How to Balance University/Life and Reading [MLCWO Diaries]

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Life just gets in the way. I totally get it. You just have too much to do. Sometimes that is homework, sometimes that is work in general and sometimes it’s family.

You just can’t find time to sit down and have a little you time. But it’s needed. If you’re a reader, I’m sure that your ‘me time’ involves a book (sometimes).

So how do you find time to get everything done and actually complete some books?!

Here are 5 ways that I have found help me to get through books, and get stuff done.

1. Put Down Your Phone 

I know, everyone is connected now a days and you feel like you have to have your phone near you. But you don’t, you can do this! Exercise a little self control!

If you really struggle with this, give yourself 30 minutes of no phone. The world will survive that long without you. Or, if you really are struggling, set yourself a reading goal. After one chapter (if it’s a decent chapter) you can check your phone. It’s amazing how much of a book you will get through if you don’t check your phone every 2 seconds.

If you happen to read a book on your phone, turn off notifications for a little while so when something comes through, you don’t go to check it immediately.

2. Fitness and Reading?

Recently, I’ve started to read while I work out. No, this won’t work if you’re running of lifting weights. But audio books could

save the day for that aspect. But I try and do 10 minutes of decent cardio every day (it can be hard being a university student

to find tons of time to workout). So I set my treadmill for a brisk walk, get that incline going (as it boosts the cardio and calorie burning), and open my book.

Walk fast enough that you’re working out, but at a speed that you can read too. If you go too fast, you’ll fall over, trust me!

I had never considered reading and walking before, but on a treadmill, you’re contained. That way, you won’t walk into other people. You also don’t realize how long you’ve been walking. You look up and suddenly you’re at 20 minutes and it barely feels like it.

3. Audiobooks!

I’m not a massive audiobook fan. But admittedly, when I was younger I loved them.

I have just not been listening to them for years. I prefer listening to music. But, with all the hype recently, I might be more inclined to pick them up.

But they’re perfect to get through books when you’re busy!

You can listen to them in the car (if it’s not too complex – I don’t want any accidents now!), when you’re working out, doing your laundry, cooking, or just walking around in general. That way, you can get stuff done and get through your favorite books!

4. Before You Sleep

I know that for many people, before they go to sleep, they spend time on their phones. They check their Instagram and Facebook and their other social medias. But to check it quickly only takes like 5 minutes. Why not quickly do that (or just check in the morning) and substitute your phone with a book (this goes together with number 1).

Studies show that the ‘blue light’ from your phones is bad for you. It stimulates your brain. I’m sure that you notice it. If you play on your phone before you sleep, it’s harder to relax and go to sleep. If you just take a warm bath and go straight to bed, you generally zonk out. Yes, reading might stimulate your brain, but in a different way.

You can get a chapter or 2 in before you go to sleep.

But choose your book widely. If you a reading horror, or something violent, you might not have good dreams. Maybe read your fluffy books before going to bed (that’s why I generally have like 2 books going at a time).

5. Set Goals

If you don’t set your goal of what you want to read during the month, or even the year, it won’t get done.

If you have a calendar, maybe build in some time to read, or set yourself a goal of a book to read each month. Sometimes that means joining reading groups on Facebook, or in your local library. You don’t have to go all the time, but it’s a little reminder to set yourself some reading time. If you don’t actively remind yourself, before you know it, the month/year will be up and you won’t have read anything you wanted to.

It’s a depressing feeling. So set yourself manageable goals. Not like, “I’m going to read Anna Karenina next week/month” if you work a 70 hour a week job. Be realistic. That way, you feel accomplished when you actually finish your goals.

With these 5 tips, I’m sure that you’ll be able to squeeze a little more reading into you life.

Reading is important. There is just so much literature out there, you don’t want to miss it all because society forces you to work too hard.