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How often have you heard someone say, “I have so much extra time I don’t know what to do with it”?
Almost never. Most of us are so busy with obligations that it’s hard to find time for things we want to do—like reading.
That’s a pity. Reading enriches life. For those of us over fifty, it’s especially valuable.
Reading keeps the mind sharp and flexible. It introduces new ideas, helps us stay current with cultural changes, and offers a restful escape when life gets hectic.
WHY READ (APART FROM IT BEING AWESOME)? BECAUSE SCIENCE.
This isn’t just opinion—research supports the benefits of reading.
- A 2009 study at the University of Sussex found that reading reduced stress more effectively than listening to music, taking a walk, or having a cup of tea. Just six minutes of reading lowered heart rate and decreased muscle tension.
- A long-term study published in Neurology, following 294 people to an average age of 89, showed that mentally stimulating activities like reading were linked to slower memory decline.
- Struggling to sleep? Many sleep experts recommend reading to quiet a busy mind and prepare the body for rest. Use dim lighting and avoid bright screens, which signal your brain to stay alert.
- Research in the Netherlands found that reading fiction can increase empathy—novels help us understand others better.
With small adjustments to mindset and habits, even busy people can find time to read. You do have time to read.
YOU DESERVE THIS
Start by giving yourself permission to spend time on what you want, not only what you must do. Ten to fifteen minutes a day can get you through half or a whole chapter of many books. Over a month that adds up to at least one book; over a year, a dozen. Imagine the characters you’ll meet and the ideas you’ll learn—this is time well spent and you deserve it.
FINDING TIME IN THE CHINKS
I once watched a demonstration that made me see how much hidden time we have. Picture a clear tube and a set of wooden blocks representing major daily tasks—commute, meetings, appointments. It looks nearly full. Now pour gravel into the tube: small tasks like phone calls, errands, and bills fit into the gaps. Finally, pour water and watch it fill the remaining pockets. Those small pockets are the “chinks” in your day—minutes that can be used for meaningful activities like reading.
FROM MINDLESS TO MEANINGFUL
I value downtime, but many of the small chinks in our day are eaten by mindless habits—screen scrolling or app hopping. Replacing some of that time with reading can be far more satisfying. Here are tips to turn idle moments into reading time.
SPEND LESS TIME WITH YOUR PHONE. OR MORE.
The phone is often the biggest competitor for our attention. Many chinks are filled with aimless phone use. Consider cutting back on social media checks or game play and instead pick up a book. If you prefer digital reading, download an e-reading app and keep a couple of books on your phone so you can grab a few pages while waiting or during lunch. Using your phone for reading converts wasted minutes into meaningful moments.
READ BEFORE BED
Reading before sleep can calm your mind and relax your body. Even ten or fifteen minutes of nightly reading adds up. If you usually watch TV before bed, consider going to bed a little earlier to read instead—especially if the show you’re watching isn’t that enjoyable. A short reading routine can improve sleep and increase your yearly reading total.
MAKE A GOAL
Set a reading goal each month or year. If you enjoy goals and checklists, this helps. I aim for at least one fiction and one nonfiction book per month, which has led me to read about 50 books a year. A modest, consistent goal can motivate regular reading and help you prioritize it alongside other commitments.
READ TOGETHER!
Joining or starting a book club is a great way to make reading a priority. Discussing books with others deepens enjoyment and holds you accountable to read. Given the mental and emotional benefits of reading—especially as we age—making time for books is worthwhile. Above all, read for pleasure. With all you do for others, you deserve time for the things you want to do, including reading.
