I’m going to share something that seems kind of impossible, even to me, but: I haven’t been in a reading slump for…. actually, I can’t recall the last time I’ve been in a reading slump.
? Wait – what the heck is a reading slump?!
Slumps happen to everyone, whether you’re a bookworm, a passionate kite flyer or anything like that. After a while, after doing something you love so often and for so long, sometimes, we just get bored. (I know. Moment needed to gasp here, because how could we ever get bored of BOOKS?! Yet, it happens.) One day, or gradually, we just don’t want to do it anymore. Or maybe you’re just busy, just not feeling it. At all. Welcome to the dreaded reading slump.
In the three years and a half I’ve been blogging, I have encoutered thousands and thousands of incredible bloggers and I have found out that reading slump happens – also, that they seem to be one of the worst things ever to happen to us bookworms.
Yet, somehow, I’ve been lucky enough to avoid it, all this time so far and – fingers crossed – I hope I will avoid it much, much longer. So naturally, I thought I’d try to help, whether you’re feeling in a reading slump, feeling like you’re going towards it all, or just really looking to avoid it, next time you feel it lurking around the corner… here’s what I do.
Obviously, note that this is my own method and it can’t and won’t work for everyone. Okay? Okay.
? How to avoid reading slumps – and not lose your mind
? Change it up – genres, formats etc. – keep things interesting!
I never have a massive physical TBR at hand, but I do try to have different books and I switch things up, every single time. I’m reading a sweet contemporary? I might pick up a fantasy next. Then a sci-fi. Then another contemporary, or something.
Despite being a massive contemporary fan and reading a LOT of these books, I know that, whenever I am reading too much of this genre, I get in the mood for blood, mayhem and some crazy dystopian world or something. Before I lose my love and interest for these swoony contemporaries, I’ll try and pick up a completely different book to spice things up again.
You can also switch things up between formats, like, taking an e-book, then an audiobook, then a physical copy. I’d recommend you to read the lovely post by Swetlana on 7 Ways To Switch Up Your Reading Experience on that topic, it was a GREAT post.
? Allow yourself to take reading breaks
I read a lot during the week. I have two hours to get to and back from work and my lunch break and obviously I am taking my time to read, read read, because, what better way to spend this time than get lost in a book?
Yet, I’m not reading every single day. I’m almost never reading on Saturdays, because that’s my blogging day. I’m not always reading on Sundays, either, because I’m usually catching up on TV shows or something. I’m usually not reading books whenever I am on holidays and travelling – well, a few pages here and there, but last year, I went on a three-week holiday and I read ONE book, where I could have read at least three. Also sometimes I just
It feels GOOD to take breaks, not to be reading all the time. Makes me even more eager to get to my next read, or to get on with my current one.
? Don’t be too strict with yourself – and your TBR
I’m not one of these people planning monthly, weekly, yearly TBRs. I know there are books I absolutely WANT to get to before the end of the year (*cough*The Astonishing Color of After, The Wicked Deep, Save The Date, that list is way too long*cough*). But I don’t know what I’m going to read in the upcoming month. I have a couple of books on my physical TBR, ready to be read but I never plan out to read said or said book in the next month. I’m reading whatever I am in the mood to read next so I’m like that when I can get to reading
(Also yes before you ask, that’s me when I will get to my anticipated reads. every time. ahhh.)
Important thing to remember here is to listen to yourself. Listen to what you want to read, what you don’t want to pick up just yet. Forcing yourself to read a book you’re not really feeling at the moment will only call for a bad reading experience and might get you into a reading slump.
? Don’t be afraid to give up
There is a pressure to read in the book community, or maybe it’s just me. I feel like, if I haven’t read a whole lot in a month, I won’t be a great blogger. I feel like that if I haven’t read this hyped book, I’m not doing great. I feel like, if I give up, if I take a break, if I’m just not that into this or that book, I won’t be okay and the world will crumble and everything else.
