Have you ever picked up a book, all excited to dive into it after hearing great reviews from friends, only to lose focus after just a few pages?

We've all been there! It's frustrating when we can't seem to keep our attention on what we're reading, but don't worry – you are not alone in this.

The Reading Struggle Is Real

According to recent findings by the National Literacy Trust, 3 in 5 children and young people aged 8 to 18 admit they don't enjoy reading in their spare time. This is the lowest score since the survey began in 2005.

Why is it Hard to Focus on Reading?

Understanding the root causes of our struggles with reading focus can help us find effective solutions.

Distractions and Dopamine

Let's face it – in today's world, distractions are everywhere. When we read, it's easy to reach for our phone and get lost in social media apps. This happens because our brain craves the dopamine hit we get from checking notifications. Unfortunately, this constant cycle of dopamine release makes it harder for us to stay focused on less stimulating tasks, like reading.

Physical Health and Fatigue

Another factor that affects our reading ability is physical health. If we've had a long day at work or school, it's natural to feel tired. Constantly staring at screens can also leave us feeling drained, making it more difficult to concentrate.

The Mental Health Connection

Mental health plays a significant role in our ability to focus. Issues such as anxiety, depression, or stress can make it harder to engage with the content in a book. Additionally, conditions like autism or Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) can affect concentration.

How to Improve Your Focus While Reading

Reading is not just a great way to pass time – it's also a key skill for improving our concentration and comprehension. Here are seven tips to help boost your reading focus:

1. Choose a Genre That You Love

The best way to stay focused while reading is to pick something that excites you! If you're into adventure, try exploring science fiction or fantasy novels. If biographies interest you, look for a memoir by someone you admire. Choosing a book that matches your personal interests will make it easier to stay engaged.

2. Find the Right Book Format

Some of us prefer physical books, while others like e-books or audio-books. Whatever format works best for you, ensure it helps you engage with the material. Many physical books now come with e-book and audio-book versions, allowing you to choose the format that suits you.

3. Create a Dedicated Reading Area

Distractions can be hard to avoid if your phone, TV, or laptop is within arm's reach. To avoid temptation, designate a quiet area in your home specifically for reading, away from devices.

4. Choose the Perfect Reading Environment

A comfortable environment can make all the difference. Whether it's at home, a café, or a park, find a place where you can relax. The sounds around you can also affect your concentration – some people prefer quiet spaces, while others enjoy ambient noise. Find what works best for you!

5. Use the Pomodoro Technique

One effective way to increase focus is by reading in intervals. The Pomodoro Technique involves setting aside 50 minutes of uninterrupted reading time, followed by a 10-minute break.

Apps to Help You Stay Focused

There are several apps that can assist in keeping your attention while reading. Here are a few worth checking out:

• Omoguru: This app allows you to change the text on your screen to a typeface designed to enhance readability, making it easier to focus.

• Unhabit: This app helps you block distracting websites and apps while reading, so you can maintain your focus.

• Bookly: Track your reading progress and set goals to stay motivated.

• Speechify: For those who prefer listening, this text-to-speech app turns written content into spoken words.

With these tips and tools, we can all improve our reading focus and enjoy the journey of a good book. Happy reading!