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You know that feeling when you’re into a book, and then you check one text…which turns into a TikTok spiral, a YouTube rabbit hole, and a couple of Twitch streams? We’ve been there, and we usually end up on an influencer’s Instagram post from 2016 — and not even one she reposted for the trend (it’s a deep cut). 

The book? Oh, right, we forgot about her! But we’re here to remind ourselves (and you) that this isn’t a failure — it’s just a focus muscle that’s a little out of practice. Here are a few easy, totally doable ways we’re getting our concentration up so we can reach that big plot twist before our FYP spoils it. 

You read a few pages of “Beth is Dead.” Then look up at the TV to watch “Gilmore Girls,” which is obviously on in the background. Back to “Beth is Dead.” Back to “Gilmore Girls.” “Beth is Dead.” “Gilmore Girls.” And then you’re like, wait, did Jo March or Rory Gilmore do that? That was so Amy… unless it was actually Lorelai? 

Keeping a TV show on while you read feels like you’re hacking the system. But most of the time, you’re not really getting either. Brown Health says when we multitask, our brains aren’t actually doing two things at once — they’re constantly switching back and forth between the comfort show, the book, and the music. This is exhausting and makes it harder to focus on anything. And it doesn’t stop when the TV goes off: multitasking can make it harder to concentrate even afterward.

Instead of pairing screens and books, try taking on one thing at a time so you can actually enjoy both your book and your show. Try alternating, like rewarding yourself for completing your nightly reading goal with an episode of the show you’re binging. If you’re into a super-tense book, try a low-stakes comfort show like Gilmore Girls or Friends. If you’re reading something chill, check out a drama like Outer Banks or Gossip Girl.

We know this seems impossible, but it’s totally doable when you approach it as a challenge. Try reading 25 pages with your phone across the room. Then see if you can beat your record. And let us remind you: the memes will still be there when you’re done.

Too tired to read? Not getting enough sleep makes it difficult to focus, according to a study, and also according to us when we try to lock in on under eight hours of Zs. If you’re having trouble falling asleep, try listening to a relaxing sound machine, wearing an eye mask, or getting cozy under a weighted blanket. You’ll feel way better, and you’ll actually get more out of your awake time, too. 

Okay, so you turned off the TV, put away your phone, and are trying to focus on the words in front of you, but you still can’t get into it. The distractions are literally living rent-free in your head. 

The cure is something we do literally every day: Breathing. We know. Groundbreaking. Shut your eyes and take a few minutes to focus on deep breathing. In, hold, and out. When your brain inevitably starts making a must-watch list or thinking of an embarrassing moment from years ago, let it pass and come back to your breath. It’s kind of wild how much everything slows down when we do. 

Deep breathing even has a fancy name: Meditation. And yes, it’s actually doing something. Research from Columbia University Medical Center found that it can help focus and stretch your attention span. Plus, it helps you get better sleep, which (as we already know) also makes it easier to concentrate. Win-win. 

The workout class you’ve been eyeing isn’t just fun — it’s good for your reading routine, too. Hear us out: Harvard Medical School says there’s a link between exercise and attention span. The brain chemicals you make when you work out help you stay locked in on the page. Try running or walking for half an hour for five days a week (obviously rest on weekends) to give your brain a boost.

Not all of these are about reading, but the more you build your focus, the easier it becomes to stay with a book. There’s no pressure to do all of these — and there’s no “right way.” Try one or two ideas, and notice what’s working. Your brain — and the book that’s been patiently waiting on your nightstand — will thank you.