Find some quiet time to read when there is ample time to indulge and pick something engaging but not too challenging.
Try to read from a physical book but if you have to read from a smartphone or tablet, disable notifications and turn on the soothing reading mode.
As you progress in the book, notice the color, ink and the smell of the pages, your slowing down or getting sleepy is a good sign, it means your brain is responding to this new, refreshing cycle of activity.
Notice the language, the rhythm of the sentences, the vibrant details that build a visual image inside your mind.
Do not be frustrated if you wander, it is part of reading to get lost in something beautiful.
Gently glide back in the book and enjoy whatever you get out of it.
You are not the only one. Today is the day. You've committed to developing the habit of reading. You choose a book and you begin. The next day is a little bit harder, but you gather every bit of will power you have left and you pick up the book once again.
Due to unlimited distractions, shorter attention spans and increased boredom, we aren't finishing the books we start to read. Our impulsive and fickle nature is also to blame.
The mind needs variety and diverse types of stimuli at different times. Reading several books at once, of different genres is a smart way to be able to cater to the mind's different needs at different times. It is also a good idea to not have more than a few books in your current reading list. The recommended number is 3.
If reading a certain book is beginning to feel like a burden to you, you are free to let go. The reason can be any, but it is no use wasting your time in a book that isn't speaking to you.
Letting go of a book provides closure and unburdens your mind.
Learning how to learn: how to make your ROI on reading explode Learning is a heavily misunderstood concept. As a paradigm example of deep work, we understand that, when reading, directing your full attention to the material at hand is essential. Grasping complex information is hard. But this is only half the battle.
Note-taking is a powerful tool. But it can be hard to take notes while reading. Here's how you can maximize your ability to remember, reference and learn.
Notes extend your memories: writing can be seen as an external enhancement of your brain, allowing you to think more complicated thoughts and solve harder problems.
How am I going to use this information? (e.g. on a test, cited in an essay, etc.)
What do I plan to do with the notes later? Will you be studying off of them extensively? Or maybe you’re just taking notes to stay focused, and it’s highly unlikely you’ll look through them after?
Jot notes in the margin. These aren’t particularly searchable, but they allow you to reiterate the main idea.
Keep a small notepad on the side, take breaks each section to jot down the main ideas.
Create flashcards. In the rarer situations where memorization of details is important, then a simple strategy can be to just create flashcards while you take notes.