It won’t. I’m learning to take breaks and it works out. I’m lucky enough to have been getting amazing books and not having the need to give it up, but if something is not holding your attention enough, don’t be afraid to put it on the side for later. Or never again. It’s okay. Keeping on going might just make you hate the book, every book, yourself and this is not happening.
? Embrace the book blogging community
I know that, if I haven’t been in a reading slump for so long, it’s partly because of the book blogging community, making me want to read so much. Recommending so many incredible books. Screaming about incredible book releases and old and new books and just, keeping the little bookworm spark inside of me alive.
Take the book bloggers’ inspiration with you. Read their blog posts, read their reviews. Ask for recommendations if you’re “not feeling” all the books you have to read or just want something new. Don’t be afraid to turn to this lovely community, because we all will be there to help you.
I know this isn’t a foolproof method or anything else – I just wanted to share what I do and how, so far, all of this mixed up, one or the other, has helped me and has kept my bookish love alive all this time.
If you’re feeling in a slump, remember that it’s okay to take a break, too. Re-read an old favorite. Watch tv shows, movie adaptations. Look at your bookshelves, in real life, in your e-reader or on goodreads. Re-read old reviews of yours, even if it makes you cringe a little bit (I know I do). If you have a bookworm’s heart, you’ll come back to your love of books, that I can promise.
Do you get into reading slumps? What is the best advice you’d give for someone in a reading slump?
How do you keep reading exciting all the time? Do you also need some breaks, or are you a binge-reader? Let me know all of your thoughts in comments!
I don’t really get in slumps either. I can personally recommend your methos of mixing up your genre’s thats what I do and it works. I might read a couple of contemporary novels, then a fantasy (almost never two fantasy novels in a row though) throw in a mystery, or whatever and I just keep reading. Since I was a kid I have read for an hour before going to sleep. I still do that though its more like an hour and a half now. It’s habit I guess? Thanks Marie, those are some great tips!
Oh that’s so cool – we have the same reading habits haha. I usually read contemporaries, then fantasies, but I more easily read three contemporaries in a row, than three fantasies. Just how my brain is wired, I guess, haha 😀
It’s so great that you have this habit of reading before bed – I really should do that more as well 😀
Thank you so, so much for your comment, Deborah! <3 <3
I don’t think that I ever get bored of books, not even when I am in a slump but I get what you were saying with this post. I think I have been in slumps, but I could never put my finger on the why. I wanted to read, I liked the stories I had at my disposal, but I just COULDN’T read. Like my brain was too preoccupied with other things, my body was too tired, my life to stressful – those were reading slumps for me.
Whenever I don’t seem to be able to read books, I absolutely drown myself in TV shows haha the worst stretch of my life was when I could neither read nor watch TV. What was life even good for back then? haha
That has to be the worst feeling, when you just can’t read and don’t even quite know why. I just can’t imagine you NOT reading AND NOT WATCHING TV??? HOW did that ever happen?! I don’t even want to know hahaha
Thank youuu, Kat!! <3 <3
Hahahaha let’s not talk about those dark dark days!
I just got out of a massive 6 month reading slump! It was awful! I’m not even sure what brought me out of it, but I’m so glad it’s over. I’m gonna use some of your tips to avoid slipping into another one!
Oh I’m so very glad you’re out of that slump now! I hope you’ll enjoy getting back into reading and will find some fantastic books 😀
Thank you so much! I hope you’ll find this useful 😀
I think engaging in the book community really helps me when I’m in a slump. Everyone is so lovely and really inspires me to keep on reading!
