Even those of us who love magazines may find it hard to keep up with all of our subscriptions. Factor in random magazines encountered out in the world (doctors’ offices, friends’ houses, coffeehouses, etc.) and reading time becomes even more critical. Here’s where I squeeze in extra reading time.

1) On planes. Remember when flight attendants distributed magazines at the beginning of flights? Those days are over–you’re lucky to find a copy of the airline’s own magazine now–so most of us bring our own. I generally stick with shelter mags for short hauls so I can enjoy the photos of gorgeous home interiors. For longer flights, I opt for two or three hefty titles.

2) At the gym. Or at home, if that’s where you hit the exercise bike or treadmill. I find that reading while riding makes it easier to ride faster and longer. You’ve heard of NPR driveway moments? I have bike moments when I have to pedal through to the end of a compelling story.

3) Intermission. Yeah, OK, who doesn’t think about reading during flights or while working out, but what about during intermission at performances? Instead of reading the program notes over and over again, take along a magazine (a thin one works best) to read during intermission.

4) The subway. Another obvious one, you’re thinking. Yes, for the ordinary commuter. For claustropobes such as myself, getting lost in a magazine is one of the only ways to get through subterranean travel.

5) With breakfast. Morning TV stinks, so why not a magazine while fueling up for the day and downing that all-important first cup?