audiobook and found that I really liked audiobooks to use when I can’t be reading a physical book. Now I listen to them at work when I’m at my desk (other people listen to music! Suckers!) AND, my personal favorite…in the shower! I bought one of those waterproof speakers that suctions to the wall, and it connects via bluetooth to my phone. So I play it and my showers got much less boring, and I get more reading done!
Thirdly, I am also in agreement with bringing a book wherever you go! Too many times you show up for a doctor’s appointment and expect them to be on time but they AREN’T (probably because they were reading a book and got distracted…who can blame them) and having my kindle or a book with me is a life saver!
OMG YOU MAKE ME LAUGH.😂 My nonsense? In book form?? Omg the world would collapse with all my awesome advice hehe.
BLESS THE CREATION OF AUDIOS! Although a bad narrator has totally ruined a few books for me, haha, but I’ve had a pretty good run with them! And omg using them while commuting is GENIUS right?!? And why listen to music when you can listen to a book that’s destined to cause you pain??? Obviously bookworm logic is perfect and pure.
Are doctors ever on time? LIKE EVER. Omg one must always bring a book.
DO IT. People would buy it and treasure it forever and hand it down through the generations! Ha!
Audiobooks are glorious, though I agree with you abut the narrators! Some are terrible and distracting! When I listen to an audiobook I usually alternate it with reading the kindle version. The only bad part about the audiobooks is that SOMETIMESSSSS I get distracted and then I have to rewind because I have no idea what happened. Whoops.
Oh I’ve had that too where I’ve gotten distracted. And then it’s hard to go back and figure out WHERE you got lost.😂🙈🙊 I like having the physical on hand too so I can check things up. AND OMG NAMES?!??? Like I read all the Lunar Chronicles as physical books and then decided to listen to Winter as an audio…I had like no clue who anyone was because they pronounced them so differently out loud!! 😂 I had to check up the book to figure out who everyone was bahah.
I have DEFINITELY done that before where I have no idea how to spell the names or what they’d look like on a page, especially with fantasy books! I’ve actually found that it’s easier for me to read the first one or two chapters to get the characters down in my head first, and then pick up with the audio book! I haven’t even read The Lunar Chronicles yet, because I’m a failure haha! They’ve been so popular for so long but I keep getting distracted with other things! Ahhh
I feel like I completely took all of the time I had to read for granted when I was in college and when I was a child, because now most of my reading comes before bed and I fall asleep after only around 10 pages (youth is wasted on the young…and the fact that I now say that makes me feel TRULY old). I’ve tried to use audiobooks but I just can’t focus on them, and I get terrible motion sickness if I try to read when commuting on a train or car, so commuting while reading is out 🙁 One of my big resolutions for 2017 is to exercise more, so I’ve been downloading more books on my phone, so that while I”m on the elliptical or treadmill at the gym I can use that time to read (and it also makes the fact that I have to drag myself to the gym less terrible if I know it means some reading time as well).
Great post as always, Cait!
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Ugh adulthood. I mean what is the purpose of it. *cries* I wish I’d read more as a teen too, like I had all that time WHAT EVEN WAS I DOING. *howls at the moon* 😂 Aw, I do understand about audios…although have you tried listening to audios while travelling? Perfectly fine if that’s not for you😂 but I find it makes time go much faster when commuting!
Hahah yes, all very foolproof tips. I’m sure they’re all very seriously written and will work very well.
#9 is so true though. I’m known to walk around while holding a book in public places and thus effectively read, get places, and avoid strangers all at the same time. A carat to this foolproof plan is that this book should not be a book that causes tears…because…that….*may* not end well. (also that reading gif in #6 is literally me)
Oh, and #10. Me as a bookshelf. Works fine. Actually, can I choose “bookshelf” as my major? What college has a good “bookshelf’ department?
Obviously and very clearly helpful. I mean none of these tips can possibly fail, right?!😂
I haven’t quite mastered holding a book + reading…without, you know, WALKING INTO THINGS. But to be fair I nearly walked into a wall the other day when I was in town because I misjudged where the wall was.😂 I’m a hazard.
If I could fit in a grocery cart, I would totally have someone push me around while I read. But yeah, reading Simon would definitely mean lots and lots of oreos. I think I’d make a great bookshelf too. I mean, I’m out of ACTUAL bookshelves anyway.
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Omg the grocery cart is officially THE BEST IDEA EVER. We can hire nice dragons to also carry us around while we read and they do the grocery shopping/work/socialising on our behalf. #excellentnotion
HA! This was amazing. 😀 I went to the library a couple days ago and got a ton of books, and I’ve been busy reading them all. 😀 Thanks for sharing, Cait!