Oh yes, I feel the exact same way – the community is SO great, positive and always have the best recommendations, too 😀
Thank you so much for your sweet comment <3 <3
Great post! I’m definitely in a reading slump at the minute and it can be so frustrating! I think I will take your advice and put this book aside for now and try something new 🙂
Oh I’m so sorry to hear that! I hope that the next book you pick up will be better, take your time with it all, I’m sure you’ll find that book that makes you want to read everything all over again 😀
Thank you so much for your sweet comment! <3 <3
Great advice! If I’m in a slump, it’s usually because I’m reading a book I don’t like. I DNF it and move on. That almost always cures me. Sometimes slumps happen because life is busy and I can’t concentrate on books. There’s nothing I can do about that except wait for things to get less busy.
Oh thank you so much, so glad you liked it 😀
I completely get that – sometimes life just gets in the way and in these cases, I guess there’s nothing we can do, but wait until it all calms down again 🙂
Thank you so much for your sweet comment! <3
Yep I am victim of this thing ? I get bored of books and then get bored of real life going back to books and cycle goes on.
Oh well I guess that’s just the cycle of a bookworm’s life? ? We can’t always be reading, either and it’s important to take breaks to enjoy reading even more, whenever we get back to it, too 🙂
Thank you for your sweet comment! 🙂
Re-reading an old favourite is a good tip!
There’s something about getting back into the pages of a book we loved that always works out, for me at least <3
Thank you so much for your sweet comment 😀
I pretty much do the exact same!!
Yay! I’m glad to hear that 😀
Thank you so much for your sweet comment <3 <3
LOLOL “passionate kite flyer” Marie your posts are always quality content <3 I can't believe your commute to work is 2 hours! That's some serious dedication ?These are really great tips too! I don't think I ever get serious reading slumps, and I also find that I use some form of these tips to keep me motivated and enjoying myself 🙂
Awww Tiffany, thank you so much, you’re so sweet!! <3
It's not dedication, it's just how life is at the moment, unfortunately ??
I'm so glad you agree with my tips here! Thank you so, so much for your sweet comment <3 <3
So far I never went into a reading slump! I think it’s because I am switching genres and only reading what I want. DNF too if needed…
YAY that’s fantastic 😀 Switching between genres really helps me, too, and always makes me eager to read 😀
Thank you for your sweet comment! <3
I always get reading slumps when I’m in school and I hate them so much! This are great tips! When I’m in a reading slumps I always try to change it up but I feel bad because I usually DNF at least 5 books before finishing (even if they’re good)
OH no I’m sorry to hear that! 🙁 I think it’s important to remember to take it easy and it’s okay if we DNF some books every now and then, it’s just not the right time for them, or they’re just not the right books 🙂
Thank you so much for your sweet comment 🙂
This is too real! I have had this reading slump for quite some time now and have not fully recovered:D
Partly because I don’t get a lot of free time either(not to mention my procrastination).
😛
I should try to make up things soon. And I loved the idea of joining a book club. I hope that’ll work for me.??
Oh I’m so sorry to hear that – I hope you’ll get out of this slump soon!
And joining a book club, or reading with friends is such a great thing to do as well – I hope it will help you find your reading rhythm and love again 😀
Thank you so much for stopping by! 🙂
I’ve had so many reading slumps lately because I’ve been so busy on placement and with uni, it’s hard to find the time to read a book, so I end up in a slump! Will have to remember these tips for the future!!
Oh no – that’s annoying :/ but there are some moments in life where we can do nothing but wait, until we’re not that busy anymore to really get back into our rhythm <3 I hope you'll find your new rhythm soon and that you'll get out of this slump <3
Thank you so much for stopping by! <3
I love this post; you gave out incredible tips!! ? I don’t really get into reading *slumps*, but it’s more like I got busy (due to school) and don’t have time to read. ? I didn’t read a single book for three months because of school this semester, which really sucked. (Which is why I’m trying to get back into reading and read more this summer, haha.)
I’m definitely a huge mood reader too, like you, haha! I’m not strict with my TBR at all; I finish a book and then see what I’m feeling up to read next. (It’s been working so far.)
