Slow Days, Big Reflections 📚✨
It’s the week between Christmas and New Year’s, and we are fully embracing slow, lazy days over here — exactly what my body and soul need. I honestly think this stretch of the year is perfect for a digital detox, a closet clean-out, reviewing finances, writing goals, and reflecting on the year we’re closing out.
And speaking of the year… I read 67 books in 2021!
One of the questions I get asked most often — by friends, listeners, and honestly total strangers — is:
“But Dara, how do you have time to read so much?”
So today, I’m sharing exactly how. ❤️
Listen Here
Tip #1: Listen to Audiobooks 🎧
My number one biggest tip: audiobooks.
You would be shocked at how many books you can finish simply by listening while living your normal life.
For example, every day I take a 40–60 minute stroller walk with the kids. If I’m not on the phone with family, I’m listening to a book. I also listen while:
- Cooking or meal prepping
- Cleaning bathrooms
- Scrubbing toilets
- Scooping cat litter
- Driving to appointments
- Doing any of the million mundane household tasks
If you’re not already taking a daily walk, I highly recommend starting — it’s good for your body and your reading habit.
Tip #2: Read Before Bed 🌙
A close second: bedtime reading.
I keep a physical book on my nightstand and try to read for about 15 minutes before turning off the lights. Sometimes it’s more, sometimes I fall asleep after one page — but the point is the habit.
If the nightstand trick doesn’t work for you, try putting your book on your pillow so you have to physically move it when you get into bed. It’s a great cue to read, even for a few minutes.
And honestly? Reading before bed helps you unplug and fall asleep faster.
Tip #3: Turn Off Your Phone 📵
If your phone is next to you while you’re reading, you will get distracted. 100%. Every time.
Either silence your notifications or (my preference!) leave your phone in another room.
Yesterday is a perfect example:
I sat down to read during the kids’ nap time, phone next to me. I made it four pages before looking something up… and twenty minutes later, I was still on my phone, not even reading about the thing I meant to look up.
So yes: get your phone away from you. It makes a huge difference.
Tip #4: Take a Midday Reading Break ☕
If you can sneak away for a 20-minute coffee break at work, or if your kids have nap/quiet time in the afternoon, use that pocket of time to read.
There is something truly magical about a second cup of coffee and a book. Even 10–15 minutes makes a dent. All the tiny reading moments add up:
- 10 minutes here
- 5 minutes there
- 15 minutes later
- 20 minutes somewhere else
They compound beautifully.
Tip #5: Always Carry a Book (or E-Reader!) 📖
Life is full of waiting:
doctor’s offices, late friends, pedicures, oil changes, kid drop-offs, you name it.
If you always have a physical book, an e-reader, or your headphones for an audiobook, you can turn dead time into reading time.
This one habit alone changes everything.
Give Yourself Grace ❤️
I also want to encourage some gentleness. The friend I dedicated this episode to asked me recently how I read so much — and the honest answer is: I don’t read a lot every single day.
Sometimes it’s 5 minutes. Sometimes it’s 15. Sometimes I don’t read at all because life is bananas.
If reading 50 books next year is important to you, you’ll find small windows of time. But if you don’t make reading easy to access, it won’t happen. Grace is key.