The Power of Reading in a Busy Life (And the Book I Cannot Stop Thinking About)

As a toddler mom and someone running an online business, I know firsthand how our days can disappear into a blur of responsibilities. From wiping little faces to answering emails, there’s always something that needs to be done. And when you haven't had a warm meal in months, anything that feels like leisure often gives the illusions of a luxury we can't afford. Reading, especially, tends to slip to the bottom of the to-do list. Life feels full with the constant demands of parenting, working, and keeping everything (and everyone) afloat.

But here’s what I’ve learned: reading is one of the most powerful forms of self-care and mental enrichment we have. It’s a chance to pause, refocus, and breathe. It reminds us that we matter, too—that our minds deserve stimulation beyond laundry lists and deadlines. Don't forget the example we are setting for our children when they see us reading and nurturing ourselves. How can we expect them to love books if we don't take the time to show them we love them too?

And it doesn’t have to take hours. Just 10 minutes of reading—whether it’s a few pages before bed or listening to an audiobook while folding laundry. This can completely reset your mood, shift your mindset, and change the tone of your day.

It's a tool for growth, mindset shifts, and even emotional clarity. Whether you’re building a brand, raising little ones, or simply trying to stay grounded in the chaos of everyday life, the benefits of reading extend far beyond the page.

Let’s break it down:

1. Sharpens Your Mind

Reading stimulates your brain and improves memory, helping you stay mentally agile. But beyond that, it expands your perspective. Which is critical in both business and life. Every book holds the potential to challenge your thinking and expose you to new ways of seeing the world. One thing I always say is: we can’t do better until we know better—and reading helps us know better.

2. Reduces Stress

Getting lost in a great story helps you unplug and decompress. But it’s not just about escaping. Sometimes, books offer clarity about our own relationships, struggles, and healing. They can help us understand the “why” behind someone’s behavior or bring peace to something we've carried for too long.

3. Improves Focus

Let’s face it—our attention spans are under attack. With social media, and YouTube shorts our brains are being fed things that threaten our attention span daily. Reading retrains your brain to focus. It fuels your imagination and helps connect ideas that may have previously felt scattered. It’s one of the best ways to reclaim mental space.

4. Boosts Vocabulary & Communication

If you’re a content creator, coach, or someone who communicates often in your work, reading is your secret weapon. Exposure to language through books naturally sharpens your writing and helps you express your thoughts more clearly and confidently.

5. Strengthens Empathy

Books allow us to step into someone else’s shoes—and sometimes, we see our own stories reflected in those characters. This emotional awareness helps us navigate motherhood, partnerships, and leadership with more compassion and confidence.

6. Builds Knowledge & Confidence

Whether it’s history, psychology, personal development, or fiction, every book teaches us something. That knowledge adds up and gives you a well of insight to pull from—both personally and professionally.

7. Improves Sleep (with Physical Books)

If you’re struggling with winding down at night, try reading a physical book before bed. It signals your brain that it’s time to rest, and unlike screens, it won’t disrupt your sleep cycle.

8. Encourages Self-Discipline

Setting a small goal—like reading 10 minutes a day—may feel like a drop in the bucket, but it compounds faster than you think. You might be surprised how quickly you finish that book. And each small win builds confidence and consistency, both of which are essential in business and life.

9. Inspires & Motivates

Sometimes, all it takes is one line, one story, or one character’s breakthrough to light a fire in your own life. Books have the power to nudge you into growth, reflection, or even a complete mindset shift. And when you’re building something meaningful—like a business or a family—that internal inspiration matters.

If you're thinking, "This all sounds amazing, but I seriously don’t have time to sit down with a book," trust me—I get it. That’s exactly how I felt. Between chasing a toddler, running my business, and keeping up with life in general, quiet reading time just wasn’t happening.

That’s when I turned to Audible and honestly, I was surprised by how doable it made reading feel again.

Now I listen to books while I’m driving, folding laundry, cleaning up toys, or cooking dinner. It’s turned all those little pockets of time in my day into something that feels productive but also enjoyable. The narrators are incredible, too. It feels like someone is telling me a story, like a mix between a podcast and a movie. I get completely pulled in.

So if you're in a busy season where physical books just aren’t realistic, please know this: audiobooks count. They’re not a shortcut or a compromise—they’re just another way to grow, learn, and enjoy great stories.

Start small. Try a chapter here or there. You’ll be surprised how quickly the books add up without having to change your day to day routine at all.

If you’re looking for your first (or next) audiobook, let me recommend one that completely pulled me in: Allegedly by Tiffany D. Jackson. This book is intense, heartbreaking, and honestly, unforgettable. I was on edge until the very last line.

The story follows Mary, a teenage girl who was convicted of killing a 3-month-old baby when she was just nine years old. The case made headlines, the media tore her apart, and she’s been living with the consequences ever since. But as the story unfolds, you realize there’s so much more beneath the surface.

Mary’s mother—unstable, controlling, and battling serious mental health issues, was the one watching the baby that night. She ultimately blamed Mary, believing the system would go easier on a child. And just like that, Mary was labeled a murderer before she even understood what was happening.

As Mary fights for her future, the book dives deep into themes of injustice, trauma, survival, and identity. It forces you to question everything you think you know about guilt, the legal system, and the power of a mother’s influence for better or worse.

The audiobook version is phenomenal. The narrator brings so much emotion to Mary’s voice that I often forgot I was listening, it felt like she was living it. I was fully immersed, and even now, I can’t stop thinking about her story.

You don’t need hours of free time or a stack of books on your nightstand to become a reader again. Whether you’re diving into a paperback, flipping through your Kindle, or pressing play on Audible, what matters is that you’re making space for stories, knowledge, and growth.

Start small. Stay curious. Keep learning.

And if you do give Allegedly a listen, let me know what you think—I’d love to hear your thoughts.