How to Get Out of a Reading Slump: A Novel Idea
All voracious readers can relate: there comes a day when your tried-and-true favorites might not be cutting it anymore. Often, after you’ve finished reading a series that has rocked you to the core, you might be disappointed with the next book you read—or simply scared that your next read will not live up to the hype. Or maybe you’re not sure why you’re in a reading slump, and just struggle to motivate yourself to read. Do not fear! Even if nothing entices you in your TBR (“to be read”) shelf, there are many ways to get out of your reading slump. Remember that it just takes some time to get back in the reading groove and that you will be able to get back to devouring some new favorites in no time! To start, here are three important factors to keep in mind when trying to get out of a reading slump…
1. Don’t stress yourself out about not reading!
Though not reading may seem almost unfathomable to book nerds, it should never cause you stress. If you ever do feel stressed that you’re not reading, then this is usually a good sign for you to take a break. Taking a week off reading as a mini “reading vacation” will help you genuinely engage more with the books you read in the long run. Additionally, you don’t need to instantly get back to reading novels after experiencing a slump. By setting small and more achievable goals, readers can gradually break out of a slump. For instance, a goal as simple as reading for 20-30 minutes a day might inspire you to pick up some more paperbacks.
2. Step outside of your comfort zone
What you read doesn’t just have to be restricted to the genres that you consider your “favorites.” Preconceived notions about genres can scare away readers from venturing out of their comfort zone, but reading is—after all—about broadening your horizons. Genre burnout is, in fact, an issue that affects many impassioned readers. Trying something new could help you revitalize your love for books, or even help you find a new favorite genre you might have never considered trying. Changing up the titles in your reading queue doesn’t just have to do with genre, however. You can also read differently, choosing to read the novel through a more critical, constructive lens or even thinking about it from an editing perspective. Reading from a different perspective is a refreshing solution.
3. Buddy read with a friend
Starting a read-along with a friend is another great way to get back into reading. In this situation, you and your buddy would both agree on a book to read and read it together. If you wish, you can set deadlines or you can go through the book at your own pace. Having someone share the reading experience with you is always a great motivator. If you want to join an even larger group of people, you can consider joining or starting a book club. There are many ways to get involved with book-loving friends, in the physical world and even digitally. Bookstagram (Instagram’s book community) is a friendly online community that connects hundreds of thousands of book lovers, fostering discussion on readers’ favorites.
After a long stretch of reading, slumps are bound to happen. Don’t stress yourself out next time you don’t find yourself yearning for your favorite comfort read. Instead, remind yourself how you can use this reading slump as an opportunity to relax and take a break from reading, expand your reading scope, and connect more with the people around you. You must always have the courage to open another book, and the bravery to take a break from reading too.
