Alas, the time has come when our schoolwork and extracurricular activities collide in an explosion of madness and exhaustion. In times like these, it is incredibly easy to detach yourself from the things that you actually enjoy — like reading.
Personally, I have been extremely unmotivated to read for enjoyment, which is disappointing for someone who adores escapism. Sometimes, even when I schedule a time to sit and read, I’m just too tired to comprehend the words when that time comes. Lucky for us, I’ve come up with a few ways to work around this pesky hindrance and get you back into your reading groove!
- Start With An Easy Read
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Trying to read a book with a ton of world-building and a complex storyline is cumbersome when you feel overwhelmed and/or exhausted. To avoid making things more overwhelming, it’s best to find a book with a fast-paced yet interesting storyline.
A great example of this would be a lighthearted contemporary romance book. I recently finished Love On The Brain by Ali Hazelwood, and it was so sweet and light that I’ve found myself wanting to pick up more books like it!
- Reread
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Sometimes what we need to get out of a slump is to reread a book that ignited our love for reading in the first place.
For me, rereading after a slump allows me to go at a slow pace, and often I pick up on small details that I didn’t before. Depending on how long ago I read the book, it’ll occasionally feel like I’m reading it for the first time again.
You also don’t have to use as much brainpower to figure out the plot since you’ll most likely remember the key events. It’s a win-win: you don’t have to put in much effort and you get to enjoy a book you love!
- Try Audiobooks
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Reading for pleasure can be difficult when you have to read other material for class. To save yourself from that headache, audiobooks are a great way to sit back, relax, close your eyes, and just listen.
Many classics and YA books are available for free on Spotify, along with other apps that connect to your local library and give you access to a wide range of books, such as Hoopla. You could even try “graphic audiobooks,” which use a multitude of different sounds to enhance the experience and make it almost cinematic.
These are all great options to give your eyes a rest and still enjoy a wonderful story!
- Pick A Reading Spot That You Love
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Finding a cute or aesthetic place to sit and open a book may be all the motivation you need to get back in the groove.
Personally, I always enjoy bringing a book to a local cafe or (for all my fellow Bostonians) the Boston Public Library. Just being off-campus can help with my motivation to read, as it tricks my brain into thinking I’m starting something new.
Another good place could be your bedroom, where you can be in a quiet space with your favorite drink. It may also be helpful to choose a place with few distractions so you don’t accidentally reread the same line over and over again.
- Read Your Favorite Genre
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Sometimes, what’s trending might not be your taste. In this case, it’s best to stick to a genre that you know compels you. This might also mean that you read your favorite author’s anthology, and that’s perfectly fine!
- Don’t Force It
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It’s okay to not be in the mood to read. In this instance, don’t force yourself and leave reading for another time. Don’t compare your bookish progress to someone else! And remember, reading slumps are only temporary, no matter how awful they may feel.
Make sure to go easy on yourself and remember tO Read for pleasure, not obligation. Happy reading!
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