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You finally sit down with a book, but after a few pages, your mind drifts—to-do lists, Netflix, Instagram. Does this sound familiar? You're definitely not alone.

In fact, one of the most common reasons people struggle to read in their spare time is the inability to focus long enough and actually enjoy the process. But that's the world we live in. Distractions are everywhere. Stress levels are high. And our attention spans are shrinking.

Fortunately, there are ways to bring back your focus and rediscover the joy of reading! In this article, we'll share some helpful tips on how to focus on reading that will definitely change your experience for the better!

Key Takeaways

• Focus challenges: distractions, stress, as well as physical and mental health conditions make it hard to focus on reading.

• Neurofeedback brain training to improve focus on reading: Mendi neurofeedback uses science-backed fNIRS technology to train your prefrontal cortex for improved focus and attention span.

• Reading environment: set up a comfortable, distraction-free space to enhance your reading experience or try reading outdoors.

• Reading habits: adopt healthy habits like setting small goals, finding your motivation and purpose, and engaging with the book to boost focus.

Why Is It So Hard to Focus on Reading?

Focusing on reading has become harder than ever, and it's not just you—it's a worldwide issue. Our attention spans are shrinking. And this is not happening because we're lazy or doing something wrong, but because we're constantly surrounded by distractions. The biggest culprits? Social media apps and streaming platforms.

Apps like TikTok and Instagram are designed to keep us scrolling endlessly, delivering tiny dopamine hits with every post, video, or notification. And Netflix doesn't even wait for us to hit play—the next episode starts automatically within seconds. Our brains love that instant gratification, but the downside? It rewires our attention span, making it much more difficult to engage in activities that require patience—like reading a novel or even a longer article.

Beyond digital distractions, there are also physical and mental health barriers that can make reading feel impossible. For example, conditions like ADHD, anxiety, depression, or even chronic stress can make it so difficult to sit still and focus on the task at hand. When your brain is constantly jumping between thoughts or fighting exhaustion, reading can feel like just another daunting task rather than a pleasant activity meant to help you unwind after a stressful day.

Time scarcity is another factor. With packed schedules and constant to-do lists, reading often feels like a luxury rather than a priority. Moreover, when our minds are cluttered with to-do lists, deadlines, and everyday stress, sitting down with a book feels deeply unproductive. Reading requires us to be present. When our brains are stuck in a loop of what's next, it's incredibly hard to slow down and immerse ourselves completely in the story unfolding in front of us.

9 Tips That Will Help You Improve Your Focus While Reading

Struggling to focus on what you're reading? No worries! You can rewire your brain to actually concentrate on the words in front of you!

Here are nine helpful tips that will help you improve your focus on reading!

1. Silence All the Distractions

Getting rid of distractions is an incredibly important step in this process if you're having trouble focusing on reading. This will help you clear your mental clutter and eliminate any temptations. And to do this, you need to understand the root of your distractions. For example, they can be internal:

• Boredom

• Fatigue

• Stress

• Lack of interest or motivation

• Racing thoughts

• Discomfort or pain

• Self-criticism

Distractions can also be external:

• Noise

• Phone notifications

• People

• Multitasking

• Uncomfortable environment

• Other technologies

• Unpleasant book format (e.g. the font is too small, the book is too heavy)

If you are really committed to training your brain to stay focused on reading, lock your phone up in a drawer, and take care of any other distractions that may be preventing you from immersing yourself completely in the story. You can also use various apps that block distractions.

2. Creating the Ideal Reading Environment

Having a space just for your reading sessions can be a game-changer! This way, you're making sure beforehand that the environment is free of distractions. So, choose a calm and quiet corner in your house where you can sit comfortably and enjoy your book without being distracted by background noise or your family.

Make sure the lighting is as good as it can possibly get. This will reduce eye strain and thus help you focus for longer. It's always best to have natural light, but if it's not possible, invest in an adjustable lamp that provides ample warm light.

