Do you struggle to remember what you read? 8 Simple Techniques to Retain More Information

It's happened to me, and I'm sure it's happened to many of you too: you start a book with excitement, and after a few chapters, you feel like you haven't retained enough. You've forgotten things, or you realize that you've been inattentive for a while.

Yes, I know it’s happened to you…

So the first step is to accept that we have scattered attention when reading. It's more common than you think and spoils the reading experienceThe good news is that with a few simple techniques you can significantly improve your memory and reading comprehension.

So let's get down to business.

1. Take notes while you read

Traveling on public transport I realized that this technique is really effective, and not because I practiced it, but because I saw - especially in Amsterdam and Vienna - lots of people with a pencil in their hand in addition to his book.

Making small notes in the margins of a book or in a notebook helps enormously to consolidate information. You can note down important details about characters, key moments in the plot or personal reflections.

For example, if you are reading a novel, write down important character traits, relevant events that influence the story or quotes that particularly catch your attention. Underline everything you consider important for later.

In non-fiction books it is absolutely essential And in fact, I recommend using a separate notebook. Jot down key ideas, new terms, or questions that arise during your reading. Reviewing these notes later strengthens your memory even further.

2. Use the summary technique

After finishing a chapter or section, take a few minutes and write a short summary in your own words. This exercise facilitates a deep understanding and better retentionIt seems like you're going to study, but it's really key to retention.

For example, in a novel, try to summarize the chapter's key events, character interactions, and any important revelations. If you're reading more for educational purposes, focus on summarizing main concepts, methods explained or conclusions highlighted by the author.

Over time, these summaries will become an excellent tool for remembering the essentials of the book. So much so that later on you won't even need to do it anymore, since you will have improved your ability to retain that information without help.

3. Explain what you have read

Share. This is one of the most important. I usually tell my wife what I've read, regardless of the topic. Try telling someone else what you just read.Explaining the content to someone else helps you clarify and organize your ideas.

If you have read an exciting chapter in a novel, you can tell a friend what happened and what impact it has on the overall story. But be careful, if you recommend it for reading don't spoil the whole plot for him.

If you're reading a book about science or history, it also works wonders. Tell important concepts and facts to someone who is unfamiliar with the topic. but is interested. This will improve your ability to retain all that information and strengthen your memory.

4. Read with a clear purpose

Don't read for the sake of reading. It sounds silly, but this advice helped me a lot, and it will help you too. Before you start any book, think about what you hope to get out of it.Do you want to relax and enjoy an entertaining story? Or are you looking to learn something specific?

Having a clear purpose will help you focus better and retain important aspects of the content more easily. Don't read it just for recommendation without knowing what it's about. the plot, since you will learn and memorize better what resonates with you.

5. Take active breaks

Do you remember the Pomodoro Method? No? Well, finish this article and continue with this one.Take short breaks every 20 or 30 minutes of reading to give your brain a rest and better process what you've read. Use these breaks to briefly reflect on the story, characters, or ideas presented.

For example, after an intriguing chapter, take a moment to think about what happened before moving on. Lifting your eyes from the book to think about it still counts as reading.Take advantage of these breaks to walk, drink water, or simply close your eyes and relax for a moment. These active breaks significantly increase your ability to concentrate and retain information.

6. Use mind maps

If you are really skilled, mind maps can be useful for retention even for novels, not just for technical booksYou can create a mind map with the characters, their relationships, the locations where the story takes place, or the main themes.

Although I can't imagine anyone making a mental map of all the dynasties of novels like A Song of Ice and Fire either Dune, for some less complex ones it may be appropriate.

If not, we can always use the notebook option to take notes...

7. Relate what you read to personal experiences

I read this very recently in the book The Value of Attention by Johann Hari, and wandering while reading is not really a bad thing and sometimes serves to connect what we have experienced with the events in the books.

When you connect what you read with your life or personal experiences, you strengthen your memoryImagine reading a novel about friendship, reflecting on your own friendships and how they are similar to or different from the ones in the book.

It applies even more if you are reading a book on self-improvement. Remember moments in your life when you overcame similar obstaclesThis emotional connection facilitates recall and makes reading more meaningful and memorable.

8. Practice regularly

Memory is exercised like any other muscle and improves with constant practice. Spend time regularly applying these techniques to all your books.Over time, you'll notice that you retain more details and enjoy each book you read more.

And as I said before, many of them will no longer be needed with enough practice.

You can set personal challenges for yourself, such as applying each technique to different books or establishing specific reading routines. The more often you practice these habits, the more evident the benefits will be for your memory and comprehension.

So now you know. Come read, apply what I've written for you, and start training that soft brain of ours.