Favorable conditions for reading

The results of reading also depend on some external factors that are not always optimal and that we must be aware of in order to adapt them in such a way that they contribute to the increase of our reading abilities. The main external factors that we must take into account are:

• The lighting, ventilation and decoration of the places where we read.
• The reader's posture.
• The reading angle.
• The characteristics of the paper and the typeface.
• Periodic relaxation of the view.
• In very prolonged readings, breaks should be planned every half hour for walking and very light exercise.If fatigue becomes intense we should suspend reading.Relaxation of the view.

  The lighting, ventilation and decoration of the places where we read

  It is recommended that the lighting at text level be sufficient, without becoming exaggerated, since it causes fatigue both the lack of illumination and the excess of it. The light source should not be aimed directly at the reader's eyes, but should be directed indirectly on the face. Artificial lights should not be incandescent.

  The premises should be ventilated since breathing stale air causes fatigue. The temperature should be maintained at around 24°C.

  The walls should be painted in light shades that favor illumination but do not irritate the reader's eyesight; light green, light blue, ivory and smoke white shades are recommended. Ceilings should be painted white.

  The reader's posture

  The correct posture for reading is seated, with the back against the back of the chair and the forearms resting on a table. Feet should be flat on the floor and our muscles should be relaxed. We should not tilt our back or neck to the sides or to the front.

  The angle of reading should not be too close to the back of the chair.

  The reading angle

  The view must be perpendicular to the text, so the book cannot be placed horizontally on the table. To achieve that the book is properly inclined we must use a bookstand, or instead, use other books that allow us to lay the book until its leaves are forming a right angle with the view. It is not recommended to hold the book with the hands because these actions cause fatigue over time.

  The characteristics of paper and typography

  Papers suitable for reading should have a smoke white or pure white non-satin shade. Papers with surfaces that are too smooth and glossy produce reflections that make reading difficult and strain the eyesight.

  There are individual differences in the size and typeface that people prefer, but in a general sense texts written in medium-sized letters and simple typefaces, with as few embellishments as possible, are best accepted