Mindful Reading: How to Be in the Moment and Enjoy Books More

Do you ever feel like you're not really there when reading? Your mind is wandering, and you're not getting the most out of the experience? If so, you're not alone.

Being present and focused when reading is often easier said than done. So in this post, we'll explain how you can practice mindfulness when you read.

Make time for it

One of the best ways to practice mindful reading is to make time for it. Dedicate a specific time each day when you can read without distractions. Deliberately setting time will signal your brain that it's time to focus.

Find a quiet place

Find a quiet place where you can focus on the book better. This might mean sitting in a comfortable chair in your home or finding a spot in a park or library.

If you can, choose a place where you won’t be interrupted for at least 20 minutes. Turning off your phone and any other electronics will also help.

Pay attention to your wandering thoughts

When your mind wanders, gently usher yourself back to the text and keep going. If you’ve forgotten the last passage you read, you can always go back and read it again. Or don’t. There’s value in a bit of uncertainty, in finding peace within ambiguity.

If you have a physical book, try feeling the paper and smelling the ink. If you’re reading an ebook, focus on its weight and screen font. Start by taking a few deep breaths and relaxing your body.

Then, begin to read slowly, paying attention to each word and sentence. Don’t worry if your mind wanders at first – that’s normal. Just gently bring your attention back to the book.

You may also want to try reading aloud or listening to audiobooks. This can help you train yourself to pay more attention to the words and keep you focused on the story.

Set a timer

If you have trouble focusing for extended periods, try setting a timer for a specific amount of time. Once the timer goes off, take a break and do something else for a few minutes. Get up and walk around or do some stretches. Then, start reading again when ready.

Over time, you can increase your intervals of focused reading.

Pick something that won't deplete your mental energy

Choose a book that’s interesting to you and won’t deplete your mental energy. If you’re feeling stressed, try reading a lighter book or one that’s funny. You want a book that you can pick up randomly and enjoy without having to put a lot of thought into it. Avoid reading a book that will become another to-do item on your list.

Start with shorter books

If you’re new to mindful reading, it may be helpful to start with shorter books. This way, you won’t feel overwhelmed, and can start small. Once you get the hang of it, you can move on to longer books.

Avoid laying down

It can be tempting to curl up in bed with a good book. But if you’re trying to stay focused, it’s best to avoid laying down since you’re more likely to fall asleep. Instead, try sitting in a comfortable chair or read outside.

Lower your room temperature

One final tip for mindful reading is to lower the temperature in your room. Research has shown that cooler temperatures can help you focus and pay attention. So, if you’re struggling to concentrate, try turning down the heat or opening a window. It doesn't need to be cold, just slightly cooler than usual.

Conclusion

Mindful reading takes practice, but it’s worth it. By being more present when reading, you can enjoy the experience more and get more out of the book. So next time you pick up a book, take some time to be mindful and enjoy the journey.