10 WAYS TO GET OUT OF A READING SLUM

Not only has reading been a steady friend to me throughout my life, but also I know books make me smarter, more successful, and less stressed out. Which is why it’s so distressing when I find myself in a reading slump. If you’re a dedicated reader you’ll know the experience even if you don’t know the phrase — it’s those times when, despite the millions of books out there, you somehow can’t find anything to read that holds your attention. 

Reading slumps can occur anytime, but certain circumstances seem to make them more likely. Having just finished a phenomenal book, for instance, often makes it hard to settle into a follow-up. And based on my recent experience, pandemics also appear to be a risk factor. Between the doomscrolling, the nervous exhaustion and the sudden appeal of brain-numbing TV, I don’t think I’m the only one who has discovered that at times Covid has put a big dent in my motivation to read. 

Read along the entire article to find out few tips to overcome your reading slum and start falling in love with books once again. I’m sure these tips will help to overcome your reading slum as these are tried and tested methods not only by me but also other readers.

Almost all those who have faced a reading slum say that the best thing to do is reread a book that has been your all time favorite one. This will automatically uplift your mood and you’ll notice that you are overcoming your reading slum slowly. I have also tried this method and trust me it works pretty well.

I feel that having some social support is good to get reading again. Plus, the structure of a book club takes the difficult task of choosing what to read next out of your hands and hence, you can get new books to read and also will help you not go into a reading slum.

If your home feels like too distracting a place to concentrate on reading right now (or just too confining after a year in and out of lockdown), then why not take your book somewhere fresh, like a local park or library and see what happens? 

Eyes swimming when you try to focus on the page? Then an audio book might be the answer. Relax bibliophiles, it doesn’t have to become your favorite format forever, but listening to a book might just be the easy reentry to reading your brain needs right now. 

Productivity experts advise that when you’re overwhelmed by a big task, you should break it down into smaller, less intimidating steps. The same principle may hold when it comes to your reading slump. Pick something short and just maybe your anxiety (or lethargy) will fade away. 

Sometimes it becomes boring to read a novel which is just full of words and that leads to a reading slum. In such times what I do is for the time being switch to graphic novels and that instantly changes my mood as graphic novels have depictions of the events happening. You too can give graphic novels a try and see if it works.

Are you a biography and business book type person? Maybe some poetry will give you a new perspective. Or if you love novels, a long history book might just jolt you back in touch with your love of reading 

This is a suggestion aimed book lovers, but if you’re the type who actually gets pleasure out of lovingly handling and carefully ordering your books, maybe indulging in a little quality time with your collection will reignite your passion for reading. 

There’s something about the social aspect of soliciting book recommendations from friends that can be inspiring, plus you’ll have the added incentive of discussing what you read with them afterwards. 

Maybe your brain just isn’t feeling reading right now, that doesn’t mean you have to set aside your love of words entirely. Instead, why not try some journaling or writing exercise to clear your mind, exercise your creativity, and remind yourself of the beauty and fun of the written word.

If you’ve read this far I know you’ve got some ideas and tips on how to cure your reading slump. Do let me know in the comments down below what’s your go to strategy for getting out of a reading slump?