This is the reason why you can’t remember what you read
Have you ever found yourself reading a book or an article, only to realize that you have no recollection of what you just read?
Or have you ever studied for a test, only to draw a blank when it comes time to answer the questions?
If so, you are not alone.
Edgar Dale said —
We remember 10% of what we read, 20% of what we hear, 30% of what we see, 50% of what we see and hear, 70% of what we discuss with others, 80% of what we personally experience and 95% or what we teach other.
If you fall in the category that can’t remember what you read, it could be due to a number of reasons.
Lack of Focus
Ok.
So, here it is.
Our lives are full of distractions, from social media notifications to loud neighbors to our own racing thoughts. When we try to read in the midst of all these distractions, it’s no wonder that our brains struggle to keep up!
So, how can you overcome this lack of focus and better retain what you read?
Here are 3 simple ways -
Create a distraction-free environment.
Find a quiet spot to read, put your phone on silent or in another room, and clear your mind as best you can.
Try setting a specific amount of time for reading
When you are trying to focus on reading, it can be helpful to set a timer. This way you can stay focused for the amount of time that you set and get more out of the material you are reading.
Take breaks
Your brain needs time to process and absorb information. So, take regular breaks when reading so your mind has time to rest.
Poor Reading Habits
When it comes to reading, speed isn’t always the most important factor. While it may be tempting to try and breeze through a book or article as quickly as possible, this approach can actually be counterproductive when it comes to retaining information.
Think about it.
When you read quickly or skim over material, you’re not giving your brain enough time to fully process the information. It’s like trying to take a sip of water from a firehose — there’s just too much coming at you all at once!
On the other hand, if you slow down and take the time to really engage with the material, you’ll find that you’re much more likely to remember what you read.
This means taking breaks to process what you’ve read, and maybe even taking notes or summarizing key points to help reinforce the information in your mind.
So, the next time you sit down to read something, try to approach it with a more intentional mindset.
Take your time, really focus on the material, and give yourself the space to process what you’re reading.
You might be surprised at how much more you’re able to retain!
Unique Learning Styles
Let me tell you something.
Everyone has their own unique learning style.
Some people are visual learners, which means they absorb information better through images and diagrams. Others are auditory learners, who retain information more effectively when they hear it spoken aloud.
Check out this video to find out what kind of learner you are -
If you’re not a natural reader, it can be challenging to remember what you’ve read, even if the material is interesting and engaging. That’s why it’s worth taking the time to explore different ways of learning and processing information.
For example, you might find that you retain information better when you watch a video or listen to a podcast that covers the same topic.
Or, you might benefit from taking notes or creating visual diagrams to help you organize and remember the information.
It’s also worth considering whether there might be any underlying reasons why reading is challenging for you.
For example, if you have a learning disability or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), you may need to approach reading in a different way to help you remember what you’ve read.
Health Issues
Expanding on the last line, let me tell you something.
ADHD is not the only thing that is affecting your ability to remember what you have read. There are also health issues that can impair your ability to retain information.
Our bodies and minds are deeply interconnected, and when we are experiencing health issues, it can impact our ability to concentrate, process information, and remember things.
Stress, anxiety, and depression are some of the most common health issues that can affect our cognitive functioning.
When we are stressed or anxious, our bodies release hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which can interfere with our ability to think clearly and remember information. Similarly, depression can lead to a lack of motivation, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating, all of which can make it harder to absorb and retain information.
In addition to mental health issues, physical health issues can also impact our memory. If we are not getting enough sleep, for example, our brains may not be functioning at their best, which can make it harder to remember things.
Similarly, if we have a medical condition that affects our brain function, such as a concussion or a neurological disorder, it can impact our ability to remember things we have read.
The good news is that many of these health issues are treatable, and by addressing them, you can improve you retaining ability.
Since I am not a professional doctor, I can’t suggest you much over here. But here’s something — do talk to your doctor about any health issues that could be impacting your ability to remember what you read, and explore the treatment options available to you.
Information overload
We live in a world that is absolutely saturated with information. Whether it’s news articles, social media updates, work emails, or just good old-fashioned books, we are constantly bombarded with new information that we are expected to absorb and remember.
With so much information coming at us from so many different sources, it’s no wonder that it can be hard to remember everything we read!
In fact, researchers have found that the average person is exposed to more information in a single day than someone living in the 15th century would have encountered in their entire lifetime!
That’s a lot of information to process and remember.
So what can you do if you’re struggling to remember what you read?
Here are two strategies -
Focus on the important information
Rather than trying to remember every single detail of a book or article, focus on the main ideas or key takeaways. You might even try taking notes or summarizing the material to help you remember it better.
Prioritize sleep
Getting quality sleep is essential for our brains to function properly, and it’s important to make sure you are getting enough shut-eye each night. Research has found that a lack of sleep can lead to impaired memory, so make sure you get your recommended seven to eight hours each night.
Also don’t forget to take breaks. (already discussed above).
There you go.
Your inability to retain information is likely due to multiple factors. By addressing these causes, you can improve your ability to remember what you read.
Just focus on the main ideas, take notes or summarize the material, prioritize sleep, and take regular breaks to help your brain rest.
Good luck!
Hope this helps. :)
