Rebuild your brain’s focus by practicing single-task reading

Printed reading is more than nostalgia—it’s a workout for your attention network. Neuroimaging studies show that reading text on paper activates prefrontal cortex regions responsible for deep comprehension and memory encoding, whereas digital skimming engages scattered neural circuits. In a landmark experiment, participants who read prose in print formed more durable long-term memories than those who read an identical passage online.

Imagine yourself flipping paper pages, the earthy scent of fresh print filling your nose, your eyes scanning well-formatted paragraphs. No pop-up banners, no ‘next article’ prompts. Just you and the text. Each time your mind drifts—to lunch plans or a past argument—you feel the tug of dopamine craving your phone, but instead, you gently guide your attention back to the story. With every return, the prefrontal muscles strengthen, and the world’s noise fades.

Over just two weeks, regular print reading has been linked to improved working memory, higher empathy scores, and deeper creative insights in multiple cognitive psychology studies. Those who cultivate single-task reading in print report greater sustained focus, fewer headaches, and even higher satisfaction in other tasks.

It’s simple and science-backed: pick up a book, ditch the digital, and do one thing at a time. Your brain’s architecture is waiting for the workout.

Choose a printed article or book and block out fifteen minutes when you won’t touch your phone. Place your device in another room, then immerse yourself in the text. If your mind wanders, gently guide your focus back. After reading, jot down two insights and compare the calm intensity of print to your usual phone time. Give it a try this afternoon.