I love your first and last points in particular! I definitely need to try switching up what I read, LOL. I’ve been reading contemporaries since forever and I have a feeling I might get bored of the genre soon. I’ll probably check out some fantasy books next. 🙂 And I completely agree with your last point; I love reading book reviews and book recommendations from the book blogging community; they always get me excited to read those books! And even though I’m pretty new to this community, I can already tell that everyone is so kind and welcoming here (including you, Marie ❤️) and this is a pretty great community. ☺️
Ahhh sorry for this really long comment, haha! ? I hope you’re having a great weekend and happy reading, as always!
Oh thank you so, so much for your sweet comment! <3 <3
I completely get that, sometimes we get busy and we just don't have as much time, or when we do have time, we don't necessarily want to read, either. It's just how life gets, I guess. I hope you'll be able to read again more this summer and that you'll find some awesome new reads 😀
I hope that switching things up will help – I know that, even if I am a HUGE contemporary lover, every now and then I will need a fantasy, something completely different to just, change things up. Otherwise I get way too marshmallowy ? ?
I'm so, so glad you're having a good time so far blogging – everyone is so inspiring and have the best recommendations, that's honestly a big part of why I'm not really in a slump, everyone just makes me want to read SO MUCH ?
Thank you once again so, so much for your sweet, long comment, I LOVE IT! <3 Happy reading to you too and I hope you'll have / had a lovely Monday 🙂 x
I’m normally not in a reading slump unless there’s something else impacting it as well (personal issues, etc.). ?
I kind of have the same habit of changing up my genres lately – one week I’ll read contemporary and the next two I’ll read fantasy. And then there are days where I just lay in bed doing nothing (but that might be signs of depression or just me doing too much, who knows.).
I used to always trek through if I could instead of DNFing, especially if I’m already halfway or more completed (one more chapter of suffering no big deal?) ?
I’m glad you have the same strategy as I do – I just prefer changing things up every now and then, really keeps things interesting for me 😀
And… I’m actually the same way about DNF-ing. I want to try and do it more when a book really, really bothers me, but usually somehow I power through, because I have hope it might get better ? ?
Thank you so much for your sweet comment, Sophia! <3 <3
I got in a slump a while before and these tips are definitely useful to not fall into that place again! Great post!
Oh thank you so much, so happy you enjoyed this 😀
Welcome, it was fun to read!
yup! I definitely agree with your tips. i tend to go to shorter books or graphic novels if im feeling slumpish
Ohh that’s a great tip! I’m not a big graphic novel reader, but I want to try to read more of these 😀
Thank you so much for your sweet comment 😀
I mix genres as well as physical and ebooks. I read every day, but there is the odd time when I decide to watch tv (not often) or stick a film on, or watch a couple of episode of whatever series I’m watching on Amazon prime. Some days I spend the whole day reading and will read a couple of books, especially if it has been a busy week at work, this becomes my relax time.
Oh it’s so great that you can spend a whole day reading – I can never do that haha, I just prefer to read my book progressively, to keep a bit of suspense and everything? I don’t know if that’s a weird habit ?
Thank you so much for your sweet comment! 🙂
I’ve never been in a reading slump but I totally agree with this list. I mostly read YA fantasy genre but I also love exploring other genres like Sci-fi, thrillers, historical, and contemporary. I don’t set TBR’s either. My next book choice always depends on my mood.
Aw thank you so much, Raven! Switching up between genres and listening to ourselves really helps 😀
Marie,
So, I have this weird anxiety about reading because I am always afraid of heartbreak. I try to push past it, but I am always worried the authors are going to destroy my babies’ lives in books. Once I take the plunge, though, it’s usually fun. Oh, when you mentioned procrastination, I felt relief because I thought I was the only one who slacks off on reading.
I try to give myself a weekly TBR and then I choose from within that list. Otherwise, I get overwhelmed. I have like hundreds of books to read.
How do you decide which book/genre to read next?
