Can't Concentrate On Reading

[Samuel Garcia]

I really struggle to focus whilst reading. I often have large paragraphs that I read than have no knowledge about that paragraph because I was daydreaming. I do mindfulness mediation 50 mins every day but this problem is still not going away. I have visited the doctor but it will take a few months for any action to occur -- they said to get counselling first but I don't really have any major problems at this stage of my life -- just that I can't focus on reading especially since I'm at university now. I find it difficult to read and sit still despite being about to sit still in meditation pretty easily. Help!

Have you had similar experiences? How have you got through this? Any advice appreciated.

[Elisabeth]

What are you reading? Does this apply to all topics, or perhaps specifically school stuff? Is the problem on a computer screen and in a book alike?

[Mercy]

@Samuel Garcia http://theinvisiblementor.com/einstein-distraction-index-a-method-of-deep-focus/

 

Also read everyday for a certain amount of time. You could start with 10 minutes and than increase it by 5 minutes every week but you MUST DO IT, if you start dont miss a day.

 

And last find a good position in which is comfortable for you to read. I prefer reading on a desk with a nice comfortable desk chair.

 

Hope this helped

 

 

Edited December 8, 2016 by Mercy

[Mr Here and Now]

Try Audible my friend, it's pricey, but Audiobooks are so much better. I find reading text after text VERY boring. With audiobooks, I can just sit down, focus and relax. Just don't try to do other stuff while listening. You can try Audible for free. I also think the narration gives life to the words.

[Samuel Garcia]

@Elisabeth It applies more to school stuff. I can read self-help with simple English a lot better than academic work (English is my first language)@Mr Here and Now So unfortunately Audible isn't an option here as they don't have the books I gotta read.

[Toby]

You could get a smartphone app for training speed reading or do some kind of kinesiological exercises (e.g. juggling) that focuses you and balances left- and right-brain.

Edit: I have that app and it's really good: http://www.heku-it.com/reading-trainer-app-android/

Edited December 8, 2016 by Toby

[Elisabeth]

6 hours ago, Samuel Garcia said:

@Elisabeth It applies more to school stuff. I can read self-help with simple English a lot better than academic work (English is my first language)

I thought it might. I remember complaining to my doctor about not being able to concentrate on studying once. It felt like my attention can't go past 10 min. Well... a few weeks after I won a high competition in the go board game (hours of concentration). I realized concentration per se was not the problem.

I suggest to check your attitude towards studying. Reading accademic texts is of course way more difficult then more simple topics (and you should expect to get tired), but also, emotional resistance makes it so much more difficult. If you don't really want to be studying (or only have extrinsic motivation), of course you'll daydream. So... work on your vision, and check what mood you are in when you sit down to study (I can't say much what to do about it then, because I'm still figuring it out - anxiety especially is a bitch). Also remember to take breaks, or perhaps find other types of study materials if yours are especially boring.