What an excellent use of your time. :’)
Audio books are honestly so helpful for multi tasking while reading. It really helps me bump up the amount of books I am reading.
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Yesss they’re so enormously handy!! Especially if you travel a lot too, right?! And I listen while I fold origami for my etsy store so that’s seriously helpful.😂
Loved all your facts for this one, clearly all certified Cait-level quality which is appreciated. But omg can’t stop watching that gif of the guy reading the paper in the hurracaine (?) 😂 too funny!
I definitely think one of the greatest ways to read more is to have reading material on you the whole time – closely followed by abandoning social media (although not entirely), friends and life in general in favour of reading.
And all TOTALLY TRUE AND HELPFUL. I know, I know. :’) And also that gif is my new favourite.😂
Abandoning family/friends is the most helpful thing here, because I mean, can we fully abandon social media??? Absolutely not. Family/friends however…😂
Such a great post! This is a struggle that every bookworm (and every person really) has to face. The most used excuse that my non-bookish friends use for not reading is that “they don’t have time.” But that does not stop me from shoving books in their faces…
Even though I would have trouble sacrificing my humanity by turning into a bookshelf, I have pretty much given up everything else at some point in order to read. Most of the time, I give up “a few minutes” of sleep that actually turns into “a few hours” of sleep. But it is nothing that a strong cup of coffee cannot fix, right?
With the introduction of Netflix into my life, I have also had to find a balance between TV shows and reading. And by “find a balance,” I mean flip a coin to see which one I am going to do that day. But I totally see your point about giving up some TV time for reading time. I just really don’t want to be the one to break it to the Winchester boys that they will be seeing less of me…
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It’s so true!! I get annoyed when people think that bookworms seem to have more time than other people, but um no?? We make sacrifices too!! AND MAYBE WE’RE ALSO WIZARDS BUT WHO’S TELLING.
But seriously now we don’t need sleep. We just need more books!! Surely that will work!!
Omg do not break with the Winchester boys.😍 That would be an entire tragedy!! 😜
I LOVE this!! You’re so funny 😂
I am very guilty of doing #9 my friends hate that I don’t go out with them that much on the weekends but I have my priorities 😉.
I am also an expert on #1 I usually have to get by on 3-4 hours of sleep, if I want to have enough time to study, volunteer, blog, read and write as well as preparing for the millions of standardized tests you have to take it you want to go to college *sighs*. But it’s all worth it!
Books > people. It’s just the way it is.😂 I’m down to 5 hours of sleep haha, but omg why do we neeeed sleep? We waste so much reading time IT’S AN ABOMINATION.😂
Hey Cait! So I have two questions for you…
First, what is the text you have as your body text called? I love it, and if you don’t mind, I’d like to use it for mine (or at least for post graphics). 😀
Secondly, this is something that I’ve been wondering for awhile now *ahem *ahem* Why do you call Beautiful People “The Beautiful People Meme?” Like, why Meme?
Thank you! ;D
Omg I actually have no idea what my font is?😂 I’m so unhelpful!! I’m sure there’s a way to tell but I’ll have to ask my tech-savvy relative hehe.
Erm, I guess because Beautiful People is a linkup meme?
I am fortunate to have a bookworm for a mother, and she understands it when I drop everything to read five books in one day. I keep my kindle on me at all times, so I’ll read anywhere and everywhere.
Except when I’m editing, because I edit on my kindle, too, and editing and reading doesn’t mix well.
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Yay for Bookworm mothers!! My mum totally raised us kids with a ton of books. <3 Best way to grow up eeep.
And I totally get that about reading/editing. I can do those together, but I can't write 1st drafts and read. I get too distracted.😂
YES. I HAVE SO SO SO SO MANY books on my NEED TO BE READ/PRIORITY READ because, well, they’re books.
I HAVE NO TIME AT ALL!!
FOR EXAMPLE, sometimes I go on a rampage at the library because my brain just goes OOH PRETTY COVER and then I have five million books that I need to read in two weeks. Oops.
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Ooh libraries are the best/worst for that.😂 I ended up with 15 books once and like 3 weeks to read them all. *sentences self to corner of shame* But they’re like free??? And so tempting??😂
Wait. I thought sleep WAS for the dead. Are you telling me that some people sleep while they’re alive?! Where do they find the time?
ALL THE POINTS FOR THE MISS CONGENIALITY GIF!! XD
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IT’S WEIRD BUT TRUE???? Like why do people sleep when there’s so much to do??? Who can know. Some people are weird.
