I was having a conversation with a friend who is currently in a reading slump. I made a post last year about how to deal with a reading slump. However, as with January 4's post (Ten Tips for Reading More, 2022 Edition), I thought that this would be another good post to update.
I, like with many other readers, have often dealt with reading slumps. These can really be off-putting, and they can last for seemingly a long time. Hopefully, this updated post will help out. Additionally, I hope this post will help in getting out of a reading slump as well. Here are twelve tips for how to deal with a reading slump.
If you want to try rereading, check out Tips 6-12. However, if you do want to try, please take Tip 3 into account while doing so.
Tip 1: Let yourself ride out the reading slump.
This is a surefire way to deal with a reading slump. Sometimes, you just need to let the slump actually happen before you start reading again.
Tip 2: Try to see if there was some reason why your slump started.
Sometimes there is a reason for a reading slump. Maybe a book you read upset you somehow. Or it is possible that certain personal issues popped up right around the time the slump started. There does not always have to be a reason for a reading slump, but it might be a good idea to find out.
Tip 3: Do not force yourself to read.
This is the most important tip. If you force yourself to read, then that may prolong the reading slump. Additionally, it might be possible that forcing yourself may actually put you off of reading for a while.
Tip 4: Check out bookish social media - Bookstagram, BookTube, BookTok, bookish Twitter, and others.
While this may not inspire you to actually read, you may actually find some more books that you want to add to your TBR pile for future reading.
Tip 5: Reorganize your bookshelves.
Again, this is another tip that may not actually inspire you to pick up reading. However, there is the possibility. But reorganizing your bookshelves can help you get out of the reading slump.
Tip 6: Choose a shorter book - or even a graphic novel.
Reading a short book or a graphic novel (which tends to be short) can help you get back into reading. And reading something short also means that you are not dedicating a lot of time to a single book.
Tip 7: Try out a new genre if you want to try reading.
Many readers stick to one to two genres. As a result, if you want to try to get out of a reading slump, checking out a new genre may help, even if you don't ultimately enjoy the book(s) you read.
Tip 8: Reread a favorite book.
Similarly with checking out a new genre, rereading a favorite can help you get out of a reading slump. Favorite books are nostalgic little worlds in their own right, and that return to them can really help out.
Tip 9: Try out an audiobook.
Many people do not read using audiobooks, no matter how accepting they may be of audiobooks as reading. If you normally don't listen to audiobooks, try a couple out during your reading slump.
Tip 10: Ask for reading recommendations from friends and family.
This is something that can truly help if you want to try getting back into reading. Even if you do not immediately get around to the books your friends and family, the recommendations can still inspire you to read.
Tip 11: Try out the Chapter Challenge.
To do the Chapter Challenge, you should read the first chapter out of a couple of your books, and choose to continue the book that you were the most drawn to. You can also narrow it down to the first page, or even paragraph. But this can inspire you to read more.
Tip 12: Go to a library or bookstore.
You do not have to borrow or buy books. However, being in a physical library or bookstore can inspire you to pick up one of your own books in your collection.