As a busy student, I sometimes find it difficult to make time to read books as I used to before starting college. Being stuck in a constant state of classes, internships, and work makes it hard to focus on reading, since after an extensive and exhausting day, you just want to crawl into bed and sleep!
At some point, reading stopped feeling like something I wanted to do and started feeling like a lost hobby I just couldn’t get back into. I’d pick up a book, read a page or two, and just put it down because I couldn’t focus as I used to.
It’s frustrating being in a reading slump, especially when you have a long list of exciting books calling your name on your reading challenge list on Goodreads. Getting out of a reading slump isn’t about forcing yourself to read again; it’s about changing how you approach reading altogether. So, here are some ways to comfortably ease yourself back into your love for reading after being out of the game for a while.
Switch Up How You Read
Sometimes, you may need to change the way you read, so you’re not too overwhelmed. If sitting down to read a 500-page novel seems daunting, try listening to an audiobook instead. This is a great option if you’re walking to class, driving, or doing chores, as it doesn’t require you to sit down for a long period of time.
After reading an audiobook or two, you can try reading a short novel that’s around 200 pages. Trying to get out of a reading slump is all about starting small and slowly building your focus with reading so it feels more natural again.
I also find that reading short stories, poetry collections, and personal essays helps me to find joy and beauty in reading again without feeling too overwhelmed or intimidated by the length of the book.
Make reading feel doable again
The most frustrating part of being in a reading slump is feeling like it’s a massive commitment to pick up a book again. While you may miss your hobby, actually starting it again may seem like something that’s too time-consuming.
To combat this conundrum, it’s helpful to start by reading for 10-15 minutes until you feel more comfortable adding more time. By doing this, reading won’t feel like just a chore that’s taking up space in your day, but instead, it can be a more relaxing, de-stressing task.
On busier days, I like to either start the day or end the day with reading a few pages of my book to help me slow down and reset. When you take away the pressure of always having to read for hours, it becomes more manageable and enjoyable. Besides, once you get accustomed to reading again, you’ll most likely want to read for hours and hours whenever you have the time (especially if the book is too good to put down).
Reading doesn’t have to be a huge commitment, and you can start anywhere and anytime you feel like it. A lot of the time, all you need are those small moments of reading to rebuild the habit and remind you why you loved reading in the first place.
Try Reading Something Different
In the past, I would try to read the next big book on my shelf without considering the reading slump I was in. I’ve since learned that breaking out of a reading slump requires choosing something that will actually keep you engaged, rather than forcing yourself to read through a book just because it looks impressive.
If the book you’re reading isn’t grabbing your attention, but it’s making you not want to read, try picking up a different book. You can always return to the book again after you read something else to rekindle your reading spirit. Reading is supposed to be entertaining, and it certainly can be spontaneous, so pick something that excites you!
Try picking your favorite genre, whether that’s romance, mystery, or fantasy; you just need something that will get you hooked immediately and pull you out of the slump. You can also jump back into reading by picking up your comfort book or all-time favorites. Returning to a story with a familiar plot and characters can bring back good memories of reading and encourage you to seek a new adventure that may become a favorite in the future.
Finding the right book to transition out of a reading slump can be challenging, especially with what your busy schedule may throw at you. Although I’m not flying through books as I once did before college, I still enjoy the short, peaceful moments when I am reading.
If you’re an avid reader, just know that a reading slump doesn’t mean your days of reading are over; it just means you may need to adjust your habits to make reading fun again!
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