10 Ways to Build Your Reading Stamina
Carmen Perez | March 18th, 2024
This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, I earn an affiliate commission AT NO ADDITIONAL COST TO YOU.I have noticed a pattern and I hope this post helps whomever needs to read it. Whenever I post about a book I've read, someone will share with me that they have always struggled to read or how ashamed they are of not being able to have the attention span it takes to read. They wish they could enjoy reading books like I do. Sound familiar?
Well, surprise-surprise, guys. I struggle to read too. Yup! My secret has been revealed!
I noticed it first in middle school when I would get lost in a page I was reading or have to reread sentences multiple times to remember something important. Why was I so forgetful? Why did I have to read something multiple times when others didn't? I felt defeated, stupid, and lazy. Overtime, I learned how to hide this and eventually found ways to be able to read for longer periods of time, even if it wasn't perfect. As an adult I still struggle sometimes. But why?
I got my answer 3 years ago and it gave me such relief because everything made sense. I have ADHD.
Working memory is a part of the ADHD struggle. It's harder to remember things and especially when you're distracted. Sometimes while I'm reading I stop to feel the pages, I stare at the font, and even the front cover will distract me. Sometimes I'm too overstimulated to concentrate on a few words.
So how was I able to read 52 books last year if I'm stopping to smell the flowe-- I mean pages every few minutes? How did I cope as a teenager, through college, and now as an adult? Here are some great tips to help you or your children who have ADHD (or you suspect have ADHD) or just for those who struggle to have the attention span and reading stamina it takes to read for long periods:
1. Accept that it's okay to NOT read a book cover to cover. Yes, you might be missing something important, but books are meant to be re-read. You can go back and reread a chapter in more detail or you can get it all next time. Skipping some lines or whole chapters is fine as long as you get the gist and enjoy yourself. Reading short books is good too!
2. Walk while you read. Seriously. When I walk (slowly) on a treadmill, stand or pace in the middle of my bedroom with a book, I focus better. Walking is shown to stimulate focus without creating overstimulation. Balance is key. Literally! Don't fall!
3. Keep notes (and make tabs). I keep a notepad nearby and sketch what I am reading with thought bubbles or mental maps. I don't use tabs but some ADHDers swear by using colored tabs to color categorize scenes in a book to keep their interest. For example, a blue tab is for when something sad happens in the book. And please, for the love of tamales DO NOT write in your books!
4. Read lines you're struggling with out loud. It helps with memory and focus. A lot of people gifted with ADHD were star "read aloud to the class" readers who struggled to read alone once they were at home. Who knows, this may lead to a successful voice acting career!
5. On that note... Use audiobooks. I love to listen to an audiobook while reading a physical book or ebook. It helps me focus and if the voice actor is doing an excellent job, I am more engaged. You can also listen to books, especially on off days when you feel overstimulated. Use your public library card to borrow audiobooks (physical & ebooks too) if you're not interested in spending any money. Borrow audio and ebooks on the Libby app!
6. "Chunk" what you read. Read a page or paragraph and then summarize what you have read to yourself. If you struggle, reread a smaller portion and try again. You'll build better executive functioning overtime and remember more while you "actively" listen.
7. Read with a friend! Reading the same book with another person makes it so much more enjoyable. My favorite partner to read with and hear audiobooks with is my mom! There's apps like Fable and Goodreads that encourage discussions, comments, and reviews about books.
8. Read multiple books. Switch back and forth between two or three books at most. Read one for a few days and put it down and start another for a few days, then go back to the first one. This cycle will help keep interest and increase focus. I do this all the time. I'm doing this right now! It's called being a "Serial Reader" in the book world.
The three books I am currently reading!
9. Don't finish books you aren't enjoying. In the book world we call this "DNF" - Did Not Finish. There is no shame in reading half of a book and realizing it's not for you. Be proud of yourself for even giving it shot and using it as an opportunity to improve your reading stamina!
10. There has to be a ten because if not the list would feel incomplete! Lastly, just be kind to yourself. We all have different priorities and stress but feeling like you can't do something because it feels impossible shouldn't stop you. You ARE NOT stupid. Stop saying that to yourself! You might just be holding yourself back from something you'd love.
Again, I'm not special. I've just learned how to work around my struggle. I figured out these tips through trial and error and my experience as a teacher and school counselor. When I say I love reading, I'm also saying, "I love overcoming the struggle it takes for me to read". I may never read 100 books a year but it will always be my goal. So... just read! I hope this long post inspires you to take up reading. If I can do it, you can do it! BTW, These are the books I am currently reading! Check out my recommendations on my Instagram @carmelita.87. Thank you for your support!
Which of these will you be reading first? If you’re looking for more recommendations, check out my book reviews from 2023.
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