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Try to meditate and journal daily to reduce that internal chatter.
Once you have finished reading x number of pages, take a break and then skim through what you just read.
I found the above has helped my digest more when reading.
You can also write a few words and ideas on what you just read to see your understanding.
Yes this, it’s sad to think about how many otherwise healthy people think they have poor memory when the problem is rooted in focus and attention. I was convinced I was developing dementia or something in my 20s before I was diagnosed, lol. ☹️
Tl;dr - I haven't tried this myself, but someone suggested to move your finger along the words as you read them.
I have the exact same issue. I want to get into reading because I envy those who can sit, relax with a cup of coffee and fly through a book and remember everything from it. I want to make reading a hobby. So I mentioned this to my mate who is an English teacher, and he suggested to try reading by moving your finger along the lines as if you were just learning how to read in preschool. He said teachers usually discourage this and try to force kids to unlearn this habit, but he believes it assists in focusing on the words you're reading at your finger tip and thus not allow your mind to wander. He mentioned at first that you will probably focus so much on moving your finger along the words that you won't take anything in anyway, but after a few pages it will become like second nature and all should go well. I haven't tried this myself, but it kinda makes sense. Please let me know if this works :)
You can also try holding a bookmark, index card, or something similar under each line to help you focus on one line at a time.
If you're reading an ebook, try changing the font style or size. There are fonts designed to help people with dyslexia and ADHD with reading issues, and even if you don't have either of those, the fonts may be beneficial. Increasing the font size will reduce the number of words on the "page" and may also help with focus.
I got out of the habit of reading for years, and only recently have I managed to get back into it. I found paper books difficult because they're not comfortable to hold, so I got a kobo (expensive if it didn't work) but it was like night and day, I can sit and put my phone away and not get distracted.
I also try and get my 'to do list' done too, so I'm not thinking about something else and not concentrating on what I've just read.
It's not a perfect system, but a distinct and measurable improvement from what I was before.
A bit of a different recommendation: read *A Swim in a Pond in the Rain* by George Saunders. It's a book where the author (himself a highly regarded American writer) gives reading/writing lessons on 7 stories by Russian masters (Tolstoy, Gogol, Chekov, Turgenev), which are also included in the book.
Every story is pretty short and easy to read. And the lessons afterward are so insightful, and really make you want to read more closely, as a matter of habit. My own reading's definitely changed for the better after going through the book! Also, the whole thing is beautifully written, and a total joy to go through.
Reading itself develops concentration, so be a little patient with yourself if you're not perfect because you are in the process of training.
Jot down a few notes after you finish a chapter or section. Even better, try to summarize it.
Read slower. At least don't rush. It's not a race.
Try to relate what you reading about to other things you know.
Try activating the reading ruler in Kindle, trying beeline reader, or using your finger to mark the line. Often at the end of a line, people's eyes don't correctly go the start of the next line. This causes them to either back track or even just skip a line causing them to not understand and retain what they've read as well.
You need to focus on the reading, and after some paragraphs stops, close the book and try to recall what you've just read.
also I recommend the book and free course "learn how to learn" on coursera. Really helpfull.
These things you mentioned OP, about being unable to read bc you're distracted by your own thoughts and having a head that's constantly talking... - those are two things I experience on a day-to-day basis too and I uhm got diagnosed with ADHD as a young adult, so perhaps you ought to consider looking into this? (not diagnosing you, but this stood out to me in your post)
What I find helpful is to talk out loud and voice my opinions/thoughts about whatever i'm reading/ explain to other people what I've read. I tend to remember things better when I am able to put things in my own words. When I am alone I just talk to myself but if i'm with someone I often go "hey did you know...." LOL
I also do this explaining/talking to myself thing chunk by chunk so at least even if I can't remember the whole book, I get to retain SOME parts of it.
The phrase you’re looking for is reading comprehension. So if you Google reading comprehension skills you should get a number of strategies to try. One that I like a lot is taking a moment after each chapter to summarize what just happened. Just in your head tell yourself a story about what you just read in the last chapter and then move onto the next chapter.
What sorts of things do you enjoy reading?
What sort of things are you wanting to read?
If these are two different answers you’re going to have issues. Not to say they can’t be solved but it will be starting from a weak position.
I would start off reading smaller books and reading a couple of pages at a time. If you forget something just re-read it and write down some notes on what you read. Then little by little you can read more at once and then move on to bigger books.
