Char’s Tips And Tricks For A Reading Slump
A reading slump hits you randomly, at times when you least expect it. What’s a reading slump, you ask? Well, it’s usually a time when the act of reading sounds terrible, and nothing sounds good; basically, you feel burnt out from reading. For avid readers, this is one of the worst things. Here are my personal tips and tricks for how to get out of a reading slump. These are just what help me and might not work for everyone, but I hope this helps when you need to get out of one of these terrible times.
When I get into a slump, I like to switch to audiobooks. These are great because I can do something else while reading. While I work on things like crochet or cleaning, I tend to listen to music anyway, so putting on a book that I’ve already read or want to read helps make the time go so much faster.
Another way to help with a slump is to pick up an old favorite. I tend to go back to silly books like Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, or Throne of Glass. I love the spooky spin on a classic, so I find it very enjoyable to reread this book whenever I’m in a slump. Throne of Glass is a series, so it gives me the option of just randomly jumping into several books. Plus, it has action, romance, and just great characters.
If you like setting personal goals, you could also find a book you’ve been wanting to read and try reading a chapter every few days. If the slump is terrible, I sometimes challenge myself to read one or two pages to make me feel like I’m getting something done. I also love setting small reachable goals for myself with small rewards, like if I read a chapter, maybe I let myself have a piece of chocolate or a small treat. I know, weird, but it works for me.
Another thing you could do is buddy reading. You may need a friend to get coffee with and chat about what you have been reading. My best friend lives a little way away, but we love to text each other about what we are reading. If you’ve even been to the book club here at the store, then you’ve probably heard me talk about how I also text one of the gals about the books she recommends to me. It’s fun to have other people’s reactions to what you’re reading. It makes it enjoyable. I also get excited to pick up other books they recommend for me. Sometimes a friend’s recommendation is just what you need to get you out of a slump, or their reactions to a book you love.
Lastly, embrace the slump. Maybe your brain is burnt out from reading, and you need a little bit of time off. It’s okay to put books aside for a little while and do something else during your time. Focus on another hobby or show, and when you get the itch to read again, open a book. It’s okay to need some time away from books. I have taken months, even years, off from reading, but I always seem to find my way back to a good story. It’s okay. Don’t be hard on yourself if it happens.
