How I make reading more effective.
Sept 4th, 2022 3 min read
Things do not change until you change. It begins with self-analysis
Why do I know so little information?
Why do I get so little done?
Why do I not achieve the goals that I have set?
It’s because I don’t read enough. Why so?
A self-analysis uncovers the fact that I tend to be supine when reading which is not a favorable position to adopt. Most times, I would drift into a slumber and wake up a few hours later with time left to do my other chores.
My answer is that I need to sit at a desk or on a reading couch to engage in this activity. I would be better off taking a nap if it is really necessary than bringing a book to the bed. Since researching this common problem, my reading has improved markedly.
Now, I focus on time for reading. One should know one’s downtime when the mind is less alert. Reading more complex matters requires one to be fully alert while easy reading can be done when there is a challenge to mental retention. In this respect, I am a morning lark as well as a night owl.
Eating less helps physiologically as more blood is directed to the digestive system after eating a full meal. Hence, most people are less attentive after heavy meals. Snacking on some healthy snacks during reading may help keep one awake.
I found out that staying hydrated keeps one satiated and increases oxygen flow throughout the body. This makes me realize that I do not drink enough water in the first place.
One strategy that works for me is to regularly break the boredom of sitting down or the monotony of reading by going for a short walk maybe to the kitchen, around the house, or to a nearby shop to pick up an item. The action of walking itself sometimes generates ideas that can supplement my reading. Even a few minutes of stretching and breathing exercises refresh the mind and body.
I try not to break the monotony by using the mobile, a device of alluring colors and contents that can cause one to keep scrolling and lose the track of time. Moreover, it also tires the eyes.
One of the most effective ways that I sometimes use is to read aloud while walking around in the room with my reading material. Reading aloud also helps to etch the facts into my brain effectively.
Putting pen to paper to write unfamiliar words to decipher later or important concepts do engage my mind better and make reading more effective.
Playing some background music can assist in my reading. In my case, classical music helps. Relaxation spa music does the opposite but for some, heavy metal music is useful so it depends on the individual.
I am glad that I broach this subject as I feel that reading enriches my life and have explored ways to improve it. As a working individual, it leaves very little time at the end of the workday to imbibe the wisdom and knowledge found in books. Hence, I believed that the above steps adopted will see me reading happily into the future.