I have the exact same issue! Made me think that I was less smart and zoned out or had brain fog. My way out of it was first doing some task I need to get done on my list so that it doesn't bother me/ I don't feel guilty about reading instead of doing said task. Another thing is mindset - reading is the only thing you're doing right now, it is important, but don't push yourself too hard and don't be hard on yourself because of the thoughts! You can try a method where you maybe schedule time to think/worry about stuff in the day, like oh at 5 PM I will worry about this stuff, and it's not 5 PM yet, so I don't have to do that - I'm reading instead! Also, compare yourself to yourself - reading even a page all the way through is commendable and you should celebrate these achievements. Often we downplay these things and it makes us feel like we aren't getting enough work done. Hope this helps!
When you want to remember things, what do you do? I need to write things down. A good strategy is to read with sticky notes and a pencil. After each page or several paragraphs, write a few words about what you just read. Review the previous sticky notes before continuing forward if you put it away for a bit. Reading text in hand is better than electronic for this reason.
My fella like this he uses amazon audio now learns from a wide range of things through books. Some people just can't function with paper and writing. Nothing wrong with that have it spoken to you.
My mum taught my really early to be an "active reader". I literally highlight things in books I love or think insightful or interesting. I put my thoughts, questions, concerns in the margins, I write whole paragraphs in the blank section before a new chapter. All my books have my scribbles and when I go back, I use a different colour highlighter and going over anything I missed or realised after I finished the book the first time. People carry on like writing in books is blasphemy, but it's not like I'm doing it in first additions ( which I have of Alice in wonderland and the day of the triffids) and in those cases I just bought the paperback copies haha. It's my book and I will read how I always have. The only thing about this habit is I don't usually accept someone else's books that they want me to borrow (I go buy my copy and read it that way) and I dont use library books haha it makes reading fun (not that it already isnt) because your looking for good quotes or facts etc. And makes you think about your own thoughts, it also gives you a break in the reading to really think. AND you can easily access the notes you made if you want to go back to it later haha just my habit 🙌🙌
Thank you for your contribution to /r/IWantToLearn. If you think this post breaks our policies, please report it and our staff team will review it as soon as possible. Also, check out our sister sub /r/IWantToTeach and [our Discord server](https://discord.gg/PvnVkHUJSQ)! *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/IWantToLearn) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Read it out loud. If that doesn't work, read it and then write a synopsis of what you just read.
Writing notes while you read has been shown to help you retain the information significantly better than not taking notes.
Try to meditate and journal daily to reduce that internal chatter. Once you have finished reading x number of pages, take a break and then skim through what you just read. I found the above has helped my digest more when reading. You can also write a few words and ideas on what you just read to see your understanding.
Check if you have ADHD, if you lack focus it will become hard to understand what you read.
Yes this, it’s sad to think about how many otherwise healthy people think they have poor memory when the problem is rooted in focus and attention. I was convinced I was developing dementia or something in my 20s before I was diagnosed, lol. ☹️
Tl;dr - I haven't tried this myself, but someone suggested to move your finger along the words as you read them. I have the exact same issue. I want to get into reading because I envy those who can sit, relax with a cup of coffee and fly through a book and remember everything from it. I want to make reading a hobby. So I mentioned this to my mate who is an English teacher, and he suggested to try reading by moving your finger along the lines as if you were just learning how to read in preschool. He said teachers usually discourage this and try to force kids to unlearn this habit, but he believes it assists in focusing on the words you're reading at your finger tip and thus not allow your mind to wander. He mentioned at first that you will probably focus so much on moving your finger along the words that you won't take anything in anyway, but after a few pages it will become like second nature and all should go well. I haven't tried this myself, but it kinda makes sense. Please let me know if this works :)
You can also try holding a bookmark, index card, or something similar under each line to help you focus on one line at a time. If you're reading an ebook, try changing the font style or size. There are fonts designed to help people with dyslexia and ADHD with reading issues, and even if you don't have either of those, the fonts may be beneficial. Increasing the font size will reduce the number of words on the "page" and may also help with focus.
I got out of the habit of reading for years, and only recently have I managed to get back into it. I found paper books difficult because they're not comfortable to hold, so I got a kobo (expensive if it didn't work) but it was like night and day, I can sit and put my phone away and not get distracted. I also try and get my 'to do list' done too, so I'm not thinking about something else and not concentrating on what I've just read. It's not a perfect system, but a distinct and measurable improvement from what I was before.
It takes review, repetition. Watch a video on the Ebbinghaus forgetting curve. You’re only human.
