I used to be an avid reader, but years of high school and depression completely ruined that. I haven’t been able to complete a novel since senior year six years ago. It’s frustrating to me and I want to know how I can overcome my lack of focus and anxiety. I’ve heard I’m not alone when it comes to this sort of thing at least.

E: I wasn’t expecting so many replies. Thank you, all of you, for the ideas.

  • @Linnce@beehaw.orgEnglish
    3•1 year ago

    I’m surprised to see this happen to so many people. I too read a lot in high school and after college I just couldn’t even start a book.

    What helped me was reading something really easy that I used to like back when I was younger, like Percy Jackson and Harry Potter, just one or two chapters a day. Sometimes I waste the entire day just reading now.

    • VanillaGorilla
      4•1 year ago

      I think what kept me off was mainly reading tech documentation or programming (e)books throughout the day. I don’t really want to see more books when I’m trying to chill out.

      But the easy and palatable suggestion is a good one. There’s no shame reading books written for kids or young adults no matter how old you are. Heck, I bought a book for little kids with lots of beautiful drawn pictures for me some years ago. The wombat and his quest for carrots is a lovely story and I’m not ashamed to admit.