Reading is hard. It’s true. At the end of the day, brain power is limited, and the “to be read” list is ever-growing. Reading during busy times is practically impossible, but hopefully these few tips will make it a bit easier for you to do so. I need this article just as much as you do.
Re-read, don’t start a new book!
This one may seem contradictory to cutting down your TBR list, but this is the best tip I have. Anytime I’ve needed to pick up reading again, it’s difficult to be captured by a new story and a new world with new characters. It takes time and energy to learn these people and places and can make you want to put your book down. My tip is to re-read one of your favorite books! I suggest choosing a book that is short in length and easy to read to start the reading fire in you once again. This book should be fun and fast-paced so it doesn’t seem too long in your head. My recommendations: “Anna and the French Kiss” by Stephanie Perkins, “What If It’s Us” by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera, and “Everything Leads to You” by Nina LaCour.
Find a new place to read!
Reading in a new environment can help loads. Reading in the same spots can get repetitive and boring. Try reading somewhere new! Sometimes just switching it up can help with focus and attentiveness to the book you’re reading. I usually like to read at the beach, in a coffee shop, or simply in another room that I don’t usually read in!
Listen to an audiobook!
Or as I like to say, reading without the brain power. Sometimes looking at words and flipping through pages is just too much for our brains at the end of a busy day. Putting an audiobook on in the background of your daily routine can help you ease back into reading and paying attention to a story. Audiobooks can also be conveniently listened to anywhere and are stored on your device on apps like Audible. It’s a book right in your pocket!
Schedule reading time!
Finding the motivation to read may be the most difficult thing to do while in a reading slump. Setting aside time to read a few nights a week can help encourage a reading schedule. Even if it’s for a short amount of time, like 30 minutes or less, scheduling time to read in your day can help you to start reading again. Swapping out your phone for a book at night is a better way to destress and relax at the end of the day too!
If you’re still reading this without putting it down, I applaud you! You’re on your way to getting out of that reading slump! Hopefully these tips help you out and your adventure to bookland. Happy reading!