THE GREATEST ENEMY TO READING: TENSION
Most people say they don’t read more than they do because it gives them a headache, or they just can’t keep their eyes open, or they just can’t develop and keep their interest level up, or something similar. The people who are having these thoughts and problems believe that these are an inseparable part of reading.
For them, these problems really are an inseparable part of reading because they have become a part of their reading habits. All these problems are caused by one thing, TENSION. Tension is not inevitable. As long as tension is present, the reader will always have discomfort, like some of the problems mentioned above or something similar. Tension can be created voluntarily and involuntarily, but can be eliminated with concentrated effort. Tension means tight or taut. The obvious solution to something tight is to loosen it. Tension in a person takes the form of tight muscles and mental tightness. The solution is relaxation, both physically and mentally. Once you learn to relax properly, at any place or time, you should be able to take about 10 minutes and feel almost completely rested. This is, in fact, not difficult to learn or to do.
READING CONDITIONS
When you are preparing to read, take your reading conditions into consideration first. The greatest cause of tension in readers is the condition under which they are reading. Poor light, glare or poor posture, all create tension while reading. When you read for just a few minutes, and feel tired or sleepy, it is usually a result of eye strain and tension caused by poor reading conditions. Eliminating tension by eliminating poor reading conditions must be your top priority.
You should always create as near to ideal reading conditions as you possibly can. The ideal reading position is seated in a comfortable, firm chair with the book on a table or desk, tilted slightly toward the reader. The room should be well lit, with the reading area lighted even more directly than the rest of the room.
When you begin to practice as instructed, you are going to be doing things that are contrary to your primary habits. This will begin to develop tension. As you push yourself across the printed page and you are intentionally trying not to see the words, you are going against your normal reading habits. To avoid building tension, you must make every effort to relax. This effort will make your learning easier. Your biggest road block to learning these new reading skills is tension.
Taken From: ALPHA-NETICS
RAPID READING PROGRAM