(Isn’t Miss Congeniality the best though, right?!😂)
GREAT list! I do number 5 in particular all the time. I’m quite positive that I now listen to more audiobooks than I read ACTUAL books. By a lot. Like, let’s not even talk about how astronomically large the ratio of audiobooks to actual books is. #Sad
I’m miserable at #1, but I’ll have to try #2, lol. Maybe osmosis WOULD work if I just try hard enough and often enough 😛
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YAAAS FOR AUDIOS!! I definitely don’t read them more than physical😜 but I kind of am seriously in love with them?!? Before Christmas I was getting through one per week (and they were like long epic fantasies!) so they’re just EXCELLENT for getting extra reading in when one is super busy. *flails*
The osmosis obviously works 100%. I mean, would I lie to anyone here? ☺️😉
I try to spend at least the last 15-30 minutes of my day reading.
#9 reminds me of 101 Dalmations; just fill up a bag of books, and you can use it as a weapon against suspicious strangers.
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Yaaas for fitting in reading when we can. :’) Every page counts!
I never have enough time to read! If I could, I would read all day, every day. But alas, I have three kids and a life and a job. I keep my Kindle app on my phone, so if I get stuck in a carpool line, or at a doctor’s office, or somewhere else I don’t want to be, I can read a bit.
I totally get that. *nods* I feel like even if one DID get to read all day we’d still not be able to get enough done right!??😜 But ah, the trials of a busy life + reading. I think it’s awesome you fit reading in at all, Dena! GOOD ON YOU.
Cake Cait, I choked on cake when I read the osmosis reading technique 😛 Trust you to offer the most scientific techniques the world has heard. I’ll make it a point to nominate you for The Nobel Prize <3 Yes to read instead of socializing 😛 Honestly real life people sometimes make you want to commit murder but fictional friends are wonderful!! And yes, less TV and more books ! Great post Cait *Here's some Cake*
I’M GLAD YOU LIKE MY ADVICE I WORKED HARD ON THIS OBVIOUSLY. My #1 priority on my blog is to bring helpful and sensible posts to everyone. :’) 😜 (And isn’t my science flawless?!😂)
Haha, love the gif of the guy reading during a storm. In reference to your #7 reason, yes! I don’t feel guilty when I read because to me reading IS a productive activity. Reading is definitely good for my mental health, plus it helps me understand other people and all the other million good things reading does. And I don’t watch much TV or movies, so I’ve got that covered, although you still manage to read like twice as many books as me! And your #8 reason is how I managed to get so much reading done even when I was in school and super busy all the time lol. When we had free time in class, everyone else socialized, but I sat there reading. And I used to carry my book in my hand instead of my backpack so that I could keep reading right up until the bell rang or in case the teacher wasn’t there and we had to wait for a moment in the hall or something. I was always prepared, haha.
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YES YES!! There are an endlessly good reasons to read. :’) I’m pretty sure books have raised me basically.😜 And yesss just squeezing in a few reading minutes can make a gloriously huge difference!
Great post as always 🙂 I wish all these things would stop distracting me from reading!!! Adulting takes too much time away for sure!
Absolutely *aborts all adulting immediately* We must have our priorities in order anyway, right?! 😜
I like the list, Cait! I especially like #10. Do you have any recommendations for how to do this? I need more bookshelves in my life…
I’ve had a lot of friends tell me that they don’t have time for reading anymore, but they apparently have time for movies. I don’t have time for reading. I make time for reading! (Okay, so I actually do have time now, but when I didn’t, I still made time.)
I also carry a book with my everywhere I go, just in case of emergencies. You never know when somebody’s going to end up in the hospital or you just have some down time. I even took a book with my on a ski trip, and one lady was impressed that I could fit the unabridged Moby Dick in my ski jacket along with my reading glasses. Library books rock!
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I’m pretty sure force of will should turn us into bookshelves. #logical And I mean, when has my science assumptions ever steered us wrong, eh!?? WINNING AT LIFE OVER HERE.😇😂
It’s so true right?? You have time for what you MAKE time for.😂 And I hate it how some people assume an avid reader lazes around all day since they have time to read, but omg it’s just what you set aside time for!! We’re not loafing!
THIS IS THE QUESTION TO END ALL QUESTIONS?! My answer is to cancel school and just read. But since I GUESS we can’t do that, I need to enlist the help of some audiobooks! I’ve only ever listened to half of one and just gave up?! What’s up with me though? Also tried the endlessly staying online one and it didn’t work, WHYYYYY?????!!!!!!!! Sorry to all my friends but I need to read bookkkssss! (P.S sorry about the influx of comments from me, I’ve been away so need to catch up on all the commenting 😉)
Cancelling school sounds like a solid plan. *nods* And if someone could just HIRE US TO READ all our life problems would obviously be over. :’)
(I appreciate all comments from you, kind bean. <3 I hope you had a nice holiday!)
