The Lost Art of Slow Reading: 7 Mindful Practices for a More Intentional Reading Experience

Have you ever sat down ready to enjoy the simple pleasure of reading a good book just to find yourself speeding through it anyway? The pleasure fades and you probably don't even really understand what you just read.

Generally, I'm a pretty slow reader and others used to make me think that this was a bad thing. I could never finish books as quickly as others. They were on book 12 and I'm still on book 3. But I learned something significant. Those people were wrong.

Why? Because there's the lost art of slow reading and it isn't just about taking more time—it's about creating a richer, more meaningful relationship with the words on the page. So if you're drowning in unread books or finding that reading has lost its joy, these mindful practices will help you rediscover the profound pleasures of slow, intentional reading in 2025 and beyond.

What is Slow Reading and Why Does it Matter in 2025?

Okay, so before we dive in, let's talk about what slow reading actually is.

Slow reading is a deliberate, mindful approach to consuming written content. It's not about how many books you can get through in a year—it's about how deeply you connect with each one. And honestly? In our current digital landscape, this approach matters more than ever.

Think about it: we're constantly bombarded with notifications, quick social media posts, and endless streams of content. Our brains have adapted to this digital culture by skimming rather than absorbing. Studies show that reading comprehension has actually declined as our scrolling habits have increased. Yikes.

The benefits of slow reading are pretty incredible, though. Cognitively, you'll experience improved memory retention and sharper critical thinking skills when you take your time with text. Emotionally? It's been shown to reduce stress and significantly increase your enjoyment of what you're reading.

And listen, I'm not knocking speed reading—it has its place! If you need to get through a work document or study for an exam, speed reading techniques can be super helpful. But there's a difference between reading for information and reading for transformation. Slow reading is all about the latter. So, let’s get into these mindful reading practices that have completely transformed my relationship with books!

Practice 1: Create a Distraction-Free Reading Environment

I cannot stress this enough: your reading environment makes all the difference! Creating a dedicated reading space is like telling your brain, "Hey, it's time to focus on these words now."

For me, this means my cozy corner chair with a soft blanket, good lighting, and—most importantly—my phone either turned off or in another room. I know it sounds dramatic, but digital distractions are the number one enemy of deep reading. Every notification pulls you out of the narrative and it takes a while to get fully refocused… If you ever refocus.

Physical comfort is super important for extended reading sessions too. Make sure you have good back support, appropriate lighting (natural light is best when possible!), and maybe a little table nearby for your favorite reading drink. If you're looking for ideas on how to create your own reading sanctuary without breaking the bank, check out my article on Budget-Friendly and Space-Saving Reading Nook Ideas. 

Some readers find that ambient sounds enhance their focus—rain sounds, coffee shop background noise, or gentle instrumental music. Others prefer complete silence. Experiment and see what works for you! (I typically need silence but lately I’ve been experimenting with suspenseful background music while reading thrillers and it definitely heightens my reading experience!)

Small actions like brewing a cup of tea or lighting a candle before opening a book can help transition your mind from "busy mode" to "reading mode."

Practice 2: Mindful Pre-Reading Preparation

Before diving into a new book or even returning to a current read, I've found that taking a moment to prepare mentally makes a huge difference in my reading experience.

Start by setting an intention for your reading session. Ask yourself: Why am I reading this particular book? Am I seeking entertainment, knowledge, emotional resonance, or something else? Having a clear purpose helps your brain know what to focus on.

You may find that glancing at chapter headings, section breaks, or even skimming the first paragraph gives your mind a framework to hang new information on.

Timing matters too! I've discovered I'm most focused in the early evening, so that's when I schedule my more challenging reads. Save that light beach read for when you're tired if you need to.

Practice 3: Conscious Pacing and Deliberate Page-Turning

Okay, this practice might sound a bit unusual at first, but trust me—it's a game-changer! Conscious pacing is about physically slowing down your reading speed to match the content you're consuming.

Try using a bookmark or your finger to guide your eyes down the page, line by line. This old-school technique actually prevents your eyes from jumping ahead and helps maintain a steady pace. I know it seems elementary, but it really works!

Before turning to the next page, I take a brief pause—just a second or two—to mentally digest what I've just read. It's like giving your brain a tiny moment to file away that information before moving on.

When I hit those exciting passages where I'm tempted to rush (like the plot twists in thriller novels!), I actually force myself to slow down even more. These are exactly the moments that deserve savoring rather than speeding through! It’s hard at first but when you do slow down, you'll thank yourself for it. 

Reading aloud is another fantastic technique for controlling your pace. Even if you just whisper or mouth the words, the physical act of vocalization naturally slows you down and improves comprehension. I especially love this for poetry or particularly beautiful prose.

For e-readers, many devices now include features that can help pace your reading. You can adjust page transition speeds or even use apps specifically designed for mindful reading that prevent rapid page-turning.

Practice 4: Active Engagement Through Annotation

If you gasped at the thought of writing in books, you’re not alone because I did too while writing this. But for those who mind, sticky notes are your friend and for those who don't, write in that book, no judgment here!