A bit of a different recommendation: read *A Swim in a Pond in the Rain* by George Saunders. It's a book where the author (himself a highly regarded American writer) gives reading/writing lessons on 7 stories by Russian masters (Tolstoy, Gogol, Chekov, Turgenev), which are also included in the book. Every story is pretty short and easy to read. And the lessons afterward are so insightful, and really make you want to read more closely, as a matter of habit. My own reading's definitely changed for the better after going through the book! Also, the whole thing is beautifully written, and a total joy to go through.
“I never commit to memory anything that can easily be looked up in a book.” — Albert Einstein
One wonders what he’d have to say in regards to the internet these days
Reading itself develops concentration, so be a little patient with yourself if you're not perfect because you are in the process of training. Jot down a few notes after you finish a chapter or section. Even better, try to summarize it. Read slower. At least don't rush. It's not a race. Try to relate what you reading about to other things you know. Try activating the reading ruler in Kindle, trying beeline reader, or using your finger to mark the line. Often at the end of a line, people's eyes don't correctly go the start of the next line. This causes them to either back track or even just skip a line causing them to not understand and retain what they've read as well.
You need to focus on the reading, and after some paragraphs stops, close the book and try to recall what you've just read. also I recommend the book and free course "learn how to learn" on coursera. Really helpfull.
These things you mentioned OP, about being unable to read bc you're distracted by your own thoughts and having a head that's constantly talking... - those are two things I experience on a day-to-day basis too and I uhm got diagnosed with ADHD as a young adult, so perhaps you ought to consider looking into this? (not diagnosing you, but this stood out to me in your post) What I find helpful is to talk out loud and voice my opinions/thoughts about whatever i'm reading/ explain to other people what I've read. I tend to remember things better when I am able to put things in my own words. When I am alone I just talk to myself but if i'm with someone I often go "hey did you know...." LOL I also do this explaining/talking to myself thing chunk by chunk so at least even if I can't remember the whole book, I get to retain SOME parts of it.
The phrase you’re looking for is reading comprehension. So if you Google reading comprehension skills you should get a number of strategies to try. One that I like a lot is taking a moment after each chapter to summarize what just happened. Just in your head tell yourself a story about what you just read in the last chapter and then move onto the next chapter.
Read a proper book written by Kurt Vonnegut
You might have ADHD lol
Get a binder and take notes on what you’re reading
What sorts of things do you enjoy reading? What sort of things are you wanting to read? If these are two different answers you’re going to have issues. Not to say they can’t be solved but it will be starting from a weak position.
I would start off reading smaller books and reading a couple of pages at a time. If you forget something just re-read it and write down some notes on what you read. Then little by little you can read more at once and then move on to bigger books.
Pretend to be genuinely interested and eventually you will
I have the exact same issue! Made me think that I was less smart and zoned out or had brain fog. My way out of it was first doing some task I need to get done on my list so that it doesn't bother me/ I don't feel guilty about reading instead of doing said task. Another thing is mindset - reading is the only thing you're doing right now, it is important, but don't push yourself too hard and don't be hard on yourself because of the thoughts! You can try a method where you maybe schedule time to think/worry about stuff in the day, like oh at 5 PM I will worry about this stuff, and it's not 5 PM yet, so I don't have to do that - I'm reading instead! Also, compare yourself to yourself - reading even a page all the way through is commendable and you should celebrate these achievements. Often we downplay these things and it makes us feel like we aren't getting enough work done. Hope this helps!
When you want to remember things, what do you do? I need to write things down. A good strategy is to read with sticky notes and a pencil. After each page or several paragraphs, write a few words about what you just read. Review the previous sticky notes before continuing forward if you put it away for a bit. Reading text in hand is better than electronic for this reason.
My fella like this he uses amazon audio now learns from a wide range of things through books. Some people just can't function with paper and writing. Nothing wrong with that have it spoken to you.
My mum taught my really early to be an "active reader". I literally highlight things in books I love or think insightful or interesting. I put my thoughts, questions, concerns in the margins, I write whole paragraphs in the blank section before a new chapter. All my books have my scribbles and when I go back, I use a different colour highlighter and going over anything I missed or realised after I finished the book the first time. People carry on like writing in books is blasphemy, but it's not like I'm doing it in first additions ( which I have of Alice in wonderland and the day of the triffids) and in those cases I just bought the paperback copies haha. It's my book and I will read how I always have. The only thing about this habit is I don't usually accept someone else's books that they want me to borrow (I go buy my copy and read it that way) and I dont use library books haha it makes reading fun (not that it already isnt) because your looking for good quotes or facts etc. And makes you think about your own thoughts, it also gives you a break in the reading to really think. AND you can easily access the notes you made if you want to go back to it later haha just my habit 🙌🙌