Oh no, I’m sorry to hear that! I’m a bit anxious about that as well, but I see things that way: if a book really touches me deeply, it means that it’s pretty amazing and… I’m all for amazing books that make me feel EVERYTHING. It’s the power of books and I love that 🙂
OH wow, a hundred?! I don’t know how you do it ?
I decide which book to read depending on what I have available – I never have tons of books at hand, since I don’t have tons of unread books (like, at the moment, I have maybe, 5). So I choose between these ones, depending if I read a bunch of contemporaries before and am in the mood to change things up, if one of these books particularily screams “READ ME”, or I just ask my sister to choose for me sometimes ? ?
Thank you so much for your sweet comment! 😀
I’ve been pretty lucky in avoiding a reading slump too, I think mostly because I’m always changing up what genre I read. I also feel the pressure to read a ton too from the book community, which is both good and bad! It keeps me reading but sometimes I feel like I can never read fast enough to catch up with the crowd. Love this post!
Oh yes, I get that feeling, too. I feel like I’m reading more than ever, yet it never feels like enough? ? There are just too many books, there is no way we can ever catch up or be on track, unless we can read all day long or something. I’m trying to make my peace with it all and read the books I really want to read and, most importantly, enjoy myself and my own reading rhythm 🙂
Thank you so, so much for your sweet comment 😀
This was perfect timing! I think I’m in a slump right now so I will definitely be trying all these tips!
OH no, I’m sorry to hear that! I hope these tips work out well for you! <3
Thank you so much for your comment! <3
Ugh reading slumps are the worst, great post 🙂
They really are!
Thank you so much for stopping by 😀
I don’t get into slumps often (knock on wood), but I find not pressuring myself to read is a good way to get out of it. Just don’t force myself to read, if nothing looks appealing. Do something else for a little while. I definitely think switching it up is also good – check out a bunch of books and see if something stands out.
Yes that’s a great tip for sure! It’s so easy to get pressured to read, especially when we are book bloggers and feel like we have to be reading a whole lot. It’s important to listen to ourselves and just to, take time to do other things than reading, just to keep that love and enthusiasm for it overall. At least, I know I need it 😀
Thank you so much for your sweet comment, Angela! 😀
Honestly, I can remember maybe one time I was in a reading slump, and that was when I was way younger and pre-blogging. I agree with all of your points. I don’t really restrict myself with what I NEED to read – unless it’s a review book, but even then, I like to mix it up and I try to not have too many review books that I actually have to read. Plus, I don’t always read everyday either – and it’s not always for a long time when I do. 🙂
-Lauren
http://www.shootingstarsmag.net
Blogging is such a boost sometimes, it makes you want to read more, doesn’t it 😀
I’m doing the same thing, I try not to pressure myself too much and to switch things up 😀
Thank you so much for your sweet comment, Lauren! 😀
I sometimes feel pressured to read whatever book is *everywhere* (especially if it’s been pitched to me for feature / review), but I try to be choosy in what I take on. And I have to be able to read classics and other titles no longer in vogue. So when I feel myself heading for a reading slump, I just grab something that interests me whether or not it’s trendy, or I read whatever my kids are reading and just enjoy the words on a page for what they are. It’s OK not to have an opinion on every single thing that’s out at any given moment.
Yes you’re so right about that. It’s so easy to feel pressured to read whatever everyone else is reading, but it’s important to re-focus sometimes and pick up what we feel like reading, before anything else 🙂
Thank you so much for your sweet comment! 🙂
YES. I LIKE ONE OF YOUR LAST TECHNIQUES. just the entire book blogging community makes me want to READ and that’s why since I’ve returned, I’ve started reading more actively and just?? it’s been great. I love it!!! Also yes, I agree with changing it up. I’ve started making my tbr and I’m literally just alternating out fantasies and contemporaries. Also!! even though I still lowkey have a stack of physical arcs I need to finish, I got back into my reading slump by picking up a random book, The Forbidden Wish and I ended up LOVING IT.
