How to improve your focus while reading

Let’s face it—reading is one of the most rewarding habits, even when the book isn’t exactly gripping. You set aside an hour each day to read, but every time you sit down, your mind starts to wander. Maybe you get bored or there's a notification on your phone that piques your interest, and before you know it you've spent the whole hour scrolling through reels. Or, if you are like me, you fly through ten pages at lightning speed only to realise that you didn't really grasp what just happened. Now, you're back to rereading those pages.

Whatever the situation, the truth is our attention spans have declined drastically over the years. And for whatever reason, the book that a thirteen-year-old you would have wrapped up in a single night of huddling under bed sheets with a torchlight, now takes you weeks (or even months) to finish.

Do not dive headfirst into things. If you’re out of practice, begin with short articles, essays, or stories that interest you. And then gradually increase the length and difficulty of your reading material when you are confident enough. When it comes to reading times, even dedicating just 10 minutes a day to reading can help rekindle the habit and improve focus over time.

Choose reading material that excites you

Your interest in what you’re reading plays a huge role in retaining focus. Instead of forcing yourself to read "serious" or "important" books, pick topics, genres, or authors you genuinely enjoy. Don't let social media decide what you should read. Emily Brontë can stay in a corner; if Julia Quinn excites you, then take full joy in reading your favourite Bridgerton title.

Eliminate distractions

Your environment significantly impacts your ability to concentrate. Create a dedicated, quiet reading space. It need not be a room—just a table (or even a comfortable and well-lit side of a bed) works. Turn off notifications, put your phone on "Do Not Disturb," or leave it in another room. Or, if you are reading from your phone, keep only your e-reader outside your DND list. Distraction control apps like Forest can also help with this.

Set a reading ritual

Consistency is key to forming habits. Pair your reading with rituals like having a cup of tea or finding a cosy spot to make the experience enjoyable and relaxing. Again, relaxing is a keyword here. It's always difficult to keep your focus on a chore rather than a fun activity.

Mindfulness can significantly improve focus and retention while reading. When your mind starts to wander, gently bring it back to the text without judgment. You could also engage actively with the material by underlining, highlighting, or making notes. A tip that I often use when a paragraph is particularly difficult (especially when I'm reading an action scene) is to vocalise the text, slowly, to myself so that I understand what is going on.

Train your brain to focus

Your brain’s ability to focus improves with regular exercise. Practices like meditation, puzzles, and mindfulness activities can train your mind to concentrate for longer periods. You can also use the Pomodoro method to maintain your focus while taking adequate breaks—read for 25 minutes, then take a five-minute break before continuing.

Track and celebrate progress

Tracking your reading habits motivates you to stick with them. Maintain a reading journal or use apps like Goodreads to list the books you’ve read and want to explore. Give yourself a little treat every time you complete a chapter or two without distractions. After all, little wins, no matter how small, are worth acknowledging.

Lead image credit: Pexels 

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