How to Be a Better Reader
You want to build a reading habit, but you start snoring after reading for a few minutes.
or
You start reading a book, and after skimming through a couple of lines, you defenestrate that book.
I can feel this struggle because I have been through this stage, but it’s not rocket science to get out of it. You need to practice, be patient, persistent, and Repeat (3PR).
I will tell you some key ways to become a better reader and get rid of this ailment once and for all.
Importance of Reading
First of all, you have to realize the importance of reading and why reading is crucial for you. Once you realize the significance of reading, it will become easier for you to build a reading convention.
And the only way to grasp its prominence is to look at its benefits. Although many benefits can be discussed, I will only list a few.
Suppose you incorporate reading into your daily routine. In that case, you will see yourself augmenting in various aspects, including improving mental health, expanding your knowledge base, and becoming a better decision-maker. As it is evident from the below statistics:
According to research, reading reduces stress more effectively than other common approaches such as listening to music or exercising.
In Addition, researchers from the University of Toronto discovered that individuals were better at processing information after reading fictitious short tales and embracing ambiguity.
Apart from that, reading has many other benefits; however, these are enough to keep you motivated to read more.
Make A Schedule
Now that you are motivated enough to read, the next step is to make a routine. Allocate some time during your day for reading, and it should be a specific time, let’s say 10 minutes each day.
So, after allocating that time, you should carry out the reading ritual day in and out without any hindrance.
Build a proper environment
After making a routine, it is crucial to build a proper reading environment. Because this is the nascent stage for you to build a reading habit, whatever you are doing in your first stage will be carried out throughout your new journey.
Hence, try to make a better environment by having a proper luminous situation, a comfortable, noiseless surrounding, and no distractions like phones or other devices.
Now that your external scenario is sorted out, you must also focus on your internal situation. That is your MIND!
So to achieve this feat, make your mind free from any external thoughts, take a couple of deep breaths, and start reading with utmost focus.
Start from an undemanding book.
When you are just embarking on your new reading journey, you should start with light and fictitious material that can help you cement your habit. Additionally, avoid any books that are too crude and boring to read.
Distance from the reading material
Another dire factor to consider while reading is to keep your reading material at a safe distance. Such that it is neither too close nor too far from your eyes. It is important to keep a normal distance from the book, so you don’t add any additional strain on yourself.
Sitting Position
Your sitting pattern also plays a key role in reading because if you are sitting in an improper position, you will face issues like sleepiness, boredom, and exhaustion.
For this reason, make sure that you are sitting upright to avoid any physical strain.
Widen the Horizons of your Vocabulary
Whenever you start reading a book in your early days of reading habit, you will come across a lot of new words. As a result, you will feel the urge to quench your vocabulary thirst by finding it in a dictionary. But hold on! It would be best if you didn’t do this in your earlier days but rather focus on making out the meaning from the context.
If you start using a dictionary each time you come across a conspicuously arduous word, you will be diverting your attention, hence losing interest in reading. To avoid such a tiresome loop of uneasiness, you should choose a book that is easier to understand in the first place to steer clear of any problems.
Tactics to Boost Reading Speed & Comprehension
Use your finger while reading
The best way to improve reading speed and comprehension is to employ a visual tracker. A visual tracker can be your finger (or pen etc.) which you should be using while reading.
Additionally, while using a visual tracker, employ your whole arm in this chore to make yourself more engaged in this ritual.
By using this technique you will have better focus and attention, hence multiplying your comprehension and reading speed.
Avoid Regression
Although this might seem like a no-brainer to you, try to avoid regression at all costs or end up in a never-ending loop of back skipping.
If you keep on back skipping — which is to read something again that you have just read a couple of seconds ago — then you will enter into a habit of reading while being unfocused, which is not a good thing. On top of that, you will also hinder your reading speed.
Increase your reading up a notch
Using this strategy will add a multiplying factor to your reading speed. Using this technique is simple; you have to use your finger by skipping two words from the line’s start and end. In essence, you will automatically start picking up those words from the corner of your eyes.
What are the Best Books for Beginners?
I can understand that each person has different reading tastes, one genre which lights up your brain can be dull for someone else. However, the list I’m sharing is generally recommended for beginners and is liked by a vast majority.
- The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
- Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
- The Secret by Rhonda
- Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
- Animal Farm by George Orwell
These are some of the best titles worth looking into for book reading.
Conclusion
To sum up, reading can profoundly impact your life and enhance your overall life experience, whether academic level or personal life. It is one of the best favors you can do for yourself.
Another thing to become a better reader is to find a like-minded person who has the same goals as yours to be motivated and consistent with carrying on this habit.
In the end, I would say that don’t overload yourself and take this adventure as a marathon rather than taking it as a sprint.
Don’t forget the 3PR formula!
“So, what’s the best tip to becoming a good reader? Start Reading!”