5 Tips for Finding Time to Read as an Adult This Fall
There’s something about fall that just begs you to slow down. The crisp air, cozy blankets, and steaming mugs of our favorite hot drinks. It’s basically the universe handing you an excuse to curl up with a good book, not that we ever need a reason.
But let’s be honest, adulting doesn’t exactly pause for pumpkin spice season. Between work, family, grocery runs, and endless laundry, finding time to read as an adult can feel like a luxury. That’s where we come in! Whether you’re trying to reclaim your reading habit or simply want a little more “me time,” we’ve rounded up five simple, feel-good tips to help you read more this autumn and maybe even finish that book you’ve been “currently reading” since last fall. You are definitely in for a treat as our Adult Book Subscription Boxes are the perfect way to keep that reading momentum going with a surprise twist (and treats to unwrap as you read!)
5 Simple Ways to Make Time for Reading This Fall
Embrace Short, Intentional Reading Sessions
Repeat after us: it doesn’t have to be an hour to count. One of the biggest fall reading tips for busy adults is to let go of the idea that reading needs to happen in large chunks. A focused 10–15 minute session, while your coffee brews or before bed, can work wonders for your reading routine.
Studies have shown that scheduling short bursts of deep focus helps improve consistency and motivation. Try the Pomodoro Technique: set a timer for 25 minutes of reading and give yourself a small reward afterward (check out our past bookish products for the ultimate spoil). To help keep track of your reading goals and wins, download our OUABC Reading Journal (Digital). It’s perfect for logging progress and planning cozy fall reads.
Pair Reading with Autumn Rituals
Fall is all about rituals: lighting your favorite candle, wrapping up in a blanket, sipping something warm. So why not make reading part of the ritual? Pair your next chapter with our deliciously scented Southern Gothic Apple Candle and snuggle into the beautifully soft Pieces of the Past Round Blanket. Instant fall reading mood: activated.
Treat your reading time the same way you would a skincare routine or your morning coffee, non-negotiable and just for you. And if you want the ultimate cozy combo, our Adult Book Box delivers an exciting read and surprise gifts straight to your door. You bring the tea, and we’ll bring the literary magic.
Trade a Scroll for a Story
We’ve all been there: you sit down to rest for “just five minutes,” open social media...and suddenly it’s dark outside. Reclaim that time by choosing a chapter over a scroll. Replacing even one scroll session with a story can add up to hours of extra reading time each week.
It’s not just about reading more; it’s about being intentional with your time and choosing activities that actually bring you joy. Research shows that screen fatigue contributes to stress and decision fatigue, while reading is a proven mood booster and stress reliever. So the next time your thumb reaches for TikTok, try reaching for your book instead. You might just fall back in love with the feeling of turning pages.
Schedule a Weekly Reading Night
Let’s be real: if it’s not on the calendar, it’s not happening. Treat your reading like a standing date, pencil in a weekly reading night where the only thing on your to-do list is to lose yourself in a book. It doesn’t matter if it’s a Tuesday night in sweatpants or a Saturday afternoon on the couch. Set the mood with your coziest throw, and that book you’ve been meaning to read since July. Make it special. Make it yours. Our Reading for Self-Care blog is packed with ideas to turn reading into your new favorite fall self-care ritual.
Use a Book Box to Stay Motivated
Sometimes the hardest part of reading as an adult is simply deciding what to read next. That’s where Once Upon a Book Club truly shines. Our Ready-to-Ship Adult Book Boxes come with a newly released novel and several carefully selected gifts that are only opened at specific page numbers.
It’s like a treasure hunt for grown-ups. Every gift is designed to bring the story to life, helping you stay excited and engaged all the way through. It’s the motivation boost you didn’t know you needed, and trust us, it works. You’ll find yourself carving out extra time just to get to the next surprise. Reading becomes an experience again, not just a checkbox.
Reading as a Seasonal Reset
Fall is the perfect time for a mindset shift. With routines settling in and the holidays still a few weeks away, it’s a chance to reset and reconnect with yourself, your goals, and yes, your bookshelf. Reading isn’t just a hobby; it’s a powerful way to lower stress, increase focus, and boost your overall well-being. Want to take your seasonal self-care one step further? The Self-Love Box features The Midnight Library by Matt Haig and thoughtful gifts to help you relax, recharge, and reconnect with yourself. It’s your gentle reminder that you deserve joy and quiet moments, especially during this busy season.
Turn the Page on a New Season
Reading as an adult doesn’t have to be hard, and it definitely shouldn’t feel like a chore. By adding a few intentional moments to your fall schedule, you’ll rediscover the joy of getting lost in a story. Whether it’s a 10-minute morning read, a full-blown Friday night book date, or the magic of unwrapping gifts as you turn the page, reading can fit into your life in beautiful, meaningful ways.
And with our Adult Book Subscription Boxes, it’s easier (and cozier) than ever. You don’t need hours, you just need a book, a blanket, and a little bit of you time. We would love to hear how your reading journey is going. Make sure to tag us with your progress. Happy reading from all of us at Once Upon a Book Club!
Sources
Newport, C. (2013, December 21). Deep habits: The importance of planning every minute of your work day. Study Hacks – Cal Newport Blog. Retrieved from https://calnewport.com/deep-habits-the-importance-of-planning-every-minute-of-your-work-day
Todoist Team. (2025). The Pomodoro Technique — Why it works & how to do it. Todoist. Retrieved from https://www.todoist.com/productivity-methods/pomodoro-technique
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