I used to love Read fiction, memoirs and great stories. Curling up with a good book at the end of a long day or at the weekend felt like breathing for my soul. For a while, there was so much comfort in slipping into a good story.
But then my life changed. The baby has arrived. We stepped into foster care. And everything started to feel like just… a lot.
After saying goodbye to the sweet baby I was raising in 2020, the story I once loved felt heavy. My sadness calmed deeply. And slowly, really unaware, I stopped reaching for the book and instead began reaching for my phone.
At first it felt harmless. I was checking my email. I’ll post it on Instagram. I’ve seen some Instagram stories and videos on Tiktok. However, each night the scrolling went longer. And reading? It faded into the background.
I kept telling myself I didn’t have time to read. But the truth? I did There’s time. I was just spending on things that didn’t meet me.
Somewhere along the way, I forgot how much joy it took to read to bring me. A way that beautifully written novels and biography can froth me and refresh my spirit. And I missed it. I missed it she – A girl who found joy and inspiration on a good story page.
Turning Point: One Small Change
Earlier this year, I knew something had to change. I was taking too long to scroll my phone, I was too late and I missed the peace and rest that reading brought me to – those quiet moments at the end of the day when I could just exhale and exhale Become.
So I made a simple commitment: I turn my phone off every night at 8pm. I wanted to be more intentional. Rather than being distracted by things that were drained and not distracted, I created space for those that had filled me.
I meaning Stick to that. I really did. But somehow, I continued to be pulled back. I tell myself I was going to check on just one simple thing…and 5 minutes changed to 30. Scroll without even thinking – thumb scrolling, mind buzz, soul fatigue.
Eventually I realized I needed help. That’s when I discovered it Opal App.
You can schedule downtime for your app. And the best part? You can set it you can’t Override. I set the social media app to turn off at 8:10pm, with no exceptions. And like that, the scrolling option disappeared.
There’s no more “one more minute.” There is no more temptation. And honestly? It felt like that kind of relief. Just as I had finally given myself permission to rest again.
How 5 minutes changed everything
I made another small commitment with my phone turned off and the app locked down. With my sister’s encouragement, I decided to challenge myself to read for just five minutes each night.
I felt it was feasible for 5 minutes. There is no pressure. There are no long chapters. It resets a bit at the end of the day.
So I got the book I’ve been sitting on my nightstand for a while (Frozen river) And I calmed down. It was difficult at first. My mind continued to drift away – wondering what I was missing, what I needed to check, what I should do instead. However, knowing my phone was locked, I was able to continue to exist. I’m literally Could not Check it out even if I want.
So I continued doing that. Only 5 minutes.
And then something happened. That little 5 minute rhythm began to grow.
Five minutes have changed to 10…and 20. And now? Most nights you will find me curled up in the book for 20-30 minutes before going to bed.
The amazing benefits of scrolling to reading
Switching from Mindless Scroll to Deliberate Reading has not only given me a love for the story and love for inspiration. actually!
Here’s what I noticed after creating the switch:
- I’m going to go to bed early. No more scrolling to midnight. I’m closing my book, revealing the light and actually getting the sleep I’ve been craving.
- I sleep well. My mind is calm and not bustling with social media highlights. I’m not thinking about anyone else’s photos or the latest Tiktok controversy. I’m just peaceful.
- Our nights are calm and more connected. Instead of scrolling individually, Jesse and I spend more time talking, rewound and actually being there!
- My brain has more space. When I’m not cramming my mind with endless updates, I feel more inspirational and creative. I’m dreaming of projects again, and feel like I have time to think about new goals and actually pursue them.
- Our homes remain cleaner. Reducing time means cleaning up more time. It’s strange that there are 10 minutes of differences here and there.
But what’s most surprising? Replacing scrolling with reading is like reconnecting with a part of me that I forgot I missed. I jump into the story, laugh, and sometimes even hold my breath with good plot twists and turns. It’s like seeing old friends again after years.
My Word of the Year: The plug has been unplugged
I am learning more and more about the meaning of unplugging – not just from my phone, but from the distractions that separate me from what I love. I feel it’s very good to prioritize what I love again.
Recently finished Frozen river and One good thing And I’m reading now Frederick Fife’s Borrowed Life. I have loved each in my own way…and I have begun to create a long list of other books I can’t wait to read. That motivated me to read more!
Want to get your night back?
If you too want to get back the evening, here’s a way to start!
1. Set a hard boundary
Choose the time to turn off your phone – 8:10pm worked for me, but find out what works for you.
2. Get accountability
Highly recommended Opal App. It shuts down your app at a certain time and you cannot overwrite it (if you set it up like that). It’s the best kind of tough love.
If you want to try the Opal app, You can get a 30-day free trial here!
3. Start small
I’ll commit fair 5 minutes Read every night. Choose something fun, light or adventurous – whatever turns the page.
4. Create a cozy space
You can light a candle, grab a cozy blanket, drink tea, or make it a ritual you’re looking forward to.
5. Celebrating a small victory
Celebrate your sticking to this new habit even in just five minutes! (And you’ll see that, perhaps, just like me, five minutes will quickly change to 10 or 20 minutes!)
If you’re telling yourself you don’t have time to read, I recommend looking at where your time is actually heading. I realized I had plenty of time to read. Stop scrolling every night before going to bed!
You might find it too do There is time for what brings joy to you. You need to remove it long enough to notice.
If you want a full story about how I made this life-giving change and how you could do it, I’ve shared it in all podcast episodes: Difficult truths learned from a month using the Opal app.
You might like it too:
- My words of the year for 2025 (and true honesty about what I’m struggling with!)
- 40 books read in 2024
- Six books read in March
- Five recently completed books
- 25 books you should read this summer
- How to find more time to read – even when life is busy
- How our screen detox led to a calm and happy home and a screen-free summer
What are the best tips to make time to read? Share them in the comments! And I’d like to hear the recommendations from a must-read book!
Free Summer Reading Challenge Printable Pack!
Sign up below to get you Free Summer Reading Pack This includes 25 books to read this summer, tips on how to read more, tracker/checklist reading and more!
Source: Money Saving Mom® – moneysavingmom.com
