Reading is a wonderful way to escape reality, but sometimes it's hard to find the motivation to pick up that book. We've all been there: You start reading and then get distracted by your phone or someone walks into the room, causing you to put down your book and deal with them (ugh). How do we get out of reading slumps? I'm glad you asked! Here are my top five tips for getting back into the swing of things:
1. Pick up an Old Favorite
If you're in a reading slump, chances are that it's because you haven't been enjoying the books that you've been trying to read. But if there's one thing I know about readers and book lovers, it's that nothing puts us back into our happy place more than picking up an old favorite. For me personally (and probably many others), this means re-reading Harry Potter or A Song of Ice and Fire by George R R Martin! If we're talking about books from childhood through--those sweet memories can be just as powerful.
2. Try Out a Genre You’ve Never Read Before
The next time you're feeling stuck in a reading slump, try out a book by an author you've never read before. Or maybe give a genre that isn't typically your cup of tea (historical fiction, sci-fi) a try. And if someone who knows their stuff tells you about something they think would be right up your alley--don't ignore them!
If none of those tips work, then...
3. Read Something Shorter Than You Normally Would
Reading something shorter than you normally would is a great way to get out of a reading slump. If you're used to reading fantasy novels, try picking up a graphic novel or an illustrated book instead. Or vice versa: if you usually read fiction, try non-fiction for a change!
Don't be afraid of trying something new--and don't beat yourself up if it doesn't work out for you. There's no point in feeling guilty about reading something that isn't your usual genre; just because someone else likes vampire romance novels doesn't mean they have anything on their hands but blood-soaked paperbacks filled with hopelessly angsty teenagers (or whatever).
4. Find a New Author
Find a new author to follow on social media or online communities like the new Books section of Goodreads and Bookish, which includes online reading groups for everything from romance to sci-fi and fantasy to historical fiction to thrillers and more. Join an existing book club in real life--or start your own!
5. Set Time
Set aside some time to read each day without interruption, whether it's while you're eating breakfast, commuting to work, or getting ready for bed at night (though make sure you turn off your phone first!). If possible, start building a quiet reading space in your home--it could be as simple as a chair next to a window or a cozy spot under a bookshelf that holds books you love! Reading time needs to be uninterrupted.
This is important because it will help you get into a rhythm, which will make it easier for you to focus on the book and not on what else might be going on in your life at the moment. Plus, it's just nice to have some time where you can sit back and relax! If possible, start building a quiet reading space in your home--it could be as simple as a chair next to a window or a cozy spot under a bookshelf that holds books you love!
Reading is an incredible activity, but it's also one that requires a lot of time and energy. If you're feeling like you don't have enough of either right now, don't despair! There are plenty of ways to get back into the swing of things--and even if your reading slump lasts for months or years at a time (which it might!), there's always going to be something new out there worth trying out when those times come around again.
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