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Need help learning how to read books again (lemmy.ml)

submitted 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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I used to be an avid reader, but years of high school and depression completely ruined that. I haven't been able to complete a novel since senior year six years ago. It's frustrating to me and I want to know how I can overcome my lack of focus and anxiety. I've heard I'm not alone when it comes to this sort of thing at least.

E: I wasn't expecting so many replies. Thank you, all of you, for the ideas.

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[–] [email protected] 13 points 2 years ago (2 children)

Start with a relatively short page turner. Force yourself to read for 10 minutes at a set time every day. I found that when I was in a bit of reading funk, I had to simply take it a day at a time with small, easily digestible chunks. Once you get the first one out of the way, it starts to feel a lot more natural to work your way through more.

[–] [email protected] 7 points 2 years ago (1 children)

I was going to say the 10 minute thing, but in reverse, as in, it's ok if you only read 10 minutes, so then it doesn't become this huge task you have to do (which I believe people with depression can struggle with).

[–] [email protected] 5 points 2 years ago (1 children)

Reading is a skill, and if you don't do it for a long while it can be hard to focus for long chunks of time. The 10 minute thing isn't a hard rule, just a target. But I do think at least for a while it helps to build up routine and focus as you get back into the swing of things.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 years ago

Exactly :)

Also, once you've been reading for 10 minutes it's easier to just keep reading.

[–] golli 3 points 2 years ago

Start with a relatively short page turner.

Definitely agree with this advice. Much better to start with something that you can see yourself finishing rather quickly, then starting a huge epic. So maybe something lighter, faster paced and possibly funny. Maybe in the range of 100-150 pages?

Another suggestion i'd make is to start with a book from your favorite genre. Doesn't have to be based on past books, but maybe also current tv shows or movies.

As an example for me that would be sci-fi. So in that case something like "All Systems Red" (first book in the murderbot series) could be fun. Or maybe a short story collection like "i, robot" or "Stories of Your Life and Others" that allows to read one story at a time. "World war Z" would also be an interesting mix of the two, since it has an overarching narrative but is structured in seperate story lines.