The problem isn’t screens. It’s the way in which you are using them.
Digital reading should be one of the most easily adoptable and highly beneficial habits. Free eBooks abound – you can find them on your phone, tablet, laptop and e-reader. But in most cases, people end up with a head full of endless information and don’t read it.
Don’t give up on screens. To make screen time page time: intentful, purposeful reading for thinking and working
Understand the difference between Screen Time and Page Time
Screen Time
Jumping between apps
Constant notifications
Short-form content loops
Mental overstimulation
Page Time
An hour’s worth of reading in one book,
Minimal interruptions
10–45 minute focus sessions
It’s not about less technology. Improving its usage.
Why Digital Reading is so Hard and how to change that
1. Your brain craves instant rewards
Your brain loves getting instant rewards. Social media makes you brain your ass off. Books require patience.
Fix:
– Set aside only 10 minutes a day.
– Routine is more effective in capturing attention than lengthy lessons.
2. Notifications Kill Focus
When there’s a notification, you lose your flow of reading.
Fix:
Enable Do Not Disturb or Focus Mode (µFOCUS)
All other notifications should be turned off.
When possible, read in airplane mode
3. When you’re getting eye strain, you just want to give up.
It’s not about you or your motivation; it’s about your settings.
Fix:
Use larger text
Lower brightness
Make sure to use the night mode or warm tone.
If necessary, make adjustments in distance and body position.
4. How blue light affects sleep
Before going to bed, it’s healthy to read. Bright screens aren’t.
Fix:
Replace any cool lights with warm light 1-2 hours before bedtime.
At night time, pick easy-to-chill-out content.
Spend no more than 10-20 minutes in each session.
5. Optimize for Comfort
Larger font
Lower brightness
Warm tone at night
Clean, readable font
6. Optimize for Focus
Close all other applications.
Use airplane mode
Since they are so susceptible to distractions, make a noise-free place.
Make a habit of page time with 30-Day Plan: Build the Page Time Habit.
Week 1: 10 Minutes Daily
Before opening up social media, read! Make it non-negotiable.
Week 2: 15 Minutes + Notes
Add DND Mode. After reading, write:
What I learned
What I’ll apply
One key idea
Week 3: 20–25 Minutes
Choose a single item to focus on: productivity, parenting, business or tech. Read on a regular basis in that theme.
Week 4: Reading → Action
A checklist
One-page summary
Small project
Share a social post and/or a case study.
At this time, reading is real growth.