I need to do a serious version of this post, because people keep asking me. And honestly, I don’t know? I just make reading a priority and do it!
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But but but NIKKI. I am serious here. :’) I mean, clearly. I wouldn’t lie to all of you. #legit 😂
(But 100% yes to the priority. I mean, people don’t think twice about taking some time to watch a movie? That’s what we do with books! It’s not rocket science.😂)
OMG CAIT YOU ARE TOO FUNNY! And you happen to give the best advice ever so #winner. I loved this post because it cheered me right up after a bad day! ALSO, EVERYTHING YOU’VE SAID IS 100% TRUE!
YAAAS I’M GLAD YOU LIKE MY ADVICE. I mean, it could be seen that I’m not being serious?? BUT I AM SERIOUS AND ALSO HELPFUL. #legit
(Aww, I’m sorry you’ve had a bad day though *sends you all the cake*)
Oh boyyy I relate so much to this post!! Hahaha I WISH I could give up sleep altogether but I love it too much. Also I guess I need it to function in life?hahaha 😛 also YESSS to spend less time scrolling through instagram and twitter! This is a trap honestly hahaha I find it impractical sometimes to bring books wherever I go (shame!!) so I’m so grateful for the existence of ebooks! All I need to bring is my phone/tablet and I’m all set hahaha my commute to work takes at least an hour of train ride so I usually use that time to read. Though it could be reallyyy difficult when the train is jampacked 😂😂 fabulous post as usual, Cait! 😀
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PFFFT. OF COURSE WE DON’T NEED SLEEP TO FUNCTION. That’s totally a myth! *remember the time didn’t sleep for 24 hours and nearly died* ahem. Ignore me.😂
Now., you are the PERFECT person to write this post since you read SO FREAKING FAST LIKE TEACH ME YOUR WAYS. (And then you write so fast too!! I am jealous) I think you probably became a hermit and went to the Himalayas, am I right? I am indeed starting to learn a bit of your type of humour lol😂😂. When I saw this post, I was like now this would be helpful. Now I am laughing too hard and want to endlessly scroll and read all of your posts again. Thanks for doing this and not letting me study Algebra and Mensuration.😂😂😳
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I JUST DID TEACH YOU MY WAYS!😂 Obviously I never sleep and I’m a bookshelf. #legit
You are most welcome. :’) Who needs algebra when we can be buried alive by our TBRs?
Except when I’m on holidays, I struggle to find the time to read because – I might have already explained that – French school system takes loooooots of time (which means school from 8;30 am to 6 pm + homework WHAT IS EVEN LIFE) so when I’m done with all that stuff I’m exhausted and just go to bed or read two chapters. This is soooo sad.
Also my family watches quite a lot of all movies, all together, which are good and interesting but obviously you can’t read at the same time.
So yeah, I’ve read only one book in 2017 so far. Someone help me. ;(
DUDE. THAT’S A LONG TIME IN SCHOOL. *shrieks* That would be really frustrating, I am sorry for you. Although not every year has to be a good reading year, right?! It might change for you sometime! And I wouldn’t say quit family time or watching movies, don’t worry.😂 I’m mostly being nonsense in this post.😂
Another plan is: CLONE YOURSELF.
I am a firm believer in sacrificing sleep in favour of reading. I mean, 5 hours is definitely enough sleep to function at work with, right? Some may disagree with this. And I do notice I then take extra long lie ins at weekends because of this and that then cuts into my reading time. And I do wish I spent a little bit less time wasting my life on the internet to read a bit more, but a good old browse down the rabbit hole of the internet is quite fun, even if it means I emerge 5 hours later knowing about some random country in the middle of nowhere and still have a tower of books to read.
I think I’ll just have to sell my soul for more hours in the day for reading. Or quit my job, but then I’d have no money to buy more books, which would be great in the short term to catch up on my reading, but I’d definitely notice my inability to buy food after a while so maybe not.
I only sleep for 5 hours.😂 TOO MANY BOOKS AND NOT ENOUGH TIME. WE MUST FIND WAYS TO COPE! And omg I hear you…the internet is interesting and endless…like I’m never going to give up social media/pinterest or anything, but I try not to scroll mindlessly. TRY…do not always achieve.😂
Better idea: get HIRED TO READ (!!) and sell your soul. #winningatlife
It dawned on me the other day, I will put my Kindle books on audio and crochet at the same time so I can do both. You have some great and fun ideas.
Yesss, that’s an excellent idea!! You can get reading done AND other things! 🎉
My weakness is social media, especially Twitter but lately not so much. Just not a fan of the take down environment on there. I’ve often wondered about listening to audiobooks while you’re sleeping. They say subconsciously you can actually absorb information while you sleep. Ohhhh, you should do a book mythbusters and try these all out.
