Living Rhetorically in the Real World

Lifestyle Editing: making time to read books

2011 has been a great year so far for me in terms of the books I've been reading. As a kid, I'd gobble up books and read pretty much non-stop in my spare time. I got away from it a little bit with university and such, but I've really missed it. These days I work a regular office job 9 - 5, and I often do freelance work in the evenings and on weekends, so it's been something of a challenge to find time to satisfy my craving for books.

These are some of the strategies that I use to ensure that books remain a daily part of my life, no matter how busy things get:

- At the office. I know that not everyone gets "free time" at their workplace, so this one isn't going to apply to everyone. At my vet clinic job, I get some time between/during appointments when the phone isn't ringing and such to pull out a book and read. You can also easily read during your lunch hour.

- While exercising. Walking on the inclined treadmill is one of my favourite exercises (especially when the weather isn't ideal!), and reading a book at the same time really makes the time fly. When I read at work, I also pace back and forth in the back room. You can easily add 30 minutes to your walking routine this way.

- Before bed. I'm often very tired in the evenings but I nearly always make the time to read even just a couple of pages. It's a great way to unwind.

- With friends. The boyfriend and I will sometimes get comfy on the couch together, each with our own books. It's a relaxing way to spend time together while doing our own thing. Plus it's fun to have someone right there to share a good quote or to discuss the book, especially if the other person has already read it.

- As "downtime". At the end of the workday, it's nice to curl up with a good book. Books are also a nice "escape" from the workload and are great when you need a quick 15-minute break to recharge. Taking the book to the salon and that sort of thing also works nicely.

- On the weekend. It's a beautiful sunny day and you want to spend it riding your bike or having a picnic at the park - well, why not bring a book along and enjoy it while sitting under the trees?

- On the bus. If you use a bus, taxi or train as your main form of transportation, or if someone else drives you around, the car can be a very nice place to read a chapter or two as a passenger.

- While doing chores. I don't listen to audio books just because I prefer holding a book, I guess, but audio books are a wonderful hands-free alternative for when you're dusting or washing dishes etc.

So there you have it! There are plenty of ways to incorporate reading into your life. I find it works really well for me to have a book at work, at home and at the boyfriend's place (the three places I frequent the most). If you know that you'll be waiting around somewhere and need something to kill the time, stashing a book in your bag is a great option.

How do you ensure that you read books on a regular basis?