Sometimes reading can feel quite taxing. We all just want to make it to the next chapter of the novel or skim through reading material for the important bits of information. But did you know there are benefits to reading slower?
Skim reading is an important skill to have. However, skim reading won’t make you a faster reader nor does it help that much with retaining what you read. Instead of optimising for speed, we should be reading for comprehension and retention. After all, it’s better to read fewer books and develop an understanding of them than to rack up titles under your belt without really engaging with what you read.
Slow reading has the potential to reduce stress levels. According to an article written by Anne-Laure Le Cunff, 30 minutes of slow uninterrupted reading can have a positive impact on your anxiety and stress levels.
Slow reading can further encourage you to read more. While speed readers optimise for productivity, slow readers take the time to enjoy what they read. Taking the time to enjoy reading makes reading more pleasurable and thus make you more excited to read in turn.
It will improve your learning. Taking the time to read something will help your brain to build useful connections between past and present content. When we read quickly, our brains rely on short-term memory to store information. Therefore, making it more difficult to remember what we read.
Overall, reading slowly has been proven to be a brain-changing practice which can improve your level of comprehension and memory retention. It also has some mental health benefits. So next time you pick up a book, try not to rush but enjoy thoroughly.
Also see: Tips for a healthier relationship with your phone
