Reading Slump Help: How to Fall Back in Love with Reading
Whether you’re a lifelong reader or just getting into the habit, reading slumps are all too common. They can pop up when you’re busy or stressed, or even if you’ve finished a really good book and just don’t know what to read next. Regardless of the cause, this post is all about how to get out of a reading slump, with tips for gently reengaging your love for reading and rebuilding the reading habit in manageable ways. Be sure to download my free book tracker and reader guide here to help design your optimal reading experience!
Table of Contents:
7 Tips for Getting Out of a Reading Slump
1. Start with Small Wins
One of the best first-steps for any reading slump is to gather a few small wins. When it comes to rebuilding a reading habit, this means picking shorter, lighter reads that you can finish relatively quickly. By finishing any book — whether that’s a short story, a novella, or even a graphic novel — you can get a renewed sense of motivation. The idea of easy books to read will vary from reader to reader, but think about the kind of books you’ve enjoyed in the past and blown through without realizing. Chances are, something along those lines will be a great genre to start with.
I, personally, find romantic comedies to be some of the best books for a reading slump. Some of my favorites here have been great palate cleansers between heavier novels or in between busy periods of life, and they are often short books to read. As for short stories, be sure to check out Kindle Unlimited, which has a variety of short stories from popular authors that are exclusive to their platform. I have a full guide to Kindle Unlimited here if you want to learn more about this subscription.
Fun & Quick Reads to Try Next
2. Reread an Old Favorite
Along the same lines as gathering small wins, rereading a favorite book can help you fall back in love with reading. Rereading a book is validating and low-pressure — you know you like the novel, you remember much of the story, and it’s just easy. If you liked A Court of Thorns and Roses, for example (the book that really got me back into reading), consider re-reading the series — or at least the first book — and delving into the story once more.
For me, I am a huge Emily Henry fan, and I have had a very emotional response to each of her books as I’ve read them. Recently, I revisited my all time favorite of hers — Funny Story — as an audiobook and found the experience to be just as intense and rewarding as when I read the physical book for the first time. I knew what happened, but my brain was free to wander through the story differently and pick up on details I missed before.
3. Make Reading Feel Like a Treat
Another way to get out of a reading slump is to make the habit feel more like a treat than a routine. Consider when and how you like to read. Do you have a spot in your home where you like to read each day — on the couch, for example, or in bed before you go to sleep? If so, try revamping your reading habits to prioritize the ritual of it.
If you like to read on the couch in the evenings when winding down (my preference), pick a time to start, set up a nice ambiance YouTube video or playlist, make yourself a cup of tea, light a lovely candle, and get truly and properly cozy.
Whether you’re a book lover who knows what they want out of their reading time, or you’re looking to build new reading habits, my free journal for book lovers is here to help you design your ideal reading space and track your reads.
Bookish Essentials for Readers
4. Set a Gentle Reading Goal
Setting a low-pressure reading goal could be a fun way to get back into reading. Whether you decide you want to read for 10 minutes a day, for example, or you want to read X number of books a month, you can make a kind of game out of it.
If you decide to set a goal, be sure to pick something manageable and malleable. You don’t want to feel tied down to the goal, such that it becomes just another thing to check off on your to-do list. That’s hardly going to help you get out of your reading slump. Instead, pick something gentle and be open to revising the goal if it doesn’t feel right after a few days.
5. Try Reading in a New Format
Trying a new format of reading could be a great way to fall back in love with reading. Audiobooks are great options, because you can listen while you’re driving, doing laundry, or going for a walk. They free up your hands in such a way that you could even listen to them while winding down at night and do some therapeutic craft at the same time, like crocheting, knitting, or coloring. Libro.fm often has great deals on audiobooks, and purchases benefit local indie bookstores!
If you’re wondering how to start reading again but your days are jam packed, physical books can be a little overwhelming. Sure, some are easy enough to carry around with you, but if you pick up Crescent City (a great series, by the way), you’re going to need a proper tote bag whenever you’re out and about. Consider investing in a Kindle e-reader so you can easily read on the go.
I have the Kindle ColorSoft currently and had the Kindle Paperwhite previously, and both are great. Personally, I think the Kindle ColorSoft is the best e-reader, which I detail here, but the Kindle Paperwhite is a super close second. You can’t go wrong with either, honestly. As great as they are for travel and on-the-go reading, I also prefer them for reading in bed, because they are lighter than most books and I can adjust the brightness more easily than with a traditional book light.
6. Create a TBR Menu You Can See
It isn’t always a perfect system, but creating a visible TBR (“to be read”) menu can help with the decision paralysis that can come with a reading slump. Like so many readers, I often fall into the trap of building multiple TBR book stacks around the house. This, when combined with all the digital TBR books I’ve listed, can make it really hard to remember: (1) what I actually want to read and (2) what physical books I have already bought.
Whether you dedicate a bookshelf or simply make a stack in the corner of your living room, creating a visual TBR shelf of the physical books you want to read can help you pick what most catches your eye.
7. Don’t Go It Alone: Find a Book Loving Community
While reading is technically a solitary activity, you can certainly find community in the hobby, both online and IRL. Check your local indie bookstores for book clubs or reach out to friends about making your own reading group! Online, you can always find people wanting to chat books on Instagram and Threads, and the Fable app has a whole section of book clubs you can explore.
I, for one, am always chatting books on Instagram, whether through my stories or static posts. You can check out what I’m reading there and get deeper dives by signing up for my mailing list.
If you’re looking to build up your bookstagram community on Instagram, here are handful of readers, writers, and bookish content creators I recommend you check out:
What Has Helped Me the Most with Reading Slumps
Figuring out how to get out of a reading slump can feel overwhelming with everything we have to get done in our lives, but taking the time each day (or every other day — no pressure!) to relax with a good book should be a pleasure we all prioritize. I am convinced that reading makes us better, more empathetic humans, and we all deserve a little more self care and enjoyment.
For me, making a game of reading through goal setting, making a cozy reading nook for myself, and removing the sticking points that prevent me from picking up my latest book or Kindle have all helped with reading slumps. And, sometimes, just taking a break from reading does the trick, too. Follow your instincts and consider the tips listed here that resonate the most with you and you’ll be back to loving reading in no time.
Further Reading for the Book Lover:
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