Techniques for reading for longer periods of time and increasing your focus for longer periods of time
Techniques for reading for longer periods of time and increasing your focus for longer periods of time
Have you ever picked up a book and read a few pages before suddenly your mind starts to wander, your mind wanders off to something else, or you start to feel sleepy and have to put the book down? If so, you are not alone. This problem has happened to many people, including me in the past. But the good news is, it can be fixed!
Today I'm going to share a technique that I actually use that helps me read longer, focus longer, and most importantly, understand the content better. If you're ready, let's take a look!
1. Choose a time that suits your brain.
Different people have different brain activity times. Some people focus best in the morning, while others like to read at night. You need to observe yourself to find the times when you feel most refreshed and energized, and then use those times to your advantage.
Thought-provoking questions:
Have you ever noticed when you read a book and feel the most understanding?
Have you set aside that time for reading?
What you can apply:
Try reading at different times and note when you can focus best, then schedule your reading time.
2. Create a good reading environment
If you try to read in a noisy environment or in a place full of distractions such as your phone, laptop, or TV, it’s easy to lose focus. So create an environment conducive to reading, such as:
Turn off your phone's notification sounds or put your phone away from you.
Use appropriate lighting, not too dark or too bright.
Sit in a quiet place or turn on some soft music to help you focus.
Thought-provoking questions:
Are you reading in the right environment now?
Is there anything you can change to help you focus better?
What you can apply:
Try rearranging your desk or reading nook to create a comfortable and convenient reading spot.
3. Use the Pomodoro Technique: Read for 25 minutes, rest for 5 minutes.
Sitting and reading for long periods of time without taking breaks can cause brain fatigue and reduced focus. The "Pomodoro" technique is a way to help you read for longer without feeling tired.
How to use Pomodoro
Set a reading time of 25 minutes (or 45 minutes if you can handle it).
When the time is up, take a 5-minute break and stand up to stretch.
Repeat 3-4 times and rest for 15-30 minutes.
Thought-provoking questions:
Have you ever noticed how many minutes after reading you start to lose focus?
Have you tried taking some time off to reset your brain?
What you can apply:
Try Pomodoro for a day and see if you can study longer.
4. Read with purpose.
If you read without a goal, your mind will wander and you won't be able to grasp the main points. Try setting a goal before you read, such as:
How many pages will you finish reading today?
What information can I find in this book?
What should I take notes or summarize from what I read?
What should I take notes or summarize from what I read?
Every time you read a book, do you set goals?
How do you measure or record what you have read?
Things you can apply in your life:
Before you start reading, ask yourself, “What will I read for today?”
5. Practice taking notes and using the “teaching others” method.
Taking notes helps your brain make better connections between information, and if you can explain what you read to someone else, you really understand it.
Easy way to take notes:
Summarize in bullet points – write only the main points.
Write in your own language – don’t copy it directly, rewrite it in a way that is easy to understand.
Connect with what you already know – it will help you remember better.
Thought-provoking questions:
Have you ever tried teaching what you read to a friend?
Can you summarize what you have read in 3 sentences?
Things you can apply in your life:
Try telling your friends about it or write a blog/post to share your knowledge after you finish reading it.
Summary: Techniques for reading longer and focusing better and longer.
1. Choose the right time – Read when your mind is refreshed.
2. Create a good atmosphere – eliminate distractions around you
3. Use the Pomodoro Technique – Read in short bursts and take breaks.
4. Read with a purpose – Set a goal before reading every time.
5. Practice taking notes and teaching others – for deeper understanding
Finally, I would like you to ask yourself, “What is my intention in reading?” If you have a clear answer, you will find that reading is fun and you can read for longer without feeling burdened. What about you? What are some effective techniques? Please share! 📚✨
