Finding it hard to read?

This could be the result of spending too much time on your smartphone. Recent studies have shown that smartphone use has changed the way our brains work, affecting our ability to concentrate. This decline is caused by overstimulation caused by the amount of content we consume. Not only do we get too much information online, we’ve also shortened our attention spans. We now feel a need for constant stimulation. That’s why we jump from one content to another and also multitask — we react to social media posts or check notifications even while scrolling through YouTube or while on a call.

It’s no wonder everyone is finding it harder to read, since reading requires focus and concentration.

If I’ve just described you, here are a few ways that could help you get over your phone addiction, get your focus back, and read more:

1. Keep your phone in another room

   Before you start reading, get your phone as far away from you as possible. Avoid other distractions such as the TV, unfinished tasks, or even other people. If you can’t part from your phone, or need it nearby, turn off notifications – either completely, or set it to “Do Not Disturb” – so you don’t hear tempting message dings. As someone who downloads and reads books on their phone, I’ve found that disabling notifications greatly improved my focus, whether I was reading or not. Another option is to set times to check your phone. You can do it after reading a chapter or two, or schedule it at certain times of the day, perhaps before or after dinner time.

2. Get a really good book

   There is nothing better at sustaining your focus than a well-written story, or reading a topic that you really like. So, choose a book that’s either a classic or one that matches your interests. If you need suggestions, check the Community Resources below. Also, get the physical book when you can. Opening the book, smelling the paper, and turning the pages – these are signals that can boost dopamine. This is a hormone and neurotransmitter created in our brain that plays a role in how we feel pleasure and rewards. These sensory cues enhance your reading, making it more enjoyable and something you’ll look forward to doing regularly.

3. Make it enjoyable and set goals

   Aside from paying attention to sensory cues, create your own reading ritual. Set up a cozy, well-lit nook, and, if possible, read in the same spot at the same time each day. Make the routine enjoyable by brewing tea or coffee, lighting a scented candle, or keeping a warm blanket nearby. These consistent cues signal to your brain that it’s time to read.

   Set a reading goal — whether it’s a certain number of pages or chapters, or a specific amount of time. For example, you might aim to read 10-15 pages per day, or for an hour after dinner or before bedtime.

4. Fix your focus

   While reading, you might find your attention shifting or get the urge to reach for your phone. Resist the urge to multitask, as it will make it harder to refocus on your book. Instead, when your mind wanders, jot down your thoughts. Even if your attention shifts, what you’re thinking about is likely connected to what you’re reading. Make note-taking easy by having a notebook and pen nearby. You can also choose to write on the margins of the book (just don’t do it if it’s a library book!). You can write down new vocabulary, track characters or places, or record any interesting thoughts. Do this whenever your attention wanders, then return to reading right away.

5. Don’t forget audiobooks

   If you’re still unenthusiastic about reading, don’t forget audiobooks, movies, and TV shows. These can be great gateways to building a reading habit. For example, a friend of mine loved the Harry Potter movies so much that he decided to read one of the books to compare it to the film. Turns out the book was the better version, which led him to read the rest of the books in the series. In the process, he got hooked on reading and has since become a fan of the fantasy and science fiction genre.

   Good TV shows and movies often feature excellent writing with compelling storylines and thought-provoking dialogue. They inspire us and leave us wanting more.

Lastly, don’t beat yourself up if you’re not developing the habit as quickly as you’d like. Good habits take time to develop. Just keep reading!

 
Sources: How to put your phone down and get back into habit of reading books, Sarah Phillips, The Guardian; How I put my phone down and learned to read books again, Mike Rampton, inews; How smartphones weaken attention spans in children and adults, Ignacio Blanco-Alfonso and Maria Solano Altaba, The Conversation; and Fix your focus so you can read more, Merphy Napier. Accessed October 14, 2024.