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From a self-proclaimed full-time reader, here are 7 golden ways to get out of a reading slump and make yourself love reading again.
As an avid reader, reading slumps can be extremely hard for me. I use reading as a healthy form of escape in my life. It fuels my soul like nothing else does.
When I am reading, I am the best version of myself. And when I am not reading, I feel like I’ve been cut in half and don’t quite know what to do with myself.
Reading slumps can mean something different for you, of course.
Maybe reading is your self-help zone, and a slump makes you feel like you’re not quite growing.
Or maybe reading is your favorite hobby, and you need it to keep your spare time fun and interesting.
Or it could be that you associate reading with living, and not being able to transport yourself to another world through pages leaves you feeling lost (like me).
Whatever your case may be, I’m about to share 6 golden ways to get out of a reading slump and get back into the world of books again.
I will also be recommending five books that are perfect to pick during reading slumps. Make sure to read till that section.
Doesn’t matter whether it’s been days, weeks, months, or even years since you last picked up a book.
You are about to step back into the world of reading again. Let’s see how!
7 Ways To Get Out Of A Reading Slump
1. Re-Read A Book You Love
When nothing new is clicking, you should try going back to an old favorite book.
You know, something that makes you giddy, makes your head spin, or just feels like a warm hug (those are the best kind).
There’s no pressure to “get into it” because you already are into it. You know the story, you know the characters, and most importantly, you already love it.
A re-read can remind you why you fell in love with reading in the first place.
It can reignite that spark without asking you to invest emotional energy into something unknown.
For me, it’s like meeting an old friend for coffee and picking up exactly where we left off.
So, naturally, this is the first thing I do whenever I am in a reading slump, and it works ninety percent of the time.
2. Read Something Short
You could be the biggest book lover you know, but there come times when the idea of finishing a whole book gets overwhelming. It’s actually one sneakiest reasons reading slumps stick around for long.
So instead of diving into a 500-page novel, give your mind something easy to digest. You can read short stories, essays, or a novella.
Don’t try to pick something life-changing or amazing, because that’s not really the goal here, and being picky might hurt your slump even more.
You just need to prove to yourself that you can finish something, just like you used to before this slump hit you.
That feeling of completion is addictive, and it might open the door to longer books down the line.
3. Change The Format
You can chalk it up to a busy routine, a confused mind, or just plain boredom, but sometimes holding a paperback can feel like too much.
If you can relate, then maybe instead of fretting about what to read, think about how to read?
If physical books aren’t calling to you, you can always go for ebooks.
They are very easy to read in bed, while commuting, or when you’re bored out of nowhere.
Your brain doesn’t have to think much before picking up the phone or the Kindle and start reading.
And if that isn’t appealing, then try an audiobook. I am not usually an audiobook girl, but during reading slumps, they turn out to be exactly what I need.
You can listen while cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, or walking outside. Let the story meet you where you are.
The format shift can trick your brain into thinking it’s doing something different, even though you’re still feeding your love for stories.
4. Ditch The Guilt
You know what makes a reading slump the worst? The guilt that we start piling on top.
Stupid thoughts like:
- I should be reading more.
- Everyone else is reading so much.
- Why can’t I just focus?
Yeah, you do not need any of it. That kind of talk only adds pressure, which is so unnecessary.
Reading is supposed to be a joy, not a chore. So let yourself off the hook, human!
You are allowed to not read for a while and focus on yourself. Use this time away from reading to pursue other hobbies and get to know yourself outside the pages.
The books will wait. Your love for reading isn’t going anywhere; it’s just taking a nap.
5. Try A Genre You’ve Never Touched Before
Sometimes slumps happen because we’re stuck in a loop. We read the same types of books, from the same authors, on the same themes.
If you can relate, then you might need to break the cycle and go rogue.
If you usually read fantasy, try a contemporary romance. If nonfiction is your jam, pick up a thriller; there are so many good ones being written these days!
You can think of it as literary cross-training. Sounds fun, right?
It doesn’t matter if the book ends up being your new favorite or not. What matters is shaking things up enough to remind your brain that stories come in many forms.
6. Make Reading Social Again
Reading can feel isolating when you’re in a slump, especially if you’re used to being that person who always has a book in their hand (that’s me!).
So, why not reconnect with reading by talking about it?
Join a book club, or start a super chill one with a friend. Watch BookTube or scroll through #BookTok.
And of course, you can always head to GoodReads to join a reading challenge and connect with other readers.
Hearing other people talk about what they love to read can make you feel excited to dive back in.
Enthusiasm for reading can be contagious. Let yourself catch it!
7. Pick Something and Just Start Reading
I know this sounds obvious. You might even be rolling your eyes at me.
But sometimes we overthink ourselves into a deeper slump. We wait for the ‘perfect’ book, the ‘right’ mood, and the ‘ideal’ time.
And while all of that might make sense, the only way out of a reading slump is through.
So pick a book, any book, and just start. Not with the expectation that you’ll finish it or love it or be changed by it.
Just read the first page. Then maybe the next. And then the next.
That quiet moment of returning to words, sentence by sentence, can do more than all the planning and prepping in the world.
Sometimes you don’t need a strategy; you just need to begin.
Wow, that applies to literally everything in life, huh? Interesting.
Book Recs To Break Your Reading Slump
What kind of post would this be if I didn’t leave some book recommendations behind?
Here are some books that I believe are perfect to pick up during reading slumps:
1. ‘The Seven Year Slip’ by Ashley Poston
I loved this sooo much! It’s got magic, fantasy, time travel romance, and a kind hero who makes me believe in love again. Very easy to get into.
2. ‘A Court Of Thorns and Roses’
This is the mother of all fantasies, and that makes it a perfect pick for reading slumps.
Since it’s a book series, you’ll want to keep going. Just read it if you haven’t already. I have nothing more to say.
3. ‘The Let Them Theory’ by Mel Robbins
This is a fairly recent release, and since it’s by Mel Robbins, the book has gained popularity very quickly.
It teaches you how to free yourself from people’s opinions and let them do whatever they wanna without caring.
It’s become my favorite too because I struggle to detatch myself from some people’s thoughts, and this book acts as a savior during my phases of overthinking.
4. ‘Just For The Summer’ by Abby Jiminez
Abby Jimenez is my new favorite author, and ‘Just For The Summer’ is my favorite book of hers. She’s amazing at writing cute romances with compelling storylines.
This one is the third book in a series, but can be read as a standalone.
If you’d rather read in order,r though, start with ‘Part Of Your World’. It’s also very good and great for reading when you’re in a slump.
5. ‘The Sun and Her Flowers’ by Rupi Kaur
I reserve poems for my reading slumps because of how easy they are to read.
This one by Rupi Kaur is popular, and for good reason. Read if you’re in the mood for something short and sweet.
Okay, Wrapping It Up
Reading slumps are frustrating, but they’re not permanent. You’re still a reader, even when you’re not reading.
That identity doesn’t vanish just because you’ve hit pause. So, just be gentle with yourself, and don’t force it.
The right book or moment will come along when you’re ready. And when it does, you’ll feel that familiar magic flicker back to life.
Until then, give these tips a try and see how it works out for you, dear reader!
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