Reading Slumps Suck
Reading slumps are inevitable. All readers will get at least one in their lifetime and if you haven’t yet, your time will come.
As annoying as it may be, it isn’t the end-all-be-all.
There are many ways to get out of a reading slump, it just comes down to your person and what works for you.
I have found myself in multiple reading slumps over my time as a reader and I have some insight into what causes them and what helps to end them.
I will touch up briefly on the causes of a current or upcoming reading slump and ways in which you can climb out of the hole or decrease the likelihood of getting caught in the first place.
Some of these tips are from my own experience and the rest are from others who have also experienced reading slumps.
Common Causes For Reading Slumps
1. Reading too much
Yes, you can read too much. If you find yourself constantly stuffed in a book and always going back to the same old reading slump, this may be why.
2. Reading too much of the same genre
This has been the cause of my reading slumps. As much as we may love a genre, having too much of it is a thing.
3. You’re stressed
Reading is meant to be relaxing, but our minds aren’t always going to be matching. Being too stressed can cause reading to be a burden.
4. Picking up too many long books
As entertaining as a book may have been, redundancy can become an issue. This causes reading to feel more like a chore rather than a hobby.
5. Reading too many books at once
More isn’t always better and often, trying to balance more than a book or two at a time can quickly lead to a reading burnout.
10 Tips For Curing A Reading Slump
1. Read a short book
There is no shame in picking up a shorter book. It can be 100 pages or 50 pages. It doesn’t matter because one of the main ways to get out of a reading slump is to ease your way back into reading.
As long as you are interested in the book you are reading then that is all that matters.
2. Try a new genre
Seeing the same plots over and over again can be tiring. Try switching things up with a new genre. A book that you can’t predict so easily is always a fun one.
3. Reread your favorite book
Contrary to what I just previously said, sometimes you need a book where you can predict the plot.
Rereading your favorite book is the perfect way to get you excited about reading again with reminders of why you love it.
4. Change your enviornment
If your head isn’t in the right place, then reading could be draining. Try changing your environment if you find yourself too distracted sitting down with a book.
There are cafes, libraries, and bookstores.
However, just moving to a different location in your home could make a difference as well. Instead of reading in bed, you could read on the couch, or rather than reading indoors, try reading outdoors on a balcony or in your backyard.
5. Ask for recommendations
Don’t know what to read? Ask around.
Recommendations are a great way to beat a reading slump by picking up a book that someone else was excited about so that you then become excited to read it.
You can ask friends, family, book sellers, or just take to the internet and see what books everyone is currently raving about.
6. Try an audiobook
Sometimes multitasking is the way to go. If you have trouble sitting in one place with a book, an audiobook might be a great alternative.
You can listen to your book while you do chores, commute, or while you are simply lying in bed.
7. Pick up a new series
Starting fresh isn’t always a bad idea. Try picking up a new book series that you have been curious about but haven’t had the chance to read yet.
8. Try a graphic novel
Graphic novels in my opinion are far less intimidating than other novels. They are usually easier to read which makes them a great start to escaping your reading slump.
They can be read quickly and can bring back that spark that is the joy of reading in no time.
9. Join a book club
Sometimes we need other people to hold us accountable. Joining a book club, whether it be in person or online, can push you back into reading and give you a space to discuss the book with others.
10. Participate in a reading challenge
This one ties in with the last, but a reading challenge is another way to push yourself into reading again.
This can be a personal challenge or an online one, and it is a great idea for those who find themselves lacking the motivation to pick up reading again.
Final Thoughts
Don’t put yourself down if you haven’t picked up a book in a while, it happens to all of us, myself included.
Despite the annoyance that comes with a reading slump, there are ways to pull yourself out of one.
Although I just provided a list of suggestions for you, please consider that forcing yourself to read isn’t always the cure. Doing so could even be the cause of your lack of reading.
Whether you’ve been in a reading slump for a few weeks, a few months, or a few years, I hope that you were able to get at least one idea. Remember that it will pass, and there is no shame in taking a break from reading books.
