1. Play a game :
Those involving counting and geography are great ways for kids to pass the time en route — for good reason: The contests use items that you should be aware of while driving. Try tallying all the states represented by the license plates of the cars in front of you.
2. Get organized :
If you have many things to do, decide what to tackle first, and clear all other projects off your desk and computer screen. “Out of sight, out of mind applies,” Kane says. “Get rid of memos, e-mails, and anything else that reminds you you’re behind.”
And go easy on your cubicle’s decor. “Even family photos are potential thought stealers,” Kane adds, because they’re people you’re prone to worry about.
3. Take a break :
Take time-outs to process the material; mentally recap plot points or a character’s motive, for example. “Periodically think over what you’ve read — it can improve comprehension, probably because it reduces mind wandering,” Schooler says.
4. Go backward :
If you glossed over a few paragraphs, read them in reverse — reordering small packets of information can sometimes change how much of it you absorb. It may feel odd at first, but the extra effort required will force your brain back into focusing.
5. Join a club :
A little peer pressure to finish a book by a certain date can go a long way, especially if you’re expected to talk about the content. Budget the number of pages you’ll need to read daily, and if you own the book, write notes in the margin and mark meaningful passages to boost both concentration and comprehension.
Those involving counting and geography are great ways for kids to pass the time en route — for good reason: The contests use items that you should be aware of while driving. Try tallying all the states represented by the license plates of the cars in front of you.
2. Get organized :
If you have many things to do, decide what to tackle first, and clear all other projects off your desk and computer screen. “Out of sight, out of mind applies,” Kane says. “Get rid of memos, e-mails, and anything else that reminds you you’re behind.”
And go easy on your cubicle’s decor. “Even family photos are potential thought stealers,” Kane adds, because they’re people you’re prone to worry about.
3. Take a break :
Take time-outs to process the material; mentally recap plot points or a character’s motive, for example. “Periodically think over what you’ve read — it can improve comprehension, probably because it reduces mind wandering,” Schooler says.
4. Go backward :
If you glossed over a few paragraphs, read them in reverse — reordering small packets of information can sometimes change how much of it you absorb. It may feel odd at first, but the extra effort required will force your brain back into focusing.
5. Join a club :
A little peer pressure to finish a book by a certain date can go a long way, especially if you’re expected to talk about the content. Budget the number of pages you’ll need to read daily, and if you own the book, write notes in the margin and mark meaningful passages to boost both concentration and comprehension.
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