How to get out of a reading slump
Contents:
- What is a reading slump?
- What causes a reading slump?
- Tips for getting back into reading and out of your reading slump.
- 6 books for when you don’t feel like reading.
- Final thoughts.
What is a reading slump?
A reading slump is that frustrating phase when you want to read but just… can’t. Many of us, even the most adaptive, experienced bookworms, sometimes find ourselves struggling to read books. Whatever the reason, the effect is finding ourselves in a reading slump, where even that shiny new book on the shelf sparks no joy. When in a reading slump, many report feeling as though they can’t focus on reading and have lost motivation to read. If you’ve ever thought, “Why can’t I read right now? Why am I struggling to get into books I’d normally love?”– you’re probably in a reading slump. These feelings can be frustrating, but fortunately there are many ways to get out of a reading slump and fall back in love with reading again.
What causes a reading slump?
When we find ourselves feeling burned out from reading, it’s important to first discuss the why. It is crucial to explore the following reasons which may have contributed to a lost motivation to read. These factors can include, but are not limited to:
- Digital distractions. In this age it is easy to find our attention spans dictated by our phones and televisions. In order to combat this it may be a good idea to limit phone time in the mornings and right before bed to help detox your mind. I know, we’ve all heard it before, but give it a try- I promise it works wonders.
- Life changes or stress. When life hands you lemons, make lemonade. Sometimes when elements of change interrupt your regular schedule it can be subconsciously distressing, when this is the case it is important to be kind to yourself and give yourself a break.
- A TBR that is too long and daunting. Too much choice can lead to choice paralysis. Try ditching the TBR for a while and going with your intuition. Go to a book shop and try a book you know nothing about, based solely on- and don’t hate me for suggesting this- the front cover.
- Reading too much of the same genre. This can lead to feeling burned out from reading and result in lost motivation to read. Try a new genre, or embark on a reading challenge which forces you to read new books from new genres.
Tips for getting back into reading and out of your reading slump
- Start your day with 30 minutes of reading. Wake up a little extra early and spend the first 30 mins of the day reading. This quiet time when it is just you is free of distractions, keep your phone in a separate room and make your favourite drink, get cozy on the sofa and get reading.
- Buy a new book you know nothing about, do it, base your purchase on just the cover alone.
- DNF guilt free. if a book’s not working for you, put that thing away. You don’t need it. It might get better, but who cares, get yourself something that sparks a bit more joy in you.
- Try a reading challenge! There are so many great ones out there, I recommend the 24 hour challenge, its great fun, especially if you recruit a friend to do it with you.
- Try a new genre.
- Give yourself a break from reading. Sometimes the best way to get out of a reading slump is to give into it for a short while, explore some new hobbies, explore some new places, and when you feel inspired again, pick up that book you had been wanting to read.
- Watch Booktubers, get motivation to start reading again by watching others read and recommend books.
- Try a digital detox. When you can’t focus on reading, try deleting your social media for a few days.
- Switch the times you normally read. If you are a night reader, try reading in the morning, and vice versa.
- Try a short story collection. Slowly, but surely, you will build up your reading stamina once again.
- Return to a childhood favourite. Find a familiar book that feels like comfort.
- Try an audiobook.
6 Books for when you don’t feel like reading
When you’re struggling to focus, short, fast-paced books can be the perfect way back into reading. Below are some quick reads to help get you out of that reading slump:
Shirley Jackson- Dark Tales. [short story collection]
Mariana Enríquez- The Dangers of Smoking in Bed. [short story collection]
Neil Gaiman- Coraline. I know you’ve seen the movie but brace yourself to be as equally creeped out by the book (in the best way)
Charlie Mackesy- The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse. Beautiful illustrations for the people out there who are going through it.
Caitlin Moran- How to be Famous. [Warning about reading this in public- it is laugh out loud funny and people will stare if you randomly cackle on the bus].
Shirley Jackson- A Haunting of Hill House. I will never not recommend this book. Just read it.
Final thoughts
Being in a reading slump can feel frustrating, especially if you normally identify as a reader. But it’s important to remember that it’s completely normal. Reading isn’t a race- it’s meant to be joyful, comforting, and inspiring. Whether you’re in a brief slump or a long reading drought, these tips and book recommendations can help you rediscover your love of books and remind you why you read in the first place.
Have you ever been in a reading slump? What helped you get out of it? Let me know your tips—I’d love to hear them.
