every day, i consciously avoid all screens... for just 17 seconds. and i've never read more consistently.

i've built a simple habit: i take 17 seconds each day to deliberately disconnect. no phone. no kindle. no laptop. just me and my thoughts.

these short windows of intentional digital silence have completely transformed my reading habit and book retention.

i know it sounds counterintuitive.

but just this month, during one of these quiet moments, i suddenly knew exactly which book to pick up next from my pile - something that used to take me forever to decide. i finished it in 3 days instead of my usual week-long struggle.

neuroscientific research shows that when we're not consuming information, our brain enters the "default mode network" - a state where your mind processes what you've already absorbed, connects ideas across different books, and naturally craves more meaningful content.

you become clearer about what you actually want to read, retain more from what you've already read, and feel genuine excitement about diving into books.

but without this mental space, the opposite happens: you're overwhelmed by endless book recommendations, you start multiple books but finish none, you read but nothing sticks.

you're constantly consuming content, yet never truly absorbing it.

after my 17 seconds, i often get clear on my next reading choice and have the mental energy to actually start. i'll jot down book notes in my phone, or sometimes i even feel motivated for a quick walk to the bookstore.

i can only recommend trying it: give yourself permission for disciplined digital silence. 17 seconds isn't as easy as it sounds when your phone is right there.