*claps hands*
YAAAAAS!
Ugh I basically hate twitter. I also hate to give it up though, because I LIKE tweeting funny things? But these days I just put my funny tweet out and don’t even scroll my feed that much. Everyone needs to grow up a bit there.😥
I actually did use to listen to audios to put me to sleep? SCIENCE LIES. I REMEMBER NOTHING WHEN I WAKE UP.😂
hahaha I love this and completely agree with you on audiobooks while doing chores. Works SO well. But I couldn’t give up sleep. But #3 is absolutely my problem…Damn you, distracting electronics!
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Yaaaas to all of this. And it actually makes chores less horrendous?!? Because we have the good comfort of excellent fictional characters. :’)
I actually DO bring a book everywhere I go. I mean, you NEVER KNOW when you’ll need a book. There’s always an opportunity for reading.
Also, I aspire to be like that guy and read in the middle of a tornado/earthquake/etc.
Also also, these are all perfect.
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That gif in the cyclone dude is obviously the new bookworm hero. :’) And like it’s safe to always bring a book right?!?? Dying of boredom is a terrifying prospect.
Oh my gosh this is so relatable Cait! I never sleep anyway so hey, why not stay up and read??? Plus I always bring a book with me, because why on earth would you want to socialize with people when you could be reading, am I right??? There is literally a back-up poetry book in my locker at work just in case I ever need to pull it out.
Also from your Bookstagram posts ( which are beautiful by the way ) it seems like you have achieved the wondrous feat that is becoming a bookshelf; any tips for us non-pros?? Because becoming a bookshelf would literally solve all of my life problems right now. Just saying.
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YOU ARE RIGHT. *nods enthusiastically* Sleep and socialisation are obviously not nearly as important as devouring all the books of ever. #bookwormlogic
N’awww, thank you! I think a lot of the becoming-a-bookshelf thing is just concentration. You know, feel the bookshelf, love the bookshelf, be the bookshelf, you are the bookshelf. :’)
I really enjoyed this po*-
*I don’t have time to finish writing this comment. I have to go read!
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THIS IS THE BEST COMMENT. 😂
#11 teach your kids how to read so they bug you less to read their books. Plus it’s a good reading party right there!
** Hermoine had it right with that time traveling necklace, i wish i have one. That is the only thing in Harry Potter that I really wanted
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Totally true! My nephew taught himself to read at 4 because no one was reading him 450 billion books per day.😂
Hi, Cait! I’m May, and I’m a new blogger! I’ve been reading your posts, but have been unable to post any comments. Now that I have a blog, I can, and I would just like to say: You are a hilarious pineapple! <3
Also, your style of writing is just *insert A-Okay hand symbol*. And might I add: MAGGIE STIEFVATER LEIGH BARDUGO RICK RIORDAN MARISSA MEYER BOOKS BOOKS BOOKS
(P.S. I need this post. :P)
Awww, thanks so much, May!! WELCOME TO THE MADNESS OF PAPER FURY! *gives you cake* (Maggie Stiefvater is 1000% everything.😍)
I only work part-time at the moment but have a weird rule that doesn’t allow me to read during the day. And yes, I have no f*cking idea why either.
I do however, read each night in the bath for 1-2hrs before cooking dinner, TV and stuff. I actually read more than I do now but I got Netflix in November and am a convert and now NEVER spend all night reading…
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Aw that’s sad about the rule. Is it because of a requirement for your job?
Ooh, netflix is awesome! I recently got netflix but I’m resisting it and youtube because BOOKS.😂
My commute is my reading time and my gym is my audiobook time lol But what I need is to figure out how to write more. And plan more. And get a couple of more hours in the day. SIGHS?>
YAS! To all that multitasking but I also hear you on the writing front…that’s not really something you can do while going for a walk or something now is it?! Is it too much to ask for a device that downloads our novels from our brains?😂
Hehehe… Finally writing a comment on your blog. Feels like forever. Anyway … let’s get straight to business 😀 The first tip is the best one even if I’m not planning to die for now because I can’t live so many books unread and who will tell people to read the little underestimated paper things … is not gonna be me for sure so we the readers have to live until there are books!!! Socializing with other is good especially when they need a piece of advice and you throw some book at their face and then you can make them read it for you. It’s a win-win. If I get my internet time back and use it to read instead it will be really good because my tbr pile doesn’t go smaller or anything it gets taller tho. I wonder when it’s going to fall over me while I’m sleeping… I wish the thinks with absorbing books while thei under your pillow is a think because that will make my studying even easier but noo we are not fortunate enough to live in a world like that.
