So I used to be a very good reader, and although I still am able to read reasonably difficult books (except pretentious shit like James Joyce who I despise), this past year I probably only read like 200 pages overall, never progressing more than 30 pages or so into any single book before putting them down for months.
I recently stopped masturbating for a few days and found my concentration to be greatly increased. Although I have done no-fap before and determined it was almost entirely a placebo/had no effect on confidence or really anything, I do think it (being nofap) decreases hedonistic urges and short term pleasure seeking. Because of this abstinence I was able to truly enjoy "Ride the Tiger" for 2 hours today before I started to feel jittery. Normally I could only last like 10 minutes before getting restless.
So, I think to read better,
1. abstain from masturbation
2. get comfy
3. avoid distractions, maybe listen to some very faint ambient music
4. I think low blood pressure helps, as might also low resting heart rate. My heart rate used to be 50 beats per minute a few years ago but now is closer to 60 or even 70, which I think is why I have a harder time concentrating.
5. When you start a particular book, read it for an extended period of time to "get into" it.
