How to Read More : School Edition

Happy Labor Day everyone!

Do you struggle with finding time to read your favorite book? Is your TBR-pile growing unremarkably tall?

If you’re one of the lucky students to not have school today, then this post is a must-read!

Here are some tips on how to read more during the hectic school sessions:

Audiobooks can be your bestie.

If you’re anything like me, I walk everywhere on campus. So during my 20 minute walk to class in the mornings, I use this time to listen to an audiobook. Because apparently reading with a book in my hand while walking may be a little dangerous.

And if you’re lucky enough to have a public library back home with access to eBooks and Audiobooks, you can literally have hundreds of books at your eartips!

Currently, I’m listening to Warbringer by Leigh Bardugo.

eBooks are great for social acceptance.

Let’s face it. People are on their phone WAYYY too much. Have you ever taken a moment to people-watch when you’re out-and-about? Faces are glued to phones.

Which can be good for you since books can appear on that tiny screen! So the next time you have to sit outside your next class or wait for your next meeting, pop out your phone and finish that chapter (..or two).

Currently, I’m about to finish Black Bird of the Gallows by Meg Kassel.

Physical books are amazing for those long commutes.

Me and public transportation tend to get along pretty well. During my two hour, twice a week, train ride, I always love to bring a book to just relax and read.

Currently, I just started Queen of Shadows (Throne of Glass #4) by Sarah J. Maas.

Make time.

Now this hint might seem pretty straight forward, but this one is super hard for me to accomplish. With a daily, long list of schoolwork to get done, it sometimes feels like I can never catch up to the assignments each week. But this doesn’t mean it’s impossible to find a time slot just for reading.

From my personal experience, this can actually be beneficial in the long run. Stress can build up and make your life feel hopeless once the semester starts bogging down on you. Taking the time to read can be your daily meditation which will lead to a more peaceful, positive attitude.

Reading is your mental getaway.

So even if it’s twenty minutes a day or two hours, schedule in a time frame to where the rest of your worries melt away and you’re left with a kick-butt YA fantasy!

To the gym you go!

Who knew that the gym and books went so great together??

Kill two birds with one stone and take your book with you on the elliptical. This may be where eBooks and Audiobooks can help. This way you don’t have to worry about turning the pages and finding a way to keep the book propped up correctly instead of flopping to the floor. Reading can also help to take your mind away from your burning buns and thighs.

Find a reading spot.

Libraries can be the perfect place to take your mind away from reality and help you focus on your new favorite book.

Once you’ve finished with the 6 hours of homework, you can take another quick hour to pop out your copy of Replica by Lauren Oliver to help bring your mind back to a relaxed state.

Finding a place to read that ISN’T your dorm room helps to bring your mind back into the reading world every time you’re there. It also helps to decrease the distractions, and hey, now you can grab a cup of coffee on your way there!

Put your phone away.

I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve fallen asleep with my book unopened and on the floor because I decided to take a “quick peek” into Instagram or YouTube.

Putting your phone away when you finally have time to read can save you hours of reading a week. Less distractions = More YA in your life!

In total, I am reading three books at once all because I use these helpful tips. From my experience, if you follow along, you’ll be hitting that Reading Goal by the end of the year!

So one of the main ways to being able to read more while in school is using multiple platforms. This helps to incorporate reading into all aspects of your day because we all know that having a book in your hand constantly can be tough to do (even though we REALLY want to).

What helps you read more during the school year? Let us know in the comments below!!

Stay tuned for more bookish posts every Monday! You can subscribe below for instant links to each of my posts and help share the love of YA!