For material that I struggle understanding upon first read (e.g. academic papers), I often find myself pacing in circles in my room/backyard, reading it aloud,

For material that I struggle understanding upon first read (e.g. academic papers), I often find myself pacing in circles in my room/backyard, reading it aloud, slowly, with proper intonation, as if I was lecturing. It helps a lot, although my neighbors probably think I'm crazy.