And don't forget about customizing your reading space! We do know that bookworms are quite passionate about bookish corners because they can truly elevate their reading experience! You'll definitely find it more enjoyable to read in a space surrounded by a display of your favorite book editions, some Funko Pop figurines, or a few motivating quotes from your most-liked non-fiction books!

Moreover, you can try reading outdoors or in a coffee shop. Some people find it easier to get lost in a book when they're outside!

3. Train Your Brain to Focus on Reading with Neurofeedback

Unlike meditation and productivity hacks, neurofeedback is a brain training technique that literally trains your brain to stay focused on reading, fostering long-term results. The Mendi headband utilizes functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) neurofeedback, a cutting-edge technology that measures blood flow and oxygenation levels in the prefrontal cortex. This part of your brain is responsible for focus, decision-making, information processing, and self-control. Based on the collected data, our app provides real-time feedback on brain activity, thus helping users strengthen their cognitive performance, clear their minds, and filter out distractions.

Therefore, if you train your brain with Mendi, you won't lose focus as easily anymore while reading. You will be able to stay grounded in the present moment and enjoy a more immersive reading experience! Moreover, Mendi can also help reduce stress levels and enhance emotion regulation skills. If you struggle with racing thoughts when you're trying to read, for example, neurofeedback can be of incredible help in this regard!

It's important to note that neurofeedback is a long-term commitment so you won't notice results after the first session. But the good news is that neurofeedback benefits are often long-lasting, even after you stop your training sessions, thanks to the brain's incredible ability to reorganize and form new neural connections—an ability called neuroplasticity.

If you want to learn more, you can check our comprehensive guide that explains the Mendi technology and its mechanism of action.

4. Adopt Reading Session Habits

Here are some habits that may help you focus on reading:

• Play music in the background. For some people, total silence can actually be distracting. In fact, studies have shown that listening to music while working can boost attention levels, so it might work for reading too!

• Understand your purpose for reading. Knowing why you’re reading a particular book (or reading in general) can be a powerful motivator. Are you reading for pleasure? For personal development? To learn a new skill or language? Once you identify your purpose, it becomes easier to maintain focus and stay committed to your reading goals.

• Don’t force yourself to read books you’re not enjoying. Reading should be a relaxing, enjoyable activity. If you find yourself struggling with a book, it’s okay to put it down and move on. Forcing yourself to read something you’re not enjoying can lead to frustration and boredom, which will only hinder your ability to focus. Give yourself permission to quit a book if it’s not resonating with you—there’s no harm in it! Sometimes, enabling that mood reading mode is the best way to get out of a reading slump.

• Enjoy your progress! Progress is still progress, even if it feels slow. Plus, not every reading session has to be perfect or productive. Just be compassionate towards yourself!

5. Set Small Goals and Just Start Reading

If you want to train your mind to focus on the book you're holding, it's important to take things slowly and set small, achievable goals. For example, you could start by reading for just 15 minutes every evening. On average, humans read about half a page per minute, so in 15 minutes, you’ll cover around 7-9 pages. That adds up to roughly 60 pages in a week and 240 pages in a month—which is the length of an average book! That's 12 books a year just by committing to 15 minutes a day. And that's really nothing! When you think about it, humans spend an average of 2 hours and 24 minutes on social media every day—so 15 minutes of reading seems totally doable, right?

You can also set different goals based on your preferences. For example, you could aim to read 10 pages a day or tackle one chapter per day, depending on the book’s length.

And don't forget to reward yourself for your progress! Each time you manage to maintain focus during those 15 minutes of reading, celebrate it in a way that makes the achievement feel rewarding. A little self-reward makes it easier to stay motivated as you build your reading habit!

6. Engage with the Text

Taking notes and highlighting passages can be incredibly helpful if you lose focus easily. There are actually multiple active reading strategies you can employ to elevate your experience. For example, if you're reading One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez, it might help to jot down all the character names, given that many of them sound similar. For non-fiction books, use sticky notes to mark the most insightful or important sections. This not only keeps you focused but also allows you to quickly refer back to key ideas when needed.

