Many academics work on their writing throughout their entire careers. But although playing a crucial part in academic life, the art of reading is frequently disregarded. Reading is just as important, and it may be surprising as so many scholarly people might have these common poor reading habits. In this article I’m going to discuss 11 bad reading habits that one should avoid.
You’ve probably already invested countless hours reading a range of texts if you’re a reader like me, and if that’s the case, you might have faced countless problems and felt unable to read. In such a case, it’s usually not the book but yourself that is at fault. I used to be the same not long ago, but I worked through it.
If you’re facing problems reading, you might be guilty of one of the following bad reading habits. Like not setting a proper reading timetable, indecisiveness in choosing the “right” book, or simply because you’re a daydreamer and your brain wanders around while reading, causing you to re-read the same lines over and over. It could be any of these or even more.
Does it ring a bell? If you’re still reading this, I’m sensing that it does. Don’t worry, as I am here pointing out these common habits. Look out for yours so that you can work on them.
Bad Reading Habits That One Must Avoid
1. Not Setting Aside Time to Read
Reading books involves making reading decisions regularly. You can only do it if you plan to read books. It’s very plain to see. However, we frequently need to pay more attention to this step in the reading process. Instead of reading books, we put more emphasis on buying them.
I am aware that purchasing feels better when done. It helps you become the person you want to be, but reading them is just as important—if not more—than buying them. Give reading time on your schedule.
Also, be sensible about it. The luxury of reading for two or three hours every day is rare. However, nearly everyone can read for at least 30 minutes each day.
2. Committing to Several Books at a Time
Reading several books at a time causes many issues if you accept yet another book even though you are already full or if you find the current book dull. Nothing ever actually gets completed. You build up a stack of books that finally completely fade from recollection.
Even though the recently released new book appears to be better than the ones you’re currently reading, it’s far preferable to finish the existing book before beginning the new one. Additionally, a book can be finished without reading it from cover to cover.
So If you don’t think there’s anything worthwhile for you within, you can skim it and stop reading.
3. Re-Reading the Same Lines Over and Over
You are currently reading a book. You find yourself abruptly at the page’s end. But to your amazement, you can’t remember anything from the previous few sentences. Either you’re daydreaming (the upcoming point), or you read carelessly.
Please return to re-read the four paragraphs hoping that something will stand out now. Usually, the second reading exhibits the same flaws as the first. Reading in this manner could be more effective. Limiting all outside distractions is a good idea, so you won’t have any justification for being negligent enough to re-read a specific section repeatedly.
4. Having a Wandering Mind
It is a rather elaborate point. You are only reading the book if your thoughts are elsewhere than on the page before you. Our failure to entirely focus on the meaning the author is trying to convey is referred to as daydreaming. Your eyes are following the text on the page.
However, your thoughts may be wholly elsewhere. Although you read the text, you need to understand it fully. You are considering a different idea that has nothing to do with the book.
Yes, allowing your thoughts to stray based on what you just read is crucial. On the other hand, daydreaming is the practice of thinking about things unrelated to the book while reading. To combat this issue, have a journal close by and jot down any ideas that come to mind unrelated to the book’s subject.
This will enable you to deal with them after your reading period.
5. Inability to Decide
Finding a book to read could result in reading nothing at all. As previously mentioned, there are countless books out there, but only one of you. It’s challenging to sort through them all and select the finest one.
Don’t focus too much on the book’s title when choosing which one to read. Consider the subject you want to master more. By reading numerous books instead of just one, this will never happen. Therefore, rather than spending too much time debating which is ideal, it is better to start somewhere.
6. Judging a Book by Its Cover
It might sound cliche if I say, “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” but it is indeed a problem, and I mean it quite literally. You need to know something else about a book to be tempted to judge it by its cover and assume it’s not worth reading. A book may be extraordinarily good, but you may be rejecting it just because its appearance doesn’t temp to enough to pick it up and read it.
That is one of the primary reasons Why so many good books are deprived of the much-deserved limelight. Next time, do this drill: pick up the book you feel has the least attractive cover. It may surprise you in ways that you might not know.
7. Poor Reading Environment
Even if reading may attract few spectators, it is a physical exercise. It makes sense to reevaluate your reading environment in light of this. Sound, lighting, and even temperature can influence whether a room is ideal for reading.
These are just personal preferences. Consider what causes your friction and remove it. Find a distraction-free, cozy, and well-lit place to lose yourself in your reading.
8. Reading Continuously for Too Long
It may seem counter-intuitive to take time off to do more. You might be tempted to skip breaks because there is so much content to read. However, a growing body of evidence points to the benefits of strategic rejuvenation, including daytime exercise and quick naps, for improving memory, productivity, and performance.
You’re more likely to achieve an ideal rate of processing and retention in your reading if you take regular pauses rather than relying on transient stimulants like caffeine, sugar, or stress hormones.
9. Vocalizing Your Reading
You read more slowly if you whisper the words as you read them. This occurs because you begin reading at a speech rather than a thought rate. Vocalizing also happens when you hear the words in your head and focus on the sound of the words rather than the meaning they are intended to convey.
You can combat this by reading while listening to classical music. You can try various songs, but playing instrumental music is vital because you’ll want to focus on both the song and the book’s content.
10. Word-by-Word Reading
Reading a book one word at a time, instead of reading in context and phrases, is a poor reading technique. It slows down reading since your eyes are forced to concentrate on one word at a time—slow reading results in a lack of comprehension, and a lack of comprehension results in word-by-word reading.
If you enjoy reading, you should not engage in this behavior because it will significantly slow your reading speed.
11. Reading When Exhausted
I understand your day may be hectic, and you want to read before bed. This has some benefits, but reading while tired will hinder your reading speed and understanding. Before reading, you can get some rest or engage in other activities to make you less tired.
You will likely need to remember certain content and essential elements if you read when you are fatigued. So, only read when you’re drowsy.
Conclusion| 11 Bad Reading Habits You should avoid
Did you find it helpful, guys? I have a strong feeling that it did. Nobody except you can help yourself avoid habits that lead to poor reading quality. Stopping to consider your reading habits and identifying which ones are more prevalent will help you improve your reading life.
When you realize what keeps you from finishing books, that is. You can change your unhealthy reading habits by taking action.
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