[Majekyll]

I've loved reading since I read my first book that wasn't for 4 year olds learning how to say 'th', but lately my mind has been so jammed with my own thoughts that I can't pay attention to what I'm reading and constantly start over one simple sentence without ever really taking it in. Maybe I just need to relax my mind a little, but I don't really know how to do that. Often when I'm reading I'll have to start over, not just because my mind wanders, but also because words mix up and I have to read things over and over again. I don't really think I have dyslexia, as this is all very new. Please give any known advice on how to fix this problem.

[Nimportequoi]

Sounds like you're pretty smart. From my own experience I can say that depression can seriously interrupt my ability to focus on reading. Maybe that is the reason for your problem?

[Majekyll]

Originally Posted by Nimportequoi

Sounds like you're pretty smart. From my own experience I can say that depression can seriously interrupt my ability to focus on reading. Maybe that is the reason for your problem?

Maybe. I don't know...

[Talthybius]

I have no advice, except to get older. I used to be terrible at concentrating. If there was a person in the same room, talking. I had zero concentration. Some people just need total silence.

I have to say that is gone now. But I compare myself at age 17 to age 33. You probably can't afford to wait 16 years.

A question of course is where the distractions come from. From outside, or from inside?

For your example of reading, I have that too for research papers sometimes. Your throughts just glaze over and you pass through the words without getting their meaning. I feel I have to stop myself and contemplate on the meaning of what I just read.

As for reading a novel, are you sure you are into the story? Or maybe it is too early to tell.

This is one of these things that are hard to comment on, similar to discipline. It is magically there, or not.
I like to think limiting distractions like a phone or computer, help. So by avoiding multitasking.. And that practice helps. But I am not sure.

[K2TOG]

I'm a visual learner and my reading retention is not good. One thing that distracts me is my phone, computer, etc. Often I turn off all electronics so it's not so easy to check email or Facebook.

Maybe your school has some resources to help you. Good luck!

[Cool_Knot]

It sounds like that something is wrong with you @Majekylle. Perhaps something is bothering you or there's a problem.. I suggest that you do something that will make you relax like going out with friends or doing something that you'd like to do so aside from reading. After awhile, you may get back to your usual habit. From there, I presume that you'll be able to concentrate once again.

[OceanSoul1981]

I'm having the same problem too, at work and in school. I just can't seem to get anything done and when I do read it's like I understand the words, but it's like my brain has RainX on it and the reading is the rain - it just slips on by and I can't retain much of anything I read. And I'm 35, so the getting older thing won't help me! This seems to have kicked in just in the past few years, or maybe it's only in the past few years that I've noticed it. Anyway, I'd appreciate suggestions you guys may have too and I'll keep an eye on this thread.

when i've had this issue in the past, it has helped me quite a bit to read aloud (even if it's just reading to the empty air)

then i'm more focused on the novel or what ever it is

[alicetailor]

Originally Posted by Majekyll

I've loved reading since I read my first book that wasn't for 4 year olds learning how to say 'th', but lately my mind has been so jammed with my own thoughts that I can't pay attention to what I'm reading and constantly start over one simple sentence without ever really taking it in. Maybe I just need to relax my mind a little, but I don't really know how to do that. Often when I'm reading I'll have to start over, not just because my mind wanders, but also because words mix up and I have to read things over and over again. I don't really think I have dyslexia, as this is all very new. Please give any known advice on how to fix this problem.

This occurs due to lack of concentration. Read in a peaceful environment free from distractions.