Bibliophile Tips: Ways To Get Out of A Reading Slump
Hello everyone! I’m back with another round of Bibliophile Tips! Today I’ll be chatting about reading slumps. A reading slump can best be described as not being able to pick up a book and read because you can’t, you just can’t read. They tend to happen when we are experiencing changes, challenges, or stressors in our lives. I’ll be sharing some tips that helped me with reading slumps and got me reading books once again.
1) Identify your stressors and take a break from reading.
Especially at the beginning of the pandemic, I experienced a lot of reading slumps. It seemed like the perfect time to get reading done. But I was stressed out by the uncertainty of what was happening in the world, I was adjusting to working at home, and I was doing so much that I felt stretched thin. When I had time to read, I didn’t want to. so, I took a break from reading entirely. I switched to different mediums such as podcasts, music, and tv. Once books became appealing to me, I was able to pick up a book and try reading again.
2) Try reading a different genre.
Sometimes if I read too much of a book genre it pushes me into a reading slump. Weird, huh? Sometimes I can remedy the slump by reading something different. For example, If I read novels with a very heavy subject, I’ll try reading genres that are comforting to me. Typically, I’ll gravitate to reading romance or graphic novels and comics. For manga, I can go through multiple volumes in one reading session. There’s something about a fluffy shojo manga that soothes my soul. Sometimes switching a reading genre helps a lot especially if you’re a mood reader like me.
3) Try to read in a different format.
When I’m in the midst of a deep reading slump I try to help ease myself out of the slump by reading in a different format. Usually, I read the majority of my books in physical form, but I’ll try to seek out an audiobook or read on my e-reader. It works 50% of the time and even when I’m not in the midst of a reading slump I like to read books in different formats If I can to keep things fresh. I try to pick out books I won’t necessarily review for the blog so I can enjoy it in its entirety without thinking of what notes I need to take and just lose myself in the novel’s world.
What are some ways you remedy a reading slump? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!
Great tips! These usually work for me as well… I also like rereading an old favorite and see if I’m up to a new book afterwards.
Thank you! Re-reading an old favorite is a great idea!
All of those are tried and true for me as well. Including the rereading. Also, if there are Little Free Libraries in a walk-able distance, they can be interesting sources. There’s usually a mix of materials and it still feels like browsing…without feeling like there’s too much choice. (There are unregistered ones, as well, that aren’t listed on the website, and sometimes they have even more interesting options because they’re not visited as often.)
I agree! Little Free Libraries have some great book picks. I always donate my used books there. I love when I find a new one in my neighborhood or locally.
I find switching genres really helpful too, especially picking up graphic novels or middle grade as a way to ease out of a slump. And when I’ve been reading a lot of digital books, switching to paperback helps a lot
I agree! Switching from digital to paperback format has helped me especially when I’m in a really bad reading slump.
I read better in paperback, and it’s easier for me to read romance or short stories. Typically when I’m in a reading slump, I just let it happen and focus on other hobbies.
I think that’s great to focus on other hobbies. I do this myself when I’m in the midst of a major reading slump.