How to Overcome Reading Slump

Have you ever fell out of love with books? To me, it happens when I binge read a series…or more and reach to a point where I lose interest in reading. It somewhat feels like burn out. This phenomenon is what we call a reading slump.

Sometimes even the most die-hard book lovers have a tough time finding pleasure in reading. What is the reason behind this happening? Maybe the previous book was so amazing that everything else seems subpar in comparison. Conversely, if the last few books were a total letdown, motivation to keep reading takes a nosedive.

Why Does It Happen?

A reading slump can happen for many reasons, both internal and external. One thing that often happens is reader fatigue. I’m guilty of this often. Binging on books of the same genre can make it hard to get excited about new stories. Despite knowing that, when I get my hand on a good series, I can’t help myself and I devour them. On top of that, work, family, and social events can make it hard to find time to read. 

Like I mentioned previously, if you’ve been disappointed with your recent reads, it can also make it harder to get into a new book. Encountering poorly written or underwhelming books can dampen enthusiasm for future reading experiences. Besides, if you’re stressed, burned out, or going through some emotional distress, it can affect your ability to focus and enjoy yourself. I remember being in a reading slump while my husband was in surgery. I was so worried I couldn’t focus, I couldn’t read or care about the storyline.

Just so you know, reading slumps are totally normal. They are often temporary and can be overcome with patience. Understanding the underlying causes can help you develop strategies to break free from the slump and rediscover the joy of reading.   

How to Prevent It?

While it’s impossible to prevent reading slumps completely, there are steps you can take to minimize how they affect you. Diversifying your reading choices is a good idea to keep things fresh. When I say things, what I mean is themes, tropes, moods.

Since I predominantly read fantasy, this is the rule I break the most. What can I say? I’m better at giving advice than I am at following it. So, explore different genres, authors, and formats to prevent monotony. Taking short breaks between books can also refresh your perspective and prevent burnout. This is also something I should do more often, but I don’t. Don’t be like me!

How to Get Over Your Reading Slump

Breaking free from a reading slump requires patience and experimentation. Start by rekindling your love for reading by revisiting old favorites or exploring new genres. I know many readers who reread their favorite books to get in a reading mood again. 

Join a book club or online reading community to connect with fellow readers and discover new recommendations. Change is good. Discussing the books you read is even better. It makes you think about the plot, sparks conversation and you might even learn something new. As an aside, I joined an online book club along with a few of my Twitter friends where we read Agatha Christie books. So far, I love it. Honestly, I wouldn’t have read her books if it wasn’t for the book club. I’m just stuck in my fantasy bubble.

Setting aside dedicated reading time can help establish a regular reading habit. Maybe it’s before bedtime to unwind after a long day and decompress, or maybe it’s after lunch instead of scrolling on social media. If you’re not the one driving, use your daily commute as the perfect time to get lost in a story.

Explore reading lists. Consider your favorite books or authors and look up lists made by fans and book lovers. These lists can introduce you to similar books and authors, expanding your reading horizons and reigniting your passion for stories.

If you’re having a hard time focusing, switch up where you read or try out different ways to read, like audiobooks or ebooks. At some point I discovered audiobooks made chores much more entertaining. Do you know what happened? The number of books I read yearly increased, and my house got cleaner.

Don’t be afraid to take a break from reading altogether if needed. Reading should be a pleasure, not a chore. Sometimes, all you need is a break. As a binge-reader, I feel this in my bones. Take a break and do something else to get your reading mojo back. Just remember, getting out of a reading slump takes time, so be patient with yourself.

Another tip to get out of the reading slump is to try a reading challenge. These challenges give you structure, motivation, and a feeling of accomplishment. Whether it’s reading a book from every genre, visiting different countries through literature, or focusing on a specific theme, challenges can reignite your passion for reading.

Participating in online or community-based reading challenges can also foster a sense of camaraderie and accountability. Sharing your progress and connecting with other readers can help you stay motivated and discover new books. Remember, the goal isn’t to complete the challenge perfectly but to enjoy the journey of exploring new literary territories and get your joy of reading back.