Desk lamp with adjustable brightnessOverhead light is too harsh, or your desk is too dim by evening.View Pomodoro for reading
For reading, slightly longer blocks usually work best: 30/5 for light reading and 50/10 for dense books or papers. A calm, non-musical sound such as rain or ocean waves keeps the room quiet without competing with the words.
- Suggested rhythm
- 30/5
- Suggested sound
- Rain Sounds
- Best for
- Books, papers and long texts
A reading routine
- 01Choose how much you want to read, such as a chapter or a number of pages, and keep the book and a pen in reach.
- 02Set the timer and put your phone out of sight.
- 03Read until the bell. Jot a line about what you read if it helps you remember.
- 04Break away from the page: look into the distance, stretch, drink water.
- 05Finish with a one-minute recap of what you read.
Which rhythm to use
Light reading is comfortable in 30/5. Dense texts, such as academic papers, often need 50/10 or 60/10 to get properly absorbed. If your eyes tire quickly, 30/10 gives you a longer rest.
Which sound to read with
For reading, a soft, even background works best. Rain and ocean waves are popular, and fireplace suits evening reading. Avoid songs with lyrics, which compete with the words. If you prefer silence, use Alerts Only.
Tips for reading longer
Read in the same spot and light, so your brain learns that it is reading time.
Keep a pen nearby and note questions instead of stopping to look them up.
Rest your eyes in the break by looking at something far away.
Do not break in the middle of a thought: stop mid-sentence so restarting is easy.
Gear that helps
Small things that remove distractions or make long sessions easier. The links are affiliate links: if you buy through them Luneia may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you (details). More on our Picks page.
Desk lamp with adjustable brightnessOverhead light is too harsh, or your desk is too dim by evening.View 
Low-profile earplugsLoud rooms where you would rather have nothing playing in your ears.View 
Bose QuietComfort HeadphonesVoices and noise at home interrupt you every few minutes.View 
Large insulated water bottle“I’ll just get some water” turns a short break into twenty minutes.View Keep reading
Questions
Questions, answered.
What is the best Pomodoro rhythm for reading?
30/5 is comfortable for light reading, and 50/10 or 60/10 suit dense texts that need more time to absorb.
What sounds are best for reading?
A steady, non-musical sound such as rain, ocean waves or fireplace works for many people. Avoid lyrics, which compete with the words.
Is it good to take breaks while reading?
Yes. Short breaks rest your eyes and help you stay attentive for longer.
How do I remember more of what I read?
Jot a line at the end of each block and recap what you read. Explaining it in your own words helps more than rereading.
Is there a free Pomodoro timer for reading?
Yes. Open the free Pomodoro timer with 30/5 and rain selected.
Keep reading
Guides to go with it
Letters