Confession time: I've been stuck in a reading slump for the past several months. You know that dreaded period where, regardless of how exciting a book may seem at first, you quickly lose interest? A book that would normally take a day or two to devour, now drags on for weeks. If your reading habits have also gone from "page-turner" to "dust-gatherer", then pull up a comfy chair. Let's talk about how to kick that reading slump to the curb and get excited about reading again.
Change it Up
When I feel a reading slump creeping in, the first thing I like to do is switch genres. If I've been mostly reading romance books and they all are starting to blur together, I might then choose to switch to a fantasy romance, or even a thriller. I use this genre change as a "palette cleanser" before eventually going back to my main genre of choice. This not only allows me to change the type of story I'm consuming, but also helps to tackle those books on my physical tbr (to-be-read) pile that I've been neglecting.
Besides changing genres, I also enjoy changing my reading environment. Instead of always curling up on the couch at home to read like I always do, I might instead treat myself to a cafe date where I can enjoy a coffee with my book. Or I could head to the park, a public library, or even unwind with a good book at home in a relaxing bubble bath. Sometimes, we don't realize that it's not always the book itself putting us into a reading slump, instead it can actually be our surroundings. For instance, if I always read on my couch, I might get easily distracted by chores. Changing your reading spot is a easy way to try to eliminate everyday distractions, and can also be a fun way to find a new favorite reading spot.
Re-read an Old Favorite
Sometimes, no matter what I do, I just can't get into a new book. When this happens, I find one of the best things to do is pick up one of my favorite books and re-read it. Diving back into a favorite book is great because you know what to expect going into it, and this provides a feeling of comfort and nostalgia. Plus, you might even notice details you missed the first time, and gain a deeper appreciation for the book. For a more interactive experience, you can try annotating the book as well. By doing this, you are more likely to finish the book (or even a whole series!), and before you know it, your reading slump will be a thing of the past.
Get Inspired`
Then there are times when you might want to read, but just can't decide what book to pick up. When this happens, I tend to gravitate towards watching BookTuber videos for recommendations, checking the Fable app to see what books others are discussing, or browsing Pinterest for aesthetic book photos. By exploring these different platforms and seeing what books everyone else is loving, it usually reignites my love for reading. Who knows, maybe you'll even discover a new favorite book this way.
Give yourself a break
When all else fails, allow yourself a break. It is okay to not read everyday, and sometimes trying to force it only makes the slump worse. Instead, give yourself the time and space to fall back in love with reading. Try watching your favorite TV shows, movies, or engaging in other activities that make you happy. It's easy to get caught up in wanting to fly through books, but the reality is that it can start to feel like work when overdone. By stepping away, you can then re-establish reading as a hobby and a enjoyable way to spend your free time.
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