Working a 60‑hour week can feel like a marathon, but carving out time for reading doesn't have to be another exhausting race. The key is to make reading easy, intentional, and rewarding . Below are ten practical strategies that let you turn even a packed schedule into a consistent reading routine.
Leverage Micro‑Moments
When you only have 5--10 minutes, use it wisely:
- Commute (if you're not driving) -- Load a short story or a few pages onto your phone.
- Coffee breaks -- Keep a paperback or e‑reader on the desk.
- Waiting rooms -- A quick article or a chapter can slip in while you wait for appointments.
Tip: Set a timer for 5 minutes so you won't feel pressured to finish a whole chapter; the habit is the reward, not the word count.
Create a "Reading Stack" at Work
Designate a small, portable stack of reading material (paperback, e‑reader, or a bookmarked list on your phone) that lives on your desk or in your bag. Seeing it every day acts as a visual cue to pick it up during a lull.
- Keep it lightweight -- A novel under 300 pages or a collection of essays works best.
- Rotate titles -- Change the stack monthly to keep curiosity alive.
Schedule "Reading Sprints"
Treat reading like any other high‑impact task:
| Day | Time Slot | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Mon | 7:30--7:45 am | 15 min |
| Wed | 12:00--12:20 pm | 20 min |
| Fri | 9:00--9:30 pm | 30 min |
Block these slots on your calendar and protect them with the same discipline you give a meeting. Even a 15‑minute sprint can finish a short story or push a non‑fiction chapter forward.
Use Audiobooks for "Hands‑Free" Reading
Audiobooks turn chores into learning opportunities:
- Commute (driving, public transit)
- Exercise (gym, running)
- Household tasks (cooking, cleaning)
Pick narration speeds that feel comfortable---most platforms let you go 1.25× or 1.5× without sacrificing comprehension.
Apply the "Two‑Page Rule"
When you sit down, promise yourself you'll read at least two pages. The mental barrier is tiny, and once you finish the second page, the momentum usually carries you further. It's a low‑stakes way to bypass the "I'm too tired" excuse.
Combine Reading with a Reward System
Pair reading with something you already love:
- One chapter → a favorite snack
- 30 minutes → an episode of a TV show
- Finishing a book → a weekend outing or new gadget
The brain loves positive reinforcement; the habit becomes a pathway to a pleasurable payoff.
Curate a "Reading Funnel"
Start with low‑commitment material, then graduate:
- Articles & blog posts -- 5--10 min reads.
- Short stories or essays -- 15--30 min.
- Novels or non‑fiction books -- 45 min+.
If you're too drained for a novel, you can still make progress by finishing a short story. The funnel keeps you moving forward without feeling stuck.
Make It Social (Even If You're Introverted)
- Join a micro‑book club -- 3‑person WhatsApp or Slack group that meets once a month for a 15‑minute "what we read this week" chat.
- Share a "Reading Highlight" on LinkedIn or Instagram -- Public accountability can be a subtle motivator.
- Swap books with a coworker -- A brief discussion during lunch can turn reading into a collaborative activity.
The social element adds a sense of purpose and invites gentle nudges from peers.
Set a "Reading Goal" That Fits Your Schedule
Instead of a vague "read more," quantify it:
- "Read 20 pages per week" -- Roughly one chapter.
- "Finish one book per month" -- Approx. 300 pages, ~10 pages a day.
Track progress with a simple spreadsheet, habit‑tracker app, or a sticky note on your monitor. The visual check‑off is satisfying and reinforces consistency.
Declutter and Prioritize Your Reading List
A massive "to‑read" pile can feel overwhelming. Perform a quarterly audit:
- Highlight the top 3 books that align with current goals (career, personal growth, pure enjoyment).
- Remove or postpone titles that no longer excite you.
- Organize the remaining books by difficulty or length so you can pick the right one for any time slot.
A trimmed list reduces decision fatigue and makes each reading session purposeful.
Conclusion
Building a sustainable reading habit while clocking 60 hours a week isn't about finding extra time---it's about restructuring the time you already have . By harnessing micro‑moments, scheduling intentional sprints, using audiobooks, and reinforcing progress with rewards, you can turn reading from a lofty aspiration into a daily, energizing ritual.
Start with one or two of these strategies today. After a week, evaluate what clicked, adjust the rest, and watch your reading habit grow---one page, one minute, one habit at a time. Happy reading!