Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 2: Concentration
• Method 2 of 2: Active reading
• Tips

Even the most avid readers sometimes find it difficult to focus on the book - either because of lack of mood, or because of the boringness of the book itself. However, there are ways to overpower yourself in these difficult moments, including measures to improve your mindfulness and more active interaction with the text.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Concentration

1. 1 Turn off all appliances. One of the main obstacles to concentration in the modern world is the constant temptation to surf the Internet and correspond with acquaintances. A distracting notification on your phone can take up your reading time, make you lose space, or forget what’s going on in the book. Turn off your phone and computer. Move to another room where they will not bother you.
2. 2 Buy noise canceling headphones. It is natural for us to be distracted by loud noise and bright light - a relic of the past, when people needed to remain in constant tension in case of predators. To avoid possible hiccups, try to drown out unexpected noises. Earplugs are fine for this, but most people still prefer earplugs.
   • If you are reading with headphones, make sure that the music coming from them does not distract you either. Everything, of course, depends on the person, but the most optimal music is considered to be a quiet and rather monotonous melody without words.
3. 3 Meditate. Meditation has been shown to expand those parts of the brain that are involved in conscious concentration. As you meditate, try focusing on one thing, preferably your breathing, and isolating yourself from the rest of the world. Spend a few minutes a day with this activity to improve your concentration, and spend about a minute before reading to set yourself up for a productive mood.
4. 4 Sit down. You may prefer to read while lying down, but in this position it will be difficult for you to stay awake. Maintain good posture. Sit up straight. Keep your knees parallel to your hips. Place both feet on the floor.
   • One study found that students sitting upright performed better on tests than those who were slouched over. Good posture will allow you to better focus on the task at hand and will also prevent back aches and pains from sitting hunched over a book.
5. 5 Refuel with caffeine. Caffeine will help you focus, replenish your energy and keep you awake. It can even ease the difficulty concentrating caused by ADHD. If coffee is not to your liking, replace it with green tea (at the same time, you will avoid an overdose of caffeine). However, a cup of coffee should do the trick.
   • Caffeine is most effective when it is not overused. Ideally, you should consume one dose of caffeine a day when you need to focus most.
6. 6 See a psychiatrist. If you have regular reading problems, this could indicate that you have ADHD. Seek help from a psychiatrist and be honest about your symptoms. If your doctor confirms that you have ADHD, he or she will likely prescribe medication to increase your attention.
   • Before going to a psychiatrist, do not try to diagnose yourself. Suggestion can be powerful enough. You can convince yourself that you are experiencing ADHD symptoms and thereby distort the psychiatrist's observations.

Method 2 of 2: Active reading

1. 1 Determine why you are reading. Having a goal will help you focus better.Perhaps you want to find the answer to a specific question? If you are reading a work of fiction, ask yourself what its main message is. If you are a student of history, ask how it matters today. If you're reading for a class, think about what your teacher would like to know. Try to answer all of these questions as you read.
2. 2 Emphasize or highlight important points. Once you know what you are looking for, check off whatever you find. Underline or highlight text of significance. This will allow you to find it in the future, as well as wonder about the most important parts of the book.
   • Be selective. If you emphasize everything, you will not be able to focus on the most important.
3. 3 Take notes. When you come across an important concept, add a short note to the text in the margins. This will allow you to remember these concepts and leave notes for yourself, which you can return to later. A short note should be enough to interact with the text without taking a lot of time.
4. 4 Rephrase the headings. Headings are a great clue to what the text is about. Pay special attention to them. Rephrase them into a question and try to answer it as you read the chapter.
   • For example, if the headline says, "Attitude of the Founding Fathers to Government," ask yourself, "How did the Founding Fathers feel about government?"
5. 5 At the end of the chapter, stop and think. Most people are able to maintain an optimal level of attention for fifty minutes, which means that you shouldn't underestimate the importance of taking regular breaks. The end of a chapter is a great place to take a break, as this is where the main point usually ends. Add a couple of notes at the end of the chapter describing the main ideas and / or events. Relax for 5-10 minutes.
   • During the break, do something enjoyable, such as a cup of hot chocolate or a short game. This will help you gather your strength and finish the chapter.
6. 6 Use your finger. To avoid losing space and concentration while reading, slide your finger over the text. Place your finger directly under the line you are currently reading. This is only necessary if you find it difficult to remember the place where you left off.
7. 7 Read aloud. If you're still having trouble concentrating, try reading aloud. This will help you digest information better and are less likely to lose concentration or fall asleep.

Tips

• Try other genres. Don't read books of the same genre, add some newness to your bookshelf. You might be surprised at your new preferences. If you're unsure of your tastes, check out the New York Times bestseller list to find out which books are the most popular right now.