Set a time for reading. Reading for fun is often one of the first activities to get pushed aside when life gets too busy. However, you can work a little reading into even the busiest schedule by planning ahead and making it a part of your daily routine. Set aside a specific, small amount of time (15-30 minutes) to read each day. Early in the morning with your coffee or right before bed are two good times to sneak in a quick read.
Choose the right book. When you're stressed, reading the right kind of book is important. Books that are depressing or difficult to read are often not good for relieving stress, no matter how interesting they are. If you don't look forward to reading a book, you won't do it. Choose a book that is in a genre you like or about a topic you're interested in. If you're reading a great but difficult book, put it aside and pick it back up when you're less stressed.
Think about the book and nothing else. Often, when reading while stressed, your mind can wander away from the book and back to the things stressing you out. If you find yourself doing this, remind yourself to focus on the book. If it keeps happening, try finding a more interesting book, as described in Step 2. Reading for a short amount of time, as described in Step 1, can also keep your mind from wandering.