Savoring Spare Moments :How I Developed A Rewarding Reading Habit

It’s so fulfilling to see myself develop another deeply rewarding habit lately. I used to be more reluctant to read—especially in English—because I thought I needed a big, uninterrupted block of time to fully concentrate. As a mother of two, it’s nearly impossible to carve out a quiet moment to settle into the right mindset for reading, like calmly sitting at a desk with no distractions.

That’s why learning how to switch between tasks and make the most of little pockets of free time became so important for me. To make reading more accessible, I decided to fire up my digital device and store my English books there. No matter where I am or when it is, I can simply open my mini iPad and pick up exactly where I left off—this makes it effortless to keep going.

I also let go of the ingrained belief that I couldn’t read seriously if I only had a few spare minutes. Now, I even squeeze in reading while I’m with my kids—if they’re playing by themselves and don’t need me, I jump right back into my digital book. Lately, I’ve been amazed at how many pages I can get through just by using these idle moments. I never expected to finish an entire English book cover to cover without a perfectly prepared reading environment.

Because my device is always at my fingertips, I can keep up my reading routine even when I’m commuting to the office, despite the train sometimes being packed. Of course, reading in English brings its own challenges, and I often come across unfamiliar phrases. To tackle this, I share my phone’s internet with my iPad, so I can quickly look up any tricky words that I can’t figure out from context clues.

I’ve also chosen a book that’s relevant to my daily life, which helps me stay motivated. Right now, I’m reading The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read (and Your Children Will Be Glad That You Did). It’s incredibly inspiring and has broadened my perspective on building a healthy, empathetic relationship with my kids—teaching me how to decode their seemingly inconvenient behaviors and shift my mindset about parenting.

Initially, I had to adjust to the author’s writing style. Unknown phrases popped up all over the place, but I pushed through and gradually got the hang of them. Every author has their own favorite vocabulary, so after enough exposure to certain expressions, I naturally started remembering them. These days, reading also serves as a mini-escape whenever I feel frustrated. Even a short reading break helps me detach from negative emotions and come back refreshed and ready to face new challenges on my parenting journey.

All in all, this habit has proven to be profoundly helpful, not only for improving my English but also for refreshing my mind whenever life gets hectic. By making the most of every spare minute and staying motivated with relevant content, I believe I can keep this reading routine alive for years to come.