But honestly anyone can make time to read if they want it and looking for a way to do it. Not only staring at the books and saying “I should read insted of doing that…”
Great post as always you’re entering 2017 like a champ. Keep it up! 🙂
I’m not planning to die either. *hi fives* WE WILL WIN WITH FINDING THE MOST TIME TO READ FOR SURE. And pfft, you just must BELIEVE in the power of absorbing books whilst sleeping. Put one or 5 under your pillow at night. You’ll see. :’)
Mate I am clearly an AMATEUR because I have not mastered how to be the bookshelf or sit on top of a pile of books comfortably or absorb books through my face.
This is why you are the Queen, of course. Thank you for gracing us with your knowledge once more.
(Also thank you for the laughs I really needed this.)
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YOU JUST NEED TO TRY MORE. Practise makes perfect, as they say. I am constantly a bookshelf and that’s why my posts get so wild because I just leave my dog alone to take care of things and blog and tweet. He’s handling it. :’)
Okay, you have no idea how awesome it would be to just turn into a bookshelf and absorb the knowledge of all that sits upon me on days when I don’t want to talk to people.
I toooootally get not sleeping to finish a book. Or two or three. This is why I got like five hours of sleep instead of being responsible, because clearly finishing Crooked Kingdom was way more important, amiright?
Correct me if I’m wrong, but didn’t Lemony Snicket say something like, “Never trust anyone who has not brought a book with them.”? That’s some of the best advice I’ve heard. I can squeeze in a page or two waiting in line somewhere most places. Also, don’t trust people whose houses seem to be empty of books. WHAT DO YOU FILL YOUR HOUSE WITH IF NOT BOOKS?!
Today was a good day to read your reminder about taking time for yourself and not feeling guilty about it. Whenever school and extra responsibilities start piling up (like now with the new semester, yayyyyyy), I have a tendency to take myself too seriously and do NOTHING but work every day. Not good. Sometimes I need to take a step back and breathe, or read. Reading’s probably more important than breathing anyways.
Lemony Snicket always has the best advice. I basically model my life on his advice and this is why I turned out the way I am. #sensible
(Good luck with all the school, though!! Sounds totally overwhelm, eeep. BUT IT’S GOOD TO TAKE CARE OF OURSELVES TOO. Or else we combust and that can be most inconvenient.) 😜
This was actually super motivating for me! I used to read all the time and now barely find any time to do so. I have made myself a goal for the month of February to read more. I literally just have to do it and stop making excuses. I feel so much happier and better afterwards!
Oh that’s an excellent goal and good luck with it!! I think it’s so rewarding to be an avid reader, plus it’s super fun to discuss books with human creatures on the internet. SO MUCH WIN.🎉
Sometimes I sacrifice my study time for reading because who wants to study when there’s perfectly good book on the table? Though it’s not always the smartest option. But this reminds me, I spent too much time on the internet today, time to read the Assassin’s Blade. 😀
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Probably not always the best option but how can we deny the BOOKS when they call?!?!?? It’s impossible. *hugs all the books*
Try listening to audio books while you sleep and simultaneously absorb a different book by osmosis. I’m convinced it’s the only way any of us will kill (read tame) our TBR’s. Mine is becoming slightly threatening!
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It will absolutely 1000% work. I’M SURE OF IT. Absorbing books can’t possibly go wrong. :’)
Cait, you are hilarious. Please don’t ever stop being so Cait-like (I was going to say Cait-y, but that is almost Katie, and that is not your name, so I decided against it).
But it is SO true about social media, but change social media for being online in general. I run two blogs, my other being a lifestyle-y blog, and there are other similar blogs that I follow, and so I read posts, and catch up on certain people’s tweets, because they normally highlight really interesting articles on things like sexism or mental health, and before you know it, hours have gone by and all I’ve done is write one post and read a lot of stuff online. I have done no reading today. I was going to read, but then I remembered that I hadn’t caught up on your blog, so here I am. And by the time I’m done, it’ll be my bed time, so no reading today. But obviously, catching up on Paper Fury comes up higher on the priority list than reading.
But I would really like more time. I feel like I don’t read like I used to any more. When I’m not working, days can go by when I don’t read, which is ridiculous, because as I’m not at work, I have more time to read! (When I work, I read to and from work, and on all my breaks.) I need to get back to reading more at home, for fun. I don’t want to abandon my other blog, but I need to work something out. There are too many things I want to do for fun, but not enough time to do them all. 🙁
Great post, Cait!
