Reading slumps can be super annoying, and personally I often end up feeling really guilty about not reading for long periods of time. Especially as I relate a lot of my identity to being a reader.

So in this post I’m going to give you some tips on how to survive, and hopefully escape from, a reading slump.

Read a short book (increase completion flow)

Reading a shorter book can be really helpful, especially if you read a lot of long fantasy books. Reading a shorter book can make you feel like you’re reading faster, and you start completing more books.

This often brings back reading momentum, and can help rekindle your excitement for reading.

Change medium (graphic novel, audiobook, ebook)

Sometimes reading in a different format can help refresh your brain, and help you to find a new joy in reading. I often find that if I read a graphic novel it allows me to experience a story in a more relaxed way.

Often I find that changing the way I read just gives me a little break from the tomes that I tend to choose. Similar to the previous point, graphic novels tend to be quick books to read, which can help bring back your momentum.

Take a break – do something else

Another option is to just not read for a little while. It may sound counter-productive, but actually, stepping away and removing some of the pressure from your reading can help bring back your flow when you are ready to return to it.

Try doing something creative, or maybe just go for a walk. This could be a short break, and then you can try reading again, or you can take a break for a few days, or even longer if you need to.

Power through and hope for the best

Alternatively, you could do the opposite and just keep pushing through it. You could attempt to read the same things you always read, and just force yourself to work through the slump.

Personally I don’t find this one works for me as it just makes the reading a chore rather than something enjoyable, which is something you need to be careful about if you’re planning on powering through. However, sometimes once you are through the section of the book that is putting you off, you can become more excited about that story.

Find popular books

Perhaps your slump is affected by the books you’ve been reading recently. It can help if you find a book in your preferred genre and see what’s being hyped at the moment.

Sometimes all it takes to get out of a slump is to find the right book.

Change genre

Then again, you could try branching out. Maybe you’ve been reading too much of one genre. Experimenting with something completely new can refresh your excitement for reading, and ultimately give you more books that you are excited to read in the future.

Read something easy (middlegrade, rom-com, YA)

Choose a light read, something that’s not too intense, which doesn’t require a lot of focus or brain-power to get through.

Reading books aimed at a younger audience, or that has a lighter plot might make reading a more relaxed experience, therefore creating less pressure for reading ifthatispart of the problem.

Change setting / put on background ambience (to help concentration)

Maybe the problem is your environment while you are reading. Sometimes the place you usually read can create too many distractions, or doesn’t relax you enough. I find that going to a cafe, or sitting outside, instead of staying in my bedroom can help me to recalibrate myself, and get back in the zone for reading.

Re-Read a favourite

During my current struggle with trying to get back into the habit of reading I have decided to re-read a book that I know I have enjoyed in the past. In this instance I am reading Nevermoor by Jessica Townsend. I love this series, and there is a new one coming out next year, so this will at least remind me of the characters and the world before that one comes out.

Personally I find that re-reading books is faster than reading a new book. This could be because I already know the story and I’m excited to get through it, or it could be because I already understand the world and don’t need to spend as much time processing what is happening.

In any case, I find that re-reading books helps me to get back into the flow of reading without putting pressure on the need to complete it. If you find that you’re getting excited to read again, and don’t want to finish re-reading that book, then you can jump back to the other books that you now want to read.

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Ultimately, you have to remember that reading isn’t a competition. It doesn’t matter if you’re not reading as much as other people. The important thing is that you enjoy what you are doing!

Have you tried any of these suggestions? If so, is there one that you prefer?

Also, I’d love to know if you have any other suggestions!

Until next time,

Love, Bobbi. Xx.