You don't have to write directly in your precious hardcovers. I always keep removable highlighter sticky tabs on me when reading (they're my absolute favorite reading accessory!). You can also use sticky notes as I mentioned, a separate notebook, or digital annotation tools if you're using an e-reader. If you're curious about different creative ways to mark your literary journey, I've put together a whole guide on How to Annotate a Book for Fun: Creative Book Annotation Tips that's packed with ideas!

Developing your own personal system of marginalia—those little notes and symbols in the margins—makes your reading experience uniquely yours. I sometimes use stars for favorite passages, question marks for things I want to research later, and exclamation points for mind-blowing revelations.

Here's the cool thing about annotation: the physical act of writing helps your brain process information more deeply. When you mark a passage or jot down a thought, you're creating stronger neural connections to that material.

The key is finding balance. Some pages might be covered in notes while others have none—and that's perfectly fine. Annotate when something sparks thought or emotion, not out of obligation.

And the absolute BEST part? When you revisit a book years later and discover your previous self's thoughts in the margins. It's like having a conversation with your past self about the book. Amazing!

Practice 5: Reflective Pausing and Contemplation

This practice is probably my favorite because it's where the beauty of reading really happens: those moments when you put the book down, stare into space, and just... think.

Strategic pauses during reading aren't interruptions—they're essential parts of the process. When you encounter a powerful passage or a complex idea, give yourself permission to stop and sit with it. Let it sink in completely before moving on.

I've started keeping a reading journal specifically for these reflective moments. When something in a book really strikes me, I'll write about why it resonated, how it connects to my life, or questions it raised for me. Some prompts I love using are: "How does this connect to something else I've read?" or "Does this change my perspective?"

Try incorporating little meditation techniques into these pauses. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and visualize what you've just read. Create a mental image of the scene or concept and see how it makes you feel physically.

These contemplative moments are where reading becomes more than just consuming words—it's where literature transforms into personal wisdom. The books that have changed me the most aren't necessarily the ones I sped through in a weekend, but the ones I lingered over, giving myself space to absorb their messages fully.

Practice 6: Deep Conversation and Book Discussions

Reading doesn't have to be a solitary activity! Talking about books with others adds an entirely new dimension to the reading experience and it’s one of my favorite things ever! 

Verbalizing your thoughts about a book forces your brain to organize those thoughts coherently, which deepens your understanding. It's amazing how often I don't fully know what I think about a book until I try explaining it to someone else!

Finding or creating reading communities has never been easier, even in our digital age. Whether it's an in-person book club, an online forum, or just a regular coffee date with a fellow reader friend, discussing books with others exposes you to perspectives you might have missed. If you're inspired to start your own book club but aren't sure where to begin, check out my Book Club Starter Kit with everything you need to launch a successful literary gathering!

When engaging in book discussions, try defending interpretations that differ from your own—even if you don't agree with them. This exercise in literary empathy stretches your mind and often reveals new layers of meaning in the text.

Both digital and in-person book clubs have their unique benefits. In-person conversations tend to flow more naturally and build deeper connections, while online discussions can bring together diverse perspectives from around the world. I participate in both and love them for different reasons!

Social reading platforms like Goodreads or The StoryGraph can also enhance your slow reading practice by connecting you with other readers' thoughts without the pressure of real-time conversation. I love scrolling through others' reviews after I've formed my own opinions—it's like a book club that happens on your schedule!

Practice 7: Mindful Integration of Reading into Daily Life

The final practice is about extending the benefits of slow reading beyond your actual reading sessions and into everyday life.

Try carrying book themes into your daily thinking. When I'm reading a book with strong themes of, say, forgiveness or courage, I'll set an intention to notice examples of those themes in my own life that day. It's a beautiful way to bridge literature and reality.

Balancing slow reading with our busy lives and constant information needs takes intentionality. Instead of trying to find time to read, I schedule it, treating these sessions as important appointments with myself. Even 15-20 minutes of deep, mindful reading is better than an hour of distracted skimming.

Create gentle transitions between reading and other activities. After finishing a reading session, take a moment to mentally bookmark where you are in the story—not just the page number, but the emotional tenor and key questions you have—before jumping into your next task.

To avoid reading burnout, vary your reading diet! Mix challenging classics with fun beach reads, informative non-fiction with escapist fiction. Slow reading isn't about making every book a heavy intellectual exercise—it's about being present with whatever you're reading.

Ready to Take it Slow?

Embracing the lost art of slow reading isn't about rejecting our digital world (electronics are okay! You can use them!)—it's about creating balance and intentionality in how we consume written words. Through these seven mindful practices, you've discovered ways to transform reading from a checkbox activity into a rich, fulfilling experience.

And trust me, it's definitely worth it. I've found that slow reading has truly deepened my understanding of books! Remember that slow reading is a practice, not a performance. Some days you'll feel more present than others, and that's perfectly okay. What matters is creating a more meaningful relationship with reading at your own pace.

So tonight, instead of scrolling through social media before bed, why not pick up that book you've been meaning to read, take a deep breath, and turn the page... slowly? Your mind will thank you.

How do you practice slow reading? Do you have any special techniques that help you stay present with books? I'd love to hear about them in the comments below!

Always here to empower & inspire,

Nadashia N.