It can be hard to get through a dense reading when your mind keeps wandering, so here are some tips to stay focused.
1. Trace where you are
If you keep losing your place, one of my favorite ways to stay on track is to use an index card or a blank piece of paper to follow along which line I’m currently reading. This ensures that even if I do get distracted, I’m not rereading the same couple lines over and over trying to figure out where I left off.
2. Keep your hands occupied
Sometimes it can be helpful to keep your hands busy while you’re reading. It satisfies the desire to multitask without taking your mind off what you’re reading. Try a stress ball or some putty to start out.
3. Put some music on (or off!)
Change what you’re hearing! If you can’t focus and there’s music playing, try to do the reading in silence. If it’s silent and you can’t focus, try some music. I like instrumental or ambient tracks so that I don’t lose my focus listening to lyrics, but use whatever works best for you!
4. Listen as you read
If I’m really struggling to focus on a text, I love listening to it while I follow along in the actual reading. There are a couple ways to do this, depending on what you’re reading. If it’s digital, some platforms have text-to-speech built in, or you can copy and paste the reading into a text-to-speech website. Additionally, if it’s an old reading in the public domain, there’s often free audiobooks on YouTube.
5. Turn off your notifications
Put your electronics on Do Not Disturb! You may think you can stay concentrated even if your friends are texting you, but chances are it makes things much more difficult.
6. Write down what’s in your head
If your mind keeps buzzing with other things on your to-do list or things you don’t want to forget, keep sticky notes nearby and write down the thoughts that keep popping up. This way you know you won’t forget them, but you don’t have to keep thinking about them while you’re trying to read.
7. Set timers
If you’re fitting in a quick reading before class or a meeting, it can be tempting to keep interrupting yourself to check the clock and make sure you won’t be late. The best thing to do in this situation is set a timer or alarm so you can keep your mind off the clock but know that you won’t miss your commitment.
8. Take a break
Last but not least, if you’re really struggling to focus, take a break! You may need something to eat or a quick nap, and there’s no point in hopelessly reading the same paragraph over and over trying to fight off your basic needs. Listen to your body and take a break.
Hopefully these tips help you! Taking extra time on your work is nothing to be ashamed of and you’ll definitely get through it one way or another. You got this!