Found Yourself In A Reading Slump? Here's How To Reignite Your Passion For Books
All book lovers have experienced the frustration of a reading slump. Where typically we'd be getting hyped over an expected release, falling back into our favorite fantasy series, or itching to finish the thriller we started last weekend, these phases of funk make finding the joy in a favorite pastime difficult.
Sometimes, reading slumps manifest in a lack of motivation to read, while other times it's the inability to get invested in any of the novels on our TBR. Either way, it leaves us feeling frustrated, annoyed, and at a loss on how to reignite our passion for reading.
While there is no surefire way to get yourself out of the reading-based trenches, there are several things that you can try. It'll take some trial and error to find the best way to get yourself back into books, but when you're finally able to escape into the world of reading again, all of your efforts will be undoubtedly worth it.
Give yourself a break
To get out of a slump, you might first be tempted to force yourself to read something that really isn't sparking joy. Admittedly, this might work for some people, but it can also make your funk even more frustrating. Instead, try taking a break from reading. It may seem counterintuitive, but turning to other hobbies will give you the chance to actually miss books. When you find that natural inclination to pick up a novel coming back, then it'll be much easier to immerse yourself in a new read.
While taking a breather, you can engage with other book-related content. For example, you can watch booktubers chat about their favorite reads, listen to a podcast interview from your favorite author, or browse the book hashtags on Instagram and TikTok. Not only will this keep you connected to the community, but you can also get ideas about potential reads or find yourself interested in a new genre.
At the end of the day, the most important thing is to not be too hard on yourself regarding your reading slump. It's natural to experience changes in the things that bring us happiness, whether that warrants taking a temporary break or finding a new way to enjoy something.
Change your reading habits
Another way to get out of a reading funk is by changing your bookish habits. Sometimes, reading too much of the same thing is what can lead to a lack of interest or motivation. If this is the case for you, try delving into a new genre or format of books.
If you typically read nonfiction, try picking up that graphic novel that you thought looked interesting. If you're an avid romance eBook reader, maybe switch it up by downloading an audiobook. Reading a novella or starting a short story collection is also a good change of pace that you'll be able to complete easier than a full-length book.
Community participation can also help you change your bookish habits. For example, you might try joining a local or online book club or doing a buddy read. Not only can these potentially push you to read new things, but they also hold you accountable and give you a discussion to look forward to.