It happens to all of us. One second, you can’t get enough of the book that you’re reading and can’t stop adding books to your TBR. The next thing you know, the idea of reading sounds like it takes too much thought and energy and you feel like you never want to touch a book again. This can send you into a tailspin of not wanting to read for days, weeks, or even months. This is called a reading slump.
Entering one of these slumps is not fun for a reader. Even if reading is your greatest hobby, being in a reading slump can make you feel as if you have lost your love for reading and make it extremely difficult to pick up and enjoy a book like you are used to.
What causes a reading slump?
Personally, the cause of reading slumps often comes from feeling overwhelmed in my daily life and feeling as if I physically cannot allot any more time or energy into something else. In all reality, though, reading is what makes me feel better, especially when I begin to feel this way. It gives me a chance to unwind and escape from my thoughts for a while. The hard part is realizing this fact and actually putting my mind to it.
Another cause of a reading slump can be reading a badly written book. If you tried to read a particularly poorly written book, and the words just don’t captivate you, this can put you off reading for a while afterwards. Sometimes, you can become so emotionally invested in a book and its characters and you feel like you aren’t quite ready to walk away from them yet by starting another book. Or, depending on the reading material, you can find the book so emotionally draining (it’s a real thing!) and feel like you need a “recharge” before picking up another book.
How can I get myself out of a reading slump?
So, the million dollar question is, how do I get out of a reading slump? Truthfully, there are many ways you can do this. Here are a list of things that have helped me pull myself out of reading slumps in the past:
- Change up your reading environment. Only reading books in your bed can get boring very fast. Try making yourself a reading nook out of tons of fluffy blankets and pillows, sitting in your favorite spot on your couch, sitting outside, or trying out a quiet coffee or tea shop for a change of scenery. You can also try reorganizing or redecorating your bookshelf and reading space to spark some imagination.
- Pick up an old favorite. I know you reread the same book all the time just because you love it so much- we all do it. Try rereading one of your favorites when you feel your reading stamina getting low to re-energize and remind yourself why you love reading.
- Get a book off of your TBR. You know, the books you have been dying to read but keep putting off buying them because you were trying to read the books you already have first? Yeah, those. Get your hands on a book off of your list that you have been anticipating.
- Try a different reading style. You can read a physical copy, an ebook, or an audiobook. Find which style works best for you.
- Read a book in a different genre. Do you always only read books in one genre, like classic literature or historical fiction? Try breaking out a little bit and pick up something in sci-fi or fantasy, or whatever else you would like.
Reading slumps are not fun for anyone- they can feel totally permanent, but just know that with some work, you can pull yourself out of one and get back on track to your reading goals. Best of luck in your reading endeavors!
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