THE FORBIDDEN WISH IS PERFECTION. <3 I love this book SO much and will NEVER stop screaming about it ahhhhh I LOVE IT.
Okay, oops, sorry, getting back on topic here ?
I'm so happy to be blogging because it just makes my love for reading grow, grow and grow and I LOVE THAT so much 😀
And changing between genres works out really well for me, it keeps things interesting 😀
Thank you SO much for your sweet comment! 😀
This is such an amazing (and amazingly written) blog post, Marie! ❤️ [I had a similar one scheduled for next week, but I think I’m going to postpone it now, haha.]
I especially love the last point you made about embracing the book blogging community – everyone’s so enthusiastic about books here & it never fails to motivate me to read more, even if I’m not in a book slump.
I hope you manage to get around to TOCOA soon (?), and I only just got The Wicked Deep yesterday and can’t wait to read it as well! 🙂
Wonderful post! ?
Aww Lily, thank you so, so much, this means a whole lot to me <3 <3 Oh no feel free to post it, I'd love to see your tips too 🙂
Exactly! Everyone here is just so inspiring and they always make me want to read more books, it's incredible 🙂
AHHH I can't wait to hear what you think of The Wicked Deep, I hope you will love it 😀
Thank you so, so much for your sweet comment! <3 <3 <3
Lovely discussion! I don’t encounter slumps *too* often, but these are some wonderful tips for when I do!
Brilliant post, as always! ?
Aww thank you so, so much Kelly! <3 <3
THANK YOU, O MIGHTY ONE, FOR THIS POST.
I think that the main reason that I get into slumps is because I read, read, read, read until BOOM no thank you. Or I’ll try and read loads of books in a month and end up just stressing over books.
I’ve been getting in to far fewer slumps now that I have breaks and I don’t stress about how much I’m reading?? And that I embrace the community more by screaming about books 24/7!!
Great post!! ??
Awww thank you you’re too sweet <3 <3 <3
I think it's SO important to take breaks, really that's what makes me keep my love for reading, too, taking things in a bit more, relaxed way and just trying not to stress out too much 😀
<3 <3 <3 YES!! Breaks breaks breaks!! Yeah, I think that the minute I'm like "yes needs to read all the books" THAT'S when a slump hits me!
YES definitely. It’s hard NOT to feel that way when we are constantly surrounded by books, but… we need to try and slow down every now and then haha 🙂 <3 <3
Exactly! Yeah I think it’s important to remember we aren’t reading machines?? ??
Yes exactly 🙂
😀
I find that I get into reading slumps the most when I read a pretty uninteresting books and I have to DNF it… My way of getting out of slumps is to read a book that is highly rated and a totally different genre than what I just DNFed! Props to you for successfully avoiding reading slumps! haha
Oh that’s a great tip! Sometimes getting into a completely different genre, or a book you wouldn’t usually turn to, can lead to amazing surprises 😀
Thank you so much for your sweet comment! 😀
I find that re-reading something I love helps when I’m in a slump 🙂
Cora | http://www.teapartyprincess.co.uk/
Oh yes, re-reading is an amazing idea – and there’s nothing like the comfort we find in the pages of a book we love <3 <3
Thank you so much for your comment, Cora 😀
This is such a great post! I definitely do a lot of the things that you do to avoid reading slumps (except going easier on myself when it comes to the TBR hahaha I need to work on that).
I’m glad you agree with my tips, Flavia 😀
I guess when you’re used to making TBRs, it’s hard to stop, but maybe taking things a bit slower, making it a bit less strict, little by little, might help 😀
Thank you so much for your sweet comment! <3
For sure! I agree! 🙂
awesome post Marie!! thank you for writing this! sometimes I get slumps and just ughh.
Aww thank you so much, I hope this will help! <3 Slumps are honestly the worst when they happen 🙁
This is sound advice! 🙂
Aw thank you, so glad you like it 😀
Passionate Kite Flyer really made me giggle.
