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Thursday, May 29, 2008

How To-15: "How to Make Time to Read a Book when You're Busy"


from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

In today's rapidly moving society, even the biggest bibliophiles sometimes have problems finding the time to sit down with a good read. But if you are creative and observant, you'll begin to see how parts of your everyday routine can be used as reading opportunities.

Steps


  1. Buy a downloadable audio version of a book. It's usually the cheapest option, available in minutes so you can listen to it just about anywhere. Many public library systems now allow their cardholders to download electronic audio books to personal MP3 players.
  2. Buy a pocket version of a book, such as the Barnes and Noble Pocket Classics. These are cheap, small and can fit in your purse or back pocket.
  3. Carry the reading material with you wherever you go.
  4. Read or listen while you are waiting in line, for your food, or for your kids. Read or listen on your lunch break at work. Even during breakfast.
  5. Read while working out at the gym. The elliptical trainer, cybex arc trainer, and stationary bike all accommodate book reading, and some gyms have a book holder to hold reading material for those who want to read during their workout. Then you will get smarter and fitter simultaneously, and your workout will become more enjoyable at the same time.
  6. Nicely ask your spouse or kids to do more housework so that you may relax for a half hour each day to read.
  7. If you are a college student, read a book between classes instead of the school newspaper. Read instead of doing the crossword puzzle or the Sudoku puzzle.
  8. Consider having the book on tape, CD or your MP3 player as well so that you can listen to the book when you are doing something that requires your hands but not too much thinking.
  9. Keep a bookmark handy so you won't reread the same thing over again or waste time finding your page.
  10. Bring a book or audio book with you when you're on a trip, whether it's across town on the subway or cross country on a train. Books and audio books make great traveling companions.
  11. Buy a purse big enough to contain a book.
  12. Listen to books on tape or CD if you commute via car. It's not "reading" per se, but at least you're using your brain.
  13. Join a book group. That Media:gives you more incentive to finish the book by a certain time. People give you more time to sit and read if you tell them you have to read the book for a book group.#Read short books. If you are very busy, you're less likely to finish that 600 page literary epic. If you don't like what you are reading and it's not required, read something else. There's no law that says you can't abandon a book just because you don't like it.
  14. Read each night before bed.
  15. Read in the bathtub (but keep a towel handy so the books don't get wet).
  16. Pick books for ease of reading and/or interest level, particularly books that suit whatever mood you are in at that particular moment. If the book is something you really want to read, there is no doubt you'll make time for it.


Tips


  • If you are trying to read and someone is distracting you by asking about what you're reading abruptly you can end the questioning quickly by saying that you are in an engaging part and you will talk to them later.
  • Read books you genuinely like. Don't read things just because they are on some list created by the New York Times or Oprah. Visit sites like booksense.com and others to do research on books so you'll know if it's something you can get into.
  • A good book can also help you with the work you must, but do not want to, do. You can use the compelling nature of the book to speed up what you don't like doing, thereby giving yourself rewards for each task completed.
  • If you want to watch a television show, you can read during the commercials.


Warnings


  • Do not ignore your family's needs or your schoolwork to read a book.
  • If you stay up until dawn reading, you will not be fully alert the following day. You should only do this if you will not have to drive or operate machinery before you recuperate your missing sleep.
  • If you are listening to books on tape or CD while commuting via car, be sure to stay focused on traffic. If you feel you might not be fully able to do so, stop listening.
  • Don't read borrowed books or hard backed books in the bath.


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Posted by SURI at 2:23 PM
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