I appreciate Cait-like over Cait-y any day trust me.😂😂
I can’t even imagine running two blogs!! YOU ARE QUEEN OF THE MULTITASK. And I totally relate to just spending hours reading and getting no reading done, ooops. In fact I’ve been doing that recently trying to catch up on comments.😂 I think we should just all petition for time turners, stop sleeping, and also live forever. This will be amazing and can’t possibly backfire. :’)
It’s been increasingly tough for me to find time to blog and read this year because I’m taking more advanced classes in school and have a ton more work than I have had. But thank you for these tips – they’re definitely helpful! 😉 Thanks for sharing and, as always, fabulous post! <3
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Eeep, I totally get that, Zoe! School has a way of swallowing people whole. *gives you chocolate for encouragement with all the assignments*
I seriously need more time in my day. I would love to sleep less, but I just really, really need my sleep. Especially since I currently spend my days taking care of a 7-month-old. This little girl tuckers me out! Anyway, my biggest problem is that I have sooo many interests/hobbies and so little time! It’s very difficult for me to choose how to spend my time once I actually get some time to myself. Sigh…
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Omg I totally get that!! Little kids are absolutely energy drainers. Every time I babysit my nieces I feel like I need a 9 day nap afterwards. There’s never enough time for what we need to do, right?!?
When we were kids, my sister and I would stay at our grandma’s house and to help us fall asleep she gave us a tape recorder and fairy tale tapes to listen to as we fall asleep. So, technically you’re losing because you’re trying to go to sleep, but you get to listen to the story while falling asleep, so sort of win? Plus you might absorb the story while sleeping which could lead to interesting dreams!
That’s so cool though!! I used to listen to audios while falling asleep but I’d find myself dozing and then totally lose my place.😂
That is definitely a problem! These days the only books I use for the purpose are books I’ve listened to before or read before and thus can instantly pick up where I am or know how to skip back to an appropriate spot.
I posted about this today on my Top 10 Tuesday. Yours was 1000 times better! Great post and your blog is beautiful!
Oh I’ll have to check out your version! Great minds think alike!
I bring a book with me every time I walk out the door. 100% of the time I never pick it up (because who can read while shopping!? I’d run into everyone!), but I like taking it with me because who knows if/when the opportunity might present itself to read. 🙂
Also, must as I love reading, I’m not sure I could give up my TV show fandoms. Or not all of them. Because I’m weird like that. 😉
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I totally understand that feeling! Plus it’s just comforting to know the book is there right?!? What if an apoclypse happens? At least you’ll not be bored whilst in spontaneous hiding. :’) #sensible
(But no haha, I definitely don’t recommend solely reading ALL THE TIME and having no other hobbies. That would be maddening.😂
I’ve been putting books under my pillow forever! Unfortunately I just don’t seem to absorb well while asleep (yes, I am weak!!!!).
Lord of the Rings makes for many hours of staring at that screen, however I could NOT read LOTR in the time that they show the movies. #fact Probably why the books are always better though, right?
I have a bullet journal that I’m too scared to actually put anything into because I don’t want to mess it up… Obviously that’s normal.
Reading instead of socialising is a GREAT one. Ha ha. I must do more book thumping of acquaintances. I didn’t think of that way to include them.
As always – fantastic post! You always make me laugh! 🙂
Di @ Book Reviews by Di recently posted…Review: Shadow Study – Maria V. Snyder
TRY HARDER, DI. I’M SURE IT’LL WORK. I’m considering sleeping on top of my bookshelf?? Surely then I can absorb multiple books at once??
(Haha, actually I way prefer the LOTR movies to the books.😂 I’m an actual shame to boowormkind.)
OOOH I do the not sleeping one! I… don’t recommend it, because I fear that mayyybbbeee those health professionals may be onto something? But then I have my small replicas, and frankly, they get mad if I try to read for 5 minutes. Seriously, just the other day, I was half asleep because I hadn’t slept in days (this was the fault of ALA and weather, not reading- though I guess, technically reading) and my mom literally bolted out the door when I came home. And these replicas would NOT let me look up some stuff from The Crown’s Game because they wanted to climb on me as though I was their personal playground equipment (spoiler: I am not). So yeah, not even FIVE MINUTES of reading could I get. Also, I need to watch TV a little because… Idk, maybe because I am a child of the 90s and until the internet was a thing, that was all we had. Dark days, those were.
I wish I could do audiobooks, I feel like that WOULD help me. But alas. Also, another hazard of bringing books in public? Reading in public causes spontaneous, unpredictable emotions. Like reading The Hate U Give on a plane, and everyone looking at you like you’ve lost your mind when ALL the feels come pouring out of your face.
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Pfft. What do health professionals know? I mean, sure our bodies are giving in on us and our brains aren’t work…BUT BOOKS! BOOKS! (Also what IS IT with small children adn assuming adults are climbing equipment? I can’t even sit down without my niece jumping on my head. “Why do you have back troubles, Cait?” people ask me. CHILDREN. CHIIIILDREN. I’m trying to get my parents to build a climbing wall up our stairs but so far, no.