You can also write things in the margins (if you don't mind writing in your books!), create outlines and charts to understand ideas visually, analyze the writing style, define unfamiliar terms, and write a summary when you finish a book. You can also find a book reading buddy or join a book club so you can discuss the book as you progress. This makes the note-taking process much more entertaining!

Furthermore, reading aloud can help improve concentration skills because it engages multiple senses, making the text more immersive. Visualization, on the other hand, strengthens comprehension—try picturing the scenes, characters, and settings as you read.

7. Use the Pomodoro Method

The Pomodoro Method, a powerful time management tool, enhances focus while reading. It involves reading for 25 minutes and then taking a short break of just 5 minutes. Concentrate solely on the page in front of you during those 25 minutes, minimizing all other distractions. After each session, a 5-minute break allows your brain and eyes to recover and refresh. This marks one Pomodoro. After four Pomodoros, take a longer break, during which you can take a quick walk, stretch, or simply close your eyes to rest.

This technique allows you to focus on your book for just the right amount of time, helping you avoid mental fatigue if you're preparing for your exams, for example.

8. Switch to a Different Book Format

If you're struggling to focus on your reading material, the problem may actually be the book format. First, people process information using different cognitive channels. Some are visual learners and truly enjoy printed books or e-books with adjustable fonts; others are auditory learners and prefer audiobooks to keep their minds focused.

If you prefer physical books—choose wisely! It may be quite difficult to read a thick hardback, and this can affect your focus levels. If you prefer e-books, invest in a high-quality e-reader that allows you to change the font, add bookmarks, and keep tabs on the page number. If audiobooks are your go-to choice, make sure you enjoy the narrator's voice—sometimes, this makes a huge difference!

9. Other Tips on How to Improve Focus While Reading

Here are some other reading tips you may find helpful:

• Practice speed reading techniques, which can be helpful when you need to read a thick book in a short time.

• Use a pointer while reading.

• Read at the same time every day to create a routine.

• Create a reading ritual.

• Review the structure of the book before reading it.

• Clear your mind with deep breaths or mindfulness before reading.

• Eat brain-boosting foods and stay hydrated to enhance concentration.

• Move your body—a short stretch or walk can refresh your mind before reading.

• Always have a book with you, whether it's at work or a doctor's appointment. You may find it easier to read effectively during unplanned reading time.

• Talk to a professional if you can't manage your lack of focus by yourself, especially if it's caused by a mental health condition like ADHD or anxiety.

Enhance Your Reading Journey with Mendi!

Designed in collaboration with leading neuroscience experts, Mendi can help you improve concentration, lengthen your attention span, clear mental distractions, and enjoy more immersive reading sessions—all from the comfort of your home! Get your own Mendi today and join all the other users who are already benefiting from neurofeedback!

Frequently Asked Questions

How to focus on reading with ADHD?

If you have ADHD, you can learn how to focus on reading by taking breaks more often, creating a distraction-free environment, using active reading techniques, and establishing smaller, more achievable goals. If you have an e-reader, you can choose a font like Verdana or Open Sans that is considered more readable for people with ADHD.

How can I identify my reading distractions?

To identify your reading distractions, pay attention to what interrupts your focus, like noisy environments, racing thoughts, or the urge to check your phone.

What are some effective techniques to improve my reading environment?

Improving your reading environment is about creating calmness; try finding a quiet space, controlling distractions, and even playing some soft music to help you focus better. It makes a big difference!

How do I establish consistent reading habits?

To establish consistent reading habits, set aside specific times for reading and define clear goals. Having a reading partner can also boost your motivation along the way!

What is the Pomodoro Technique, and how can it help with reading?

The Pomodoro Technique can really boost your reading by breaking it into 25-minute focused sessions, allowing you to concentrate better and stay engaged. After each session, those 5-minute breaks help refresh your mind and keep you motivated!