No matter how much of an avid reader you are, it’s likely you’ve hit a point where all of the sudden, you just can’t fathom picking up another book. Or maybe you’ve cracked open five, but give up after a few pages into each of them because you can’t seem to find the motivation to keep reading. Regardless of whether your reading slump lasts a week, a few months, or even a year or two, it can be disheartening and really frustrating to work through. Lucky for you, I’ve got some tips to help you rekindle your love of reading so you can get back to putting a dent in your TBR pile!
Take a Trip to the Bookstore
Ahh, yes. This is personally one of my favorite methods of making your reading slump a thing of the past! You may have astronomically long TBRs and so many books on our bookshelves at home that we haven’t read yet. However, sometimes it’s best to just walk through your local bookstore and pick up something new that catches your eye. I would also suggest this approach to anyone who feels totally bummed out by their lack of motivation to read. For some reason, I find bookstores to be some of the most calming and centering places on earth, so this option could also help you refocus your energy!
Re-Read One of Your All-Time Favorites
What better way is there to find the motivation to read again than by picking up one of the books that made you love it in the first place? Sometimes it takes going back to your roots and reading a story that captured your heart once before to help you work through a reading slump. And if you’re like me and need to narrow down the playing field of your all-time favorite reads a little more, consider giving any book written by one of your favorite authors a shot!
Read a Book Outside Your Normal Wheelhouse
Typically a high fantasy reader? Maybe it’s time to branch out and pick up a contemporary. Sometimes reading a bunch of books in a particular genre can cause you to burn out. If you think this may be the cause of your reading slump, try a different genre, or maybe even take this a step further by replacing your love for YA with an adult or new adult novel. Switching things up may help your brain “rewire” itself so that you can go back to reading what you usually love to in no time! Who knows? You may love this “replacement” genre equally as well as your usual reads!
Find a Change of Scenery
It’s human nature to fall into a pattern of doing certain things in the same place every time. Heck, I sit in the same chair at the dining room table for every meal I eat! If you’re in a reading slump, it may be a good idea to leave your usual reading spot and find a new one instead. I’ve found that this method works best for people who tend to read almost exclusively inside– be adventurous and sit outside on a nice day rather than staying cooped up in the house. A little fresh air does the body good, and a good book will take care of the rest!
Reorganize Your Bookshelves
Even if you aren’t in the mood to read, taking some time to give your bookshelves a face lift will keep you connected to your love of books. Who knows? Maybe you’ll even find a hidden gem in the mix that you forgot about that’ll pull you right out of your reading slump!
Pick a Different Format
We all have our own preferred formats of literature. You’re probably thinking, “What does it matter? The words are the same regardless of formatting.” While this is true, reading too many of any one format consecutively could lead you into a slump due to your brain and eyes not getting a much-needed change of pace. Try swapping that paperback out for a digital version of the same book on an e-reader to spice things up!
Talk Books, Don’t Read Them
This one sounds totally crazy, I know, but instead of sitting down with a book and reading it, try talking to some friends about all things books or checking out some new Bookstagram/BookTube accounts. Hearing about the kinds of things others are reading might just persuade you to give a book you wouldn’t have picked up yourself a try! While it doesn’t necessarily keep you reading, this method does help you say involved in the bookish community, which is full of people who have struggled through reading slumps themselves and totally feel your pain!
Just Wait It Out
Everyone’s brain needs to take a time-out. It’s important to remember that reading should be a fun activity and not something you should feel forced into doing, so read at your own pace and take some time away when you need to. All the books will be anxiously awaiting your return when you’re ready to dive back in!
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