You’ve got a full TBR list waiting for you, but instead, you find yourself endlessly scrolling. You want to read, but somehow, you just can’t make it happen. No matter how many books you pick up or how hard you try, the motivation just isn’t there.
Welcome to the dreaded reading slump.
What Is a Reading Slump?
A reading slump is typically temporary, but it can be incredibly frustrating while it’s happening to you. It’s a period of time where your motivation, interest, and even ability to concentrate on a book seem to disappear. The joy and escape from reality suddenly starts to feel like a job. Something that you should be doing rather than something you want to be doing.
There are so many reasons why a reading slump can happen. It might be from burnout, stress, or simply having too much going on in your life. Sometimes, it’s the result of reading a book that was so good that no other book seems to measure up to it once it’s done. Ironically that feeling does have a night, a book hangover. Moving onto something new just doesn’t feel right or you just can’t get interested in new characters stories.
The good news? Reading slumps don’t last forever.
Signs You’re in a Reading Slump
- Starting books that you won’t finish
- Feeling “meh” about the thought of opening a book
- Reaching for your phone to scroll instead of picking up a book
- Never absorbing anything you read
- Losing interest in the thought of reading
- Avoiding that dreaded TBR list (even though it keeps growing)
- Not connecting with characters the way you typically do
What NOT to Do During a Reading Slump
- Don’t force yourself to finish a book, you have no interest in
- Don’t pressure yourself to even pick up a book
- Don’t compare your reading pace to others
- Don’t feel the need to even look at your TBR list
- Don’t guilt yourself for taking a break
- Don’t keep switching between different books hoping one will magically fix it
- Don’t ignore what you’re actually in the mood for, it doesn’t have to be reading
Gentle Reminder
Reading is meant to feel magical, to be fun, comforting, and something that fills you with joy. It’s not supposed to feel like a chore or something that needs to be checked off the to-do list.
Even if it doesn’t feel like it right now, reading slumps do end. Sometimes all you need is a little break from the hobby, and other times, you just haven’t found the right book yet.
Don’t worry, you’ll be back to reading in no time.
(at least that’s what I’m telling myself in my reading slump 😉 )
