Grrr, why cant I concentrate while reading?

20

Hi all,
over the past couple of weeks, I've noticed that I just simply CANT concentrate whilst reading anything remotely educational.
For example, if I try to read my assignment spec, I'll instantly get a sore head, read a sentence but not take it in and need to re-read it, and just generally be really easily distracted.

Whats up with me? Am I dying?

Reply 1

lucho22

13

Ghost

Hi all,
over the past couple of weeks, I've noticed that I just simply CANT concentrate whilst reading anything remotely educational.
For example, if I try to read my assignment spec, I'll instantly get a sore head, read a sentence but not take it in and need to re-read it, and just generally be really easily distracted.

Whats up with me? Am I dying?

Yeh I'd go with dying... :p:

Or possibly you just find what you are reading boring. You might be a bit depressed or preocupied with other issues.. A lack of concentration isn´t really something that you should seriously be worrying about - it happens to all of us.

Reply 2

RishiC

When i get like that I go do something fun. Cause I figure my mind wants some stimulation, then i feel like I should do some work.

Worked with me today, watched Pursuit of Happyness before starting on my assignment.

Guilt works too i guess!

And don't take this the wrong way, but if you're having other difficulties maybe you should go to your uni's student services and get a dyslexia assessment?

Reply 3

wackysparkle

14

ah its just over working i guess -- just take a nice relaxing "short :p:

" break! - then get back to your work

read for a little while as in 20 minutes [this is how long the brain can remain focused on something fo] then take a 5 minute break - then repeat

Reply 4

Ghost

OP

20

Haha, I dont think I'm dyslexic! I can easily read anything non work-related, I think it's just a mental barrier making me not want to work!

Reply 5

Epicurus

15

Tips to help you concentrate when reading:
1) When reading use a finger to guide you along the words. You'll tend to retain more this way.
2) Don't reread, keep on going until the end of the chapter. You'll find that in most cases you'll have a basic grasp of what's going on by the end. And secondly rereading adds to the boredom; making you less likely to concentrate.
3) After reading a chapter make a summary in your mind of what's just happened in that chapter. If some bits still seem unclear reread that chapter.
4) I don't think you need further relaxation, putting off what seems most difficult to you is I think quite unwise. Forget the stress busting exercises. Sit there with your academic work and make a mental pledge to yourself that you will not get up off the chair until you have read a chapter and understood it.
5) Undertanding is the key; for once you have understood one chapter, you'll be more inclined to go through the second tomorrow. I think if you understand what's being said you will tend to concentrate more anyway.

So make the effort...
:wink:

Hope that helps Ghost.

Reply 6

Petetheweed

I have never been able to concentrate whilst reading. I often have to read a page twice before I take any notice of what I have been reading. It sometimes helps if I mime what I am reading, but obviously I can't do that in public.

Reply 7

MattG

1

I normally start reading and can take it in fine, but then i casually wonder off into my own thoughts, even reach the end of the page and not know anything i've just read! worst still if i'm reading on my bed, i'll be asleep in 20 mins

thats what 3 years of studenthood does to you folks...

hell i don't read for pleasure anymore, academic books have given me a sore taste

Grrr, why cant I concentrate while reading?

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