I’m a child of the 90s! A wee small child.
That’s actually hilarious though, about feels in public. I barely have feels in private.😂 Although I DO snort/laugh/giggle while reading Locke Lamora and I’m sure my family is wondering about my sanity as I’m locked away in my room.
WHO NEEDS SANITY! *flings confetti over self*
*has a breakdown probably*
Haha, this was really fun to read. And you’ve got a point: Like, even when it’s after midnight and I have to get up early, I always do read some pages. Ans, when you can’t sleep, it’s always a good option to read too – wheter instead of starting to look through social media on your phone or trying to sleep (which does not work. It never does). But by reading, you’re either becoming tired or you get that book done. Both is just fine.
But mostly, I would recommend to take a book to the bus or tram. That’s just the most effective way to use your time.
Greets, Ella
http://passionandpages.blogspot.com/
It’s sooo true. And plus apparently screens are worse for getting you back to sleep than, say, reading a bit.😂 (Although shhh this is me talking who checks emails in the middle of the night.😂)
And YES. If you travel a lot = BRING A BOOK. #ExcellentLifeAdvice
I discovered audiobook last year and now they are my life! I read 82 books in 2016, 35 of which were audiobooks! That is 35 books I wouldn’t have read if I hadn’t discovered the awesomeness that is the audiobook. I listen to them while in the car, at the gym, and doing all the mundane house work.
Fantastic post as per usual.
That is AWESOME. Aren’t they just so great for filling in the extra time!?? Especially for travel = excellent. :’)
Pro Tip: Some software allows you to play audiobooks on double-speed. If you can still understand it like this then it has the added benefits of a) making the book happen in literally 1/2 the time, and b) making everyone sound really out of breath (which is way more amusing than it should be.)
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Oh I know! I always play them double speed on my iPod. 😂 I find normal-speed is so stinkin’ tediously slow that I end up quitting. I LIKE FAST THINGS.
I love this post SO MUCH, and let’s be honest, avoiding ALL responsibilities, ALL social activities and just READ all day long would be a dream coming true. Just being a bookshelf just as well, haha; I do try to fit a lot of my reading when I’m commuting to work. I think it’s great to try and dedicate a bit of time each day to reading, because if we love it, well we need to make place for it 🙂
Marie @ Drizzle & Hurricane Books recently posted…Road trip edition – the contemporary corner
YAS LET’S THROW ALL RESPONSIBILITIES AND JUST READ ALL DAY. Can someone pay us to do this, pls??? And bring us snacks so we don’t have to be torn away from our very important work of reading??? #thelife
Your discussion posts are always hilarious with some practical tips tossed in. Always entertaining. Love that added touch of Supernatural with Sam’s picture from the hospital after not sleeping for so long. Perfect match for that point in your post. ; )
I love audio books for log car rides and the daily drive to and from work. I have my tablet for reading at night when baby just won’t sleep on her own and needs snuggles. And my print copies for those rare moments of alone time (re: sans baby).
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I’m so glad you liked it!! (And Sam was the FIRST thing I thought of when I was writing that point.😂)
Audios are so great for travelling I totally agree!
I always throw my Kindle mini tablet and headphones in my backpack before I leave the house. I have to listen to audiobooks, or text-to-speech, normally because reading on the bus (or in any moving vehicle) makes me nauseated. Blergh. The rest of the time I seem to be looking for buses to arrive, or I am walking to, or from, a bus stop, and walking and reading print don’t mix so well.
I watch zero t.v.! I cancelled our cable because it became too expensive, and was intending on getting Netflix or Hulu, which I never ended up doing. Ha ha. I will be getting one or the other soon because I am way behind on all of my shows, plus Doctor Who is getting rid of creepy Capaldi, so I want to start watching it again.
I also keep my little grey first generation Kindle ereader charged, and in my backpack at all times, just in case my tablet battery conks out. When I am eating alone at a restaurant I like to be reading print instead of listening to audiobooks because it keeps me from staring at people. It is funny how people don’t like to be watched while eating. XD
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HAHAHAHAHAHA. I think I died laughing.
Seriously I totally need this though cause reading is so barely happening these days. SOBS FOREVER. Pain of doing full time work which equates to 12 hour days out of the house and far to many volunteering positions? Loloops. And sleeping. I need sleep.
Even if I do quite literally carry a book with me at all times it just rarely comes out of my bag cause you know having brain to concentrate on a book is fairly helpful >.>.
I UNDERSTAND THE SUFFERING. *gives you cake and hopes you find a time machine soon*