I am so jealous that you’re not a reading slump sufferer, they are the worst. I am definitely going to try do your techniques though because sometimes I really struggle to get out of them. Giving up is the one I am going to definitely do, I always think I have to finish a book I start so I end up putting it down and then I won’t pick anything else up until I finish that one but because I don’t like it, I really don’t want to so avoid… The vicious circle!
I’m glad if I could make you laugh haha 🙂 <3
I get it – I feel a bit frustrated whenever I just can't finish a book, as well. But sometimes I guess we need to leave things to the side to get to something better 😀 <3 I hope these tips will help you!! <3 <3
And thank you so, so much for your sweet comment <3
Great tips! I think not having a crazy amount of books on hand is a big one – that way you have the freedom of choosing whatever you want or feel like reading next. And, like you said, you can just switch to whatever genre! I am guilty of buying way too many books and then I feel like I HAVE to read those books even if there aren’t any I’m particularly in the mood for. This is a problem for me and definitely can cause reading slumps!
Oh thank you so much for your sweet comment, Sam! 😀
I’m sorry to hear that happens 🙁 I feel like it’s good sometimes to get the books you really want to be reading at the moment, that really helps me keep the slump away 🙂
Thank you so much for your sweet comment!! <3 <3
Usually I get into slumps when I set too high of expectations for myself regarding my TBR. What usually works is abandoning my previous plan entirely, putting those books that put me into the slump in the first place aside, and pick up something that I just WANT to read at that moment. Eventually I do usually go back to those put-aside books anyway – just not when I originally planned.
Oh yes, I think that’s so great that you’re doing that. I guess we can’t help, sometimes, but set too high expectations for ourselves and it’s important to re-focus and to pick up something we really want to read at that time. <3
Thank you so much for your sweet comment! <3 <3
rereading old favourites always helps me with my slumps! But this is all really good advice! I think switching it up is really important as well. I don’t have huge reading slumps, although I haven’t read as much recently because I’ve been really busy. But I think it helps to read fun books and not worry about starting a new book and DNFing or finishing your current one if it’s not making you excited.
Oh yes, I agree with you – it’s so important to read fun books and to really focus on the ones that we are very eager to read, that helps keeping the slump away 😀
Thank you so much for your sweet comment, Shar! I hope you’ve been doing well! <3 <3
Eeep I love this post a lot and DO so relate currently. ?Which sucks so bad. I’ve kind of felt slumpy for months, but also guilty which is ridiculous, but I do get that pressure that you mentioned! I mean, we’re NOT “bad bookworms” if we don’t read X amount of books in a month. But it still kind of feels that way? And then the books pile up and if you’re not reading avidly ahhhghhg *melts into a puddle* ??But I DO think it’s important to take breaks and not force it too, because like we’re doing this for fun. And I never used to be alarmed if I didn’t feel like reading pre-blogging. I just didn’t read for a while! I’d always come back. So I have to remember that still works now.?
YES definitely – I feel that way, too, even if I’m trying to tell myself it’s okay…. I still feel a bit guilty when I’m just not reading as much.
That’s fantastic advice and yees we need to remember that, before we were blogging, taking breaks was okay and we didn’t make such a big fuss out of it, so why are we now?! We need to relax ? I haven’t relaxed since I was born but whatever ???
Thank you so much, Cait!! <3 <3
Marieeee I wish you’d written this post for me before I fell into this deep dark slump last year hahaha 😛 I love it, and I agree with a lot of your tips. Changing between genres and format really help to keep things spicy–I found that I get bored easily if I read too many contemporary, and reading too many fantasy can be overwhelming as well. I’m such a mood reader, so I usually just go with my mood and yeahhh, no TBR for me. Never worked, never will hahaha I always end up reading different books from what I have planned :’) ever since I started this job, I had a hard time fitting reading into my schedule. I have two hours commute back and from work but in the morning I’m usually sleepy, and during my commute home it’s usually already dark. The only time I have for reading is at night before bed–if I’m not too tired from work hahaha great work 😀
Ohhh I wish I had thought of this post last year, I’m sorry ?
