Once upon a time, curling up with a book was the ultimate escape. Now, we’re lucky if we can get through a few pages before reaching for our phones or zoning out entirely. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Our ability to focus on reading seems to be slipping away, and modern life might be to blame. Let’s unpack why reading feels so hard these days and what we can do about it.

1. Our Attention Spans Are Shrinking

Thanks to the internet and social media, we’ve become masters of skimming. Scrolling through Instagram, TikTok, or news headlines has trained our brains to process information in bite-sized chunks. Reading a book, with its long paragraphs and deep engagement, feels like running a marathon when we’re used to sprints.

2. The Overload of Information

Every day, we’re bombarded with endless notifications, emails, and updates. Our brains are on constant alert, jumping from one piece of information to another. In this chaotic mental environment, sitting down to read a book feels like trying to meditate in the middle of a rock concert.

3. Instant Gratification Culture

Let’s be honest—reading takes effort. It’s a slow burn compared to the immediate dopamine hit we get from watching a quick video or refreshing our social feeds. Our brains have been rewired to crave the “easy” rewards, making the steady focus required for reading feel less appealing.

4. Multitasking Is Killing Our Focus

We live in a world that glorifies multitasking. Whether it’s working while listening to podcasts or scrolling through memes during a Netflix binge, we’ve lost the habit of giving our full attention to one thing. Reading, which demands undivided focus, ends up on the losing side.

5. Stress and Mental Fatigue

Modern life is exhausting. Work deadlines, personal responsibilities, and the 24/7 news cycle leave us mentally drained. By the time we sit down with a book, we’re too tired to concentrate. Stress isn’t just an energy zapper—it’s also a focus killer.

6. Digital Devices Are Distracting Us

Even when we want to read, our devices often sabotage us. How many times have you opened a book only to get interrupted by a buzzing phone? E-books can be equally distracting if you’re tempted to check emails or browse the web.

The world might be designed to steal our focus, but we have the power to take it back. Rediscovering the joy of reading isn’t about willpower—it’s about creating a space where books can thrive in our lives again.

What’s the last book you read, or the one you’re hoping to start? Let me know in the comments—maybe it’ll be my next read!