How to Make More Time for Reading!

Today I'm linking up with Toronto Sam and her cohosts: Adrienne, Dara, Jen, and Joanne,. for their monthly link-up! This month's topic is:

Make More Time for Reading!

Read Magazines Before Bed = Instant Relaxation!

For many years (i.e. after I had kids), I did not read books. It was too much of a commitment, and I had too little time to read.

Reading magazines allowed me to read. Consequently, I got several magazine subscriptions. These are the subscriptions that I have now: Woman's Day, Real Simple, HGTV and Country Living. Reading magazines gave me short snippets to read before bed. Plus, I find these magazines to be very soothing and inspirational.

Read Books on the Libby App

When I taught, I discovered Libby which is a free app offered through your public library. I downloaded so many children's e-books to read to my class at snack on the "big screen." Fast forward: I now have a granddaughter who takes naps. This is a perfect time to read an e-book! (They also have audio books!) I always have several books on hold (of course, the holds usually become available at the same time!). The best part is you always have a book to read without remembering your book!

Here is an example from my Hold Shelf. You can "freeze" your available books until you are ready to read them. You won't lose your place in line so you should get them quickly after you "thaw" the hold.

Library Books

I always have "real" (hard cover) books that I get from the library or reserve through interlibrary loans. I read these books after I finish reading my magazine. I try to spend at least an hour reading before I go to sleep. Now that it's winter, I'm so cold at night, I fall asleep before reading for 20 minutes!

Here are some of my holds:

As you can see, I'll be waiting for a while for these books, but I can always find another book to read at the library. I love see book recommendations on blogs or on Instagram. I want to make sure that I'm looking forward to reading because it's such a joy.