5 After 5, Ways to fit in more reading

Do you love to read as much as I do, but can never seem to find time to do it?

Check out this list of ways to fit more reading into your day!



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It's time for another round of 5 After 5!  In case you missed it, last week's list was ways to enjoy "Me" time and if you're new to this series, you can read more about it here - then catch up on all the old editions here.


Today I've got my list of 5 to share, as well as next week's topic for you to stew about over the upcoming days.


And this series is a link party, so be sure to scroll down and join in all the fun with us this week!




List 5 ways to fit more reading into your day


I looooooove to read (bet you never guessed that one, did you?), but sometimes life just gets so busy that it seems impossible to crack open a book.

Here are five ways that I manage to squeeze it in -- and I'm hoping you have even more ideas to share, too!


1.  Get used to reading for short periods at a time


When I sit down to read, ideally I want a giant chunk of time so that I can start and finish a book in one sitting.

But aside from our camping summers, that just never happens.

So I've had to learn to be okay with reading for shorter periods at a time.

Sometimes I give myself only 30 minutes, sometimes I make the limit one chapter, but by setting a specific ending point at the beginning, I know I won't get sucked into a read-a-thon that takes up my entire day! 

2.  Read before you even get out of bed


If I wake up early enough and G hasn't left for work yet (I've learned it's best to stay out of his way in the mornings, since he's usually rushing around and doesn't need any distractions to his routine), then I'll grab my book or Nook and do a bit of reading.

My time limit? I have to get up when I hear him lock the door.

3.  Read in bed before you go to sleep


I know, I know, this is one of the top "rules" about sleep that you should never break, but it works for me.

In an ideal world, I go to bed 30 minutes before I really need to and then lay there and read a bit before finally rolling over and closing my eyes to head off to sleepy-land.

4.  Bring a book everywhere


People sometimes don't believe this until they see it, but G and I both actually do bring a book everywhere we go!

He'll even go so far as to tuck a book into the back of his pants to pull out and read while we've paused on a grocery store aisle!

If I bring a purse, you can bet I've got a book in there, otherwise I always have one (or two) with me in the car.

I probably get more reading done while sitting in the car with a sleeping Gv as G runs in a store to grab something than anywhere else -- often I'll get an entire book read this way!

5.  Establish a mid-day DEAR (Drop Everything & Read) break



I actually have never done this one, but I keep thinking I want to try it.

Again, this works best if you're already in the habit of reading for short periods of time. And if you have kids, get them in on the practice, as well!

Not only will you be modeling a great habit for them every day, but it gives you a bit of a break from all the noise (why do kids have to be so loud?) and even non-readers can usually flip through a stack of picture books quietly in the time it takes you to read a chapter or two.



For next week:


Family outings for fall


These will most likely vary due to what part of the world you're in, but I bet it'll be fun to see what everyone gets up to each year when autumn rolls around.

I can't wait to see what you share!



That's right, every post will be read, pinned and tweeted!  

Every Saturday, just stop by one of our blogs to add your own list of five, then pop over and read as many other posts as you're able to each week - treat it like a true party and really mix it up and mingle with our fun little community!

The rules are simple:  just write your own list following the prompt each week (feel free to interpret it loosely - or in a unique way!), follow both of the hosts on the social media channel of your choice, and then get into the spirit of the party by grabbing your favorite beverage or snack and reading the lists of the other party-goers.



Your Hosts:

Lisa, at Syncopated MamaFacebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Google+ // Bloglovin'
Samantha, at Motivated DaysTwitter // Pinterest // Google+ 



What's your list?  I'd love to hear!  Either leave a comment below or email me at lisahealy (at) outlook (dot) com.

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