I’m with you, it quickly gets overwhelming when you read too much of a genre, while switching things up really keeps it interesting, at least for me 🙂
I’m sorry to hear that 🙁 Are you reading a physical copy always? If you have an e-reader, there’s always the light to read at night? 🙂
Thank you so much for your sweet comment! <3 <3
Hahaha that’s okayyy ?? I mostly read physical copies because I, uh… feel guilty of the amount of physical books I own but haven’t read hahaha but I do read from ebooks as well, maybe I can switch things up every now and then 😀
Hahahaha the guilt always works in making us read books haha. I hope this will work out well for you 😀
Great post, Marie! Perfect timing too, because I seem to get into a lot of reading slumps lately. Lovely tips!
Oh no! I’m sorry to hear that – I hope you’ll be able to get out of it soon! <3 <3
Thank you so much! <3
first of all, I love your Mabel GIF gravity falls is my favorite <3 <3 <3
I like your advice about simply taking reading breaks. I find it so hard to not read even when I'm not in the mood to do so, because I always feel like I HAVE to or SHOULD be reading. I've been in a bit of a slump lately and not very in the mood to read, but I keep trying to force myself into it because I always feel guilty about not reading. I think it's easy for book lovers to feel guilty when not reading, but in reality we probably shouldn't. I just haven't figured out how to just let myself take a break though :/
Ohhh really?! I love Gravity Falls SO much as well, it’s such a good show! <3 <3
I completely understand – I feel that way, too, even if I'm just taking a day break, that guilt feeling comes creeping back in. I think that being busy – or just doing other things, watching tv shows, taking a walk, watching youtube videos, reading blog articles, writing, cooking, just keeping myself busy with other things than reading keeps a little bit that guilt away AND kind of forces me to take that break, too. I'm telling myself, "now, I'll do something else" and I'm trying to follow that advice. I love it, because when I get back to my book, I'm even more eager to read 😀
I hope you'll find a way to take a little break, Mel, don't be too hard on yourself <3<3
It really is! I’ve been trying to find something similar ever since it ended. I watched a show by the guy who made it called Over the Garden Wall but it was only a few episodes, and also tried Steven Universe, but I’m not sure if I like it.
Ohh I haven’t tried these shows – did you enojoy Over The Garden Wall? 🙂
I thought it was good but not as good as Gravity Falls. The characters reminded me of GF characters a bit. But it was cute and enjoyable.
Oh that’s too bad. Well, I guess all we have to do is re-watch Gravity Falls, then, haha 😛
I get into reading slumps fairly often, but I get pretty mild ones.
They’re usually the result of reading too many good books, and the fact that nothing else could possibly live up to those wonderful books I just read. I can usually get out of those ones simply by finding a really good, emotional book.
And then I get ones where I just have no motivation, but I just push through them, because I still enjoy reading once I make myself pick up the book. Which is awfully nice.
Oh yes, the slump when you’ve read a fabulous book and just don’t know if you’ll ever feel that way again with another book. That’s a “cool” kind of slump, I guess, because it means you’ve been reading soooooo many great books 😛
I’m glad that you never lose your love for reading, really that’s the most important thing! <3 <3
Thank you so much for your sweet comment! <3 <3
We are hardcore twinning with slumps here Marie! & I also have to switch up genres to keep the slumps away ? this is why I don’t consider myself a reader of any 1 specific genre. Taking breaks on the weekends is my thing too! My reading is typically done Mon-Fri on my commute to/from work since I have a lengthy trip both ways. Great post! ?
Ohhh I’m glad I am not alone – I sometimes feel weird, saying that I don’t