Lately, I had issues finding the time to pick up a book and read and even when I could find the time, I was not in the right state of mind to pay attention to the story or not actually in the mood. So I decided to analyze a little the reasons behind it and to find ways to balance time and disposition with everything else going on in my day-to-day life. These are the main reasons I’ve identified and how they affect my reading progress:

1. My Job

How it affects me: by far it’s the main reason and affects not only the amount of time that I dedicate to reading, but also my mood. I spend at least 9 hours a day, Monday to Friday at the office. Sometimes I am too tired or too upset to focus on books or even take some work home.

How I’m improving (quitting not an option): I took my time in organizing my activities at the office, so that I will not have to work from home as much. Also, detaching from office problems helps me with my mood. This last part is still difficult, but I am trying at least.

2. TV

How it affects me: I cannot read and watch TV at the same time. Either one holds my interest or the other. Some TV shows are worth my time, others are not. The problem is that once I turn it on, it’s difficult not to shuffle those channels.

How I’m improving: I’m turning on the TV only when I know there’s something I really need to watch. As for my favorite TV shows, I’m trying to stick to one or two episodes a day, while I am crocheting in general. I started turning off the TV before sleeping, so that I can spend at least one more half an hour reading. In this case, the results are visible.

3. My other hobbies

How it affects me: I like sewing, I like crocheting and I like embroidery! And I do not want to quit! I do not want to shorten the time I dedicate to these activities, on the contrary. I would prefer to sleep less rather than them give up! It relaxes me and it makes me feel good when I see something coming out of my hands, even if I am a beginner and not everything I make comes out just I as wanted (yet).

How I’m improving: I’m using this time to listen to different audiobooks and it’s a perfect combination! The difficult task here is to give up an episode of Gilmore Girls in favor of some chapters from the audiobook. But since watching TV affects my sewing or crocheting progress, the book wins by far!

4. Time spent moving from place to place

How it affects me: We all have to go to the office, school, a friend’s house or some other place. I know it may sound silly but sometimes I spend too much time on the road.

How I’m improving: Again, audiobooks. I am more relaxed when I drive and listen to a book. Also, if I need to wait for someone in a parking lot, I have a physical book with me and read. People look at me funny though…

5. Housework

How it affects me: Inevitably, people have to eat and some even clean after themselves. I am one of those people. I am a messy person so cleaning is something that I have to do often.

How I’m improving: Well, the best thing is to try and become more organized at home as well. If I do house cleaning today, I should do my best to keep all things in their place. However, this is still not happening. So while I clean or cook I am listening to a book. It makes the activity more enjoyable(undoubtedly).

6. Social media

How it affects me: I am a blogger, so social media should be part of my daily routine. As opposed to other book bloggers, I don’t spend as much time on Social Media, but when I do check Facebook or any other social platform, I lose track of time. I see a beautiful picture there, one interesting article there and so time flies!

How I’m improving: I try to book a certain amount of time every day for Social Media check in. This happens in the evening, when I am close to my bed time so that I am not tempted to stay too much. I am still working on improving this step, but I’ll get there.

7. A not so good book

How it affects me: With all my efforts to make time for reading, if I land upon a book that is not so good, or not to my liking, it definitely takes me away from reading. I find myself sometimes frustrated because I don’t usually give up on books after the first 10 pages. I go through a good part of it before deciding if it’s worth finishing or not. Normally I finish all books. I think it happened only once to give up on a series because the book was very long and I did not feel the pull. When this happens, I am disappointed and I have an ugly feeling that the next book will be the same.

How I’m improving:  I usually accept a book with an open heart and mind. I listen to an audiobook as well and if I happen not to like one, I will like the other.

Reading makes me feel good, makes me forget about my daily issues and helps me relax. So why shouldn’t I try to make my life better with activities that contribute it? I’m doing my best to dedicate my time to it and I advise you to do the same 🙂 Clean up your act, bring beauty to your days with things that make you feel good. Enjoy 🙂