If there is one hobby that I’ve missed the most over the past year or so, it’s reading.

Not because I stopped loving books — but because life got busy.

I had my son back in February of this year and my entire routine changed. My calm, cozy afternoons became more chaotic. Instead of cuddling up with a book and my dog, I spend my afternoon entertaining my son (which I wouldn’t trade for anything)!

I’m sure if I could go back to those first couple of months, I would be able to find the time to read. But I’m sure any mother would agree that those first few months as a new mom are terrifying. Even with help, I was always second guessing myself and had the pediatrician (and Google) on speed dial.

It’s safe to say that reading was the last thing on my mind!

Now, between work, family, and the endless to-do list that never seems to end, sitting down with a book seems more of a luxury than a hobby.

I kept telling myself I’d tackle my huge TBR when life seemed normal again – which, at this point, will it ever?

So instead of waiting for the perfect moment to come to me, I’ve been practicing small habits that make reading fit into my crazy, chaotic life.

Listening to More Audiobooks

One of the biggest changes I’ve made is giving myself the ability to transform any task or situation into a reading session. And I do that with the help of audiobooks!

To be honest, this is a trick I’ve used for years to help me reach my reading goals. Whether I’m driving to work, folding laundry, or cleaning the kitchen (which turns out to be my main reading spot at the moment), I can still enjoy a story.

Even when I’m just lazing around with my son, I’m spending time exploring a fantasy world instead of scrolling through social media.

Reading One Chapter Before Bed

Some nights it’s only one chapter.

Some nights it’s five.

Either way, it’s progress.

I’ve officially stopped with the intense daily/weekly reading goals. You know the ones…

“I’m going to read six books this week!”
“I can definitely fit in thirty chapters before bed.”
“There’s only two hundred pages left, I can finish that before work no problem…”

Spoiler alert! She didn’t.

Instead, I aim for one chapter per day and that mostly takes place right before bed. But, for you, that might be in the morning…during lunch break…during nap time… whatever time works best for you and your lifestyle. Just as long as you’re making progress.

Letting go of reader’s guilt

This is a battle that I’ve been fighting for a long, long time.

I guess with the rise of Booktok and Booktube, I’ve gotten into the habit of comparing my reading habits/goals to others.

I’m not the fastest reader on the planet so I don’t typically read 5+ books a week. Honestly, I’m lucky if I read that much in a month!

That said, I’ve had to learn to go back to the basics of reading. Which is to simply enjoy it!

I don’t have to finish every book I pick up.

Nor do I have to keep up with the newest books on the market.

I don’t even need a reading goal!

I just need to like the book I’m reading and let myself escape into the story.

Creating a cozy reading ritual

I’ve found that the little things really make a difference.

A warm beverage…
Comfy pajamas…
A candle…
And, of course, a good book…

All these things combined really help me wind down after a long day of responsibilities. I no longer lay in bed stressing about the day to come while begging for sleep. Instead, I’m begging to stay awake for at least another chapter or two.

It’s my way of telling my brain that it’s time to wind down for the night. And, as a new mom who’s still trying to figure things out, it does wonders.

That said, you don’t need anything fancy. Just your love for reading will do…

Okay, and maybe the candle, too.

remembering Why i Started

I’m not reading to impress anyone.

I’m reading because stories make my world so much bigger.

Because I love getting lost in magical kingdoms, meeting unforgettable characters, remembering what it’s like to fall in love for the first time, and staying up far too late past my bedtime because “one more chapter” somehow turned into three.

That’s the feeling I’m chasing every time I sit down with a book.

So, it’s safe to say that this year isn’t the one where I read 100 books. And it doesn’t have to be!

If I finish more books than I did last year, discover a few new favorites, and make reading a part of my life again – well, I’d call that a success.

I’d love to hear from you. What’s one small habit that’s helped you read more? Or, if you’re trying to get back into reading too, let’s encourage each other in the comments!