Being a busy woman with children, a full-time job, and a partner who often seems emotionally unavailable can leave you feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. It can feel impossible to carve out time for self-care, let alone find time for reading books. However, reading is not just a leisure activity — it’s a source of personal growth, relaxation, and mental clarity. In this article, we’ll explore how you can find the time to read, even with the many demands of family life and a busy career.
1. Prioritize Your Well-Being
As a mom and a working woman, it’s easy to put your own needs last. However, reading is not just a form of entertainment; it’s also an important way to recharge your mind and spirit. By prioritizing your well-being, you are better equipped to take care of your children, perform well at work, and manage your home life. Reading allows you to step into different worlds, expand your knowledge, and reduce stress. Think of it as a form of self-care that nurtures your mind and body.
Tip: Schedule reading as part of your self-care routine, just like you would a workout or a beauty treatment.
2. Set Realistic Reading Goals
Given your hectic schedule, it’s important to set achievable reading goals. Instead of aiming to read a whole book in a week, start by setting a more manageable target. Commit to reading for just 10-15 minutes a day — whether it’s during your commute, while waiting for your child’s extracurricular activity to finish, or before bed. Small, consistent reading sessions will add up over time and allow you to make progress on your reading goals.
Tip: Use reading apps or audiobooks to fit reading into your busy lifestyle, allowing you to listen while doing chores or driving.
3. Incorporate Reading Into Daily Routines
Life as a mom with young children doesn’t leave much room for downtime, but you can find opportunities to read by integrating it into your daily routine. For example, read while waiting for your child to fall asleep, during lunch breaks at work, or while the kids are playing quietly. Audiobooks are especially useful here, as you can listen to them while doing household tasks or running errands. This is a great way to ensure you get some reading time in without interrupting your daily responsibilities.
Tip: Keep a book or e-reader in your bag so you can take advantage of those unexpected moments, like waiting at the doctor’s office or sitting in traffic.
4. Use Audiobooks to Maximize Time Efficiency
Audiobooks are a lifesaver for busy women. They allow you to “read” while performing other tasks, such as cleaning, cooking, or driving. This means that even if you feel like you don’t have time to sit down with a physical book, you can still absorb knowledge and enjoy a good story during those moments when you would otherwise be multitasking. Plus, many audiobook apps allow you to adjust the speed, so you can listen at a pace that fits your preference.
Tip: Take advantage of audiobook subscriptions like Audible or use library apps like Libby for free access to audiobooks.
5. Create a Reading Space at Home
In many households, space and time for relaxation are limited. If your partner’s emotional avoidance leaves you feeling disconnected, it’s even more important to create a designated space for yourself — even if it’s just a small corner with a comfy chair. Let your reading space become your personal retreat, where you can go to unwind and focus on your book. Having a space dedicated to reading can help reinforce the importance of this time for you.
Tip: Use this time as a mental escape. Treat it like a small vacation in your day that can recharge you for the tasks ahead.
6. Involve Your Children in Reading
If your children are of school age or even kindergarten-aged, involving them in your reading time can help you stay on track while fostering their own love of books. You can make it a daily activity, such as reading aloud to them, or encourage independent reading time where everyone sits down with a book. This not only helps create a positive reading environment at home but also allows you to enjoy a quiet moment with your children while still getting your own reading in.
Tip: Set aside a “reading hour” each day where everyone gets involved, whether it’s by reading to your kids or letting them read independently.
7. Leverage Your Commute or Breaks at Work
If you commute to work, this is an excellent time to squeeze in some reading. Whether you’re on the train, bus, or even stuck in traffic, you can use this time to read a chapter or two. Similarly, lunch breaks can provide a quiet moment for you to relax and read, especially if you take your lunch break away from your work desk.
Tip: Keep a book or e-reader in your bag or desk drawer, so you always have access to your next reading session.
8. Be Gentle With Yourself
Lastly, remember that you are doing the best you can. Life with kids, a full-time job, and relationship stress can be draining. If you miss a few days of reading or can’t fit it in, don’t beat yourself up. The key is consistency, not perfection. The more you prioritize your mental health and personal time, the easier it will be to keep your reading habit alive.
Tip: If you’re not able to read every day, set aside one day a week where you can indulge in a longer reading session — maybe on the weekend when the kids are engaged in activities.
Finding time for reading as a busy woman with young children, a full-time job, and a partner who is emotionally distant might seem challenging, but it’s entirely possible. By setting realistic goals, integrating reading into your daily routine, and using audiobooks, you can make reading a habit that fits into your busy life. Remember to prioritize your well-being and be gentle with yourself as you work towards making reading a regular part of your routine.
