How to Deal With Distractions While Reading

Avoid Electronics

• 1

  Turn off the television and leave it off while you are reading. To get even more reading done, get rid of your television altogether.

• 2

  Turn off your cell phone and put it in another room. Don't keep it in your pocket -- you will probably take it out and check it before you've been reading for 10 minutes. If you get comfortable in a chair with your phone elsewhere in the house, you will be less likely to bother with it.

• 3

  Turn off your computer. Don't sit in front of the computer waiting for an email while you are reading. You will be distracted and will soon find yourself neglecting your book in favor of Facebook or net surfing.

Cope With Children

• 4

  Send young children to a babysitter or daycare for the day. Very young children can't read, don't usually care that you are reading and would prefer that you give your attention to them.

• 5

  Give older children activities that will keep them occupied without your help. If your children enjoy reading, get into the habit of reading together. Make daily quiet time in your house when you all read and nobody is allowed to talk.

• 6

  Trade children with your friends on a daily or weekly basis so each of you has quiet time to read while the other takes care of the kids.