As a mom, your day is filled with a whirlwind of activities – taking care of your child, managing the household, and perhaps balancing work or other responsibilities. It can feel like there’s never enough time in the day for anything extra, especially reading.
However, if you're a book lover like me, finding time to read can feel essential for mental wellness and a way to reconnect with yourself.
Here’s how I carve out time to read, even with a busy schedule as a mom:
1. Set Realistic Reading Goals
Instead of aiming to finish a book in a week or even a month, I’ve learned to set realistic reading goals. A chapter a day, or even 10 minutes before bed, is enough to make progress. It’s important to be kind to yourself and adjust your reading expectations according to your lifestyle.
2. Read During Downtime
There’s more free time in a mom’s day than we might think – it’s just scattered. I sneak in some reading while my child naps or during independent playtime. If your child don't want napping or keep wanted you, it's okay to skip read that day. Just take it easy ya.
3. Pick Books That Excite You
As a mom, reading should feel like a treat, not a chore. I’ve learned to pick books that truly excite me, whether it's fiction that takes me on an adventure or non-fiction that inspires me. Don’t feel pressured to read something because it's trendy – read what you love, and it’ll motivate you to find the time.
4. Involve Your Child
If you’re looking after a young child, involve them in your love of reading. I often sit down with my 4-year-old, I read my book and he will doing his thing with his book. This encourages a love of books in my child while also giving me time to enjoy my reading. Of course, children’s books are part of the mix, but it’s still reading time for both of us!
5. Create a Cozy Reading Nook
At our Kajang's house, I’ve set up a small corner in the house as my reading space. It’s nothing fancy, just a comfy chair and good lighting, but it helps signal to me that it’s my time to relax. Sometimes, just having that little space reminds me to grab my book whenever I get a chance, even if it’s just for 5 minutes. I tried to set up my reading nook in our KK house but not set up properly yet. For now, I just read anywhere in the house.
6. Set Boundaries
It’s okay to set boundaries for your "me-time." Let your family know that reading is a priority for you. For example, after dinner, I let my partner know that I need 30 minutes to wind down with a book. Setting these boundaries has made a big difference in creating space for something that nourishes my mind.
7. Don’t Feel Guilty for Taking Time to Read
Lastly, it’s important not to feel guilty about taking time for yourself to read. As moms, we often prioritize everyone else’s needs over our own. However, reading is a form of self-care, and it’s vital to take care of yourself so you can show up fully for your family.
Conclusion
Being a mom doesn’t mean you have to give up your love of reading. With a few adjustments and creative time management, you can still enjoy books and make reading a rewarding part of your daily life.
After all, a happy mom makes a happy family! So, pick up that book and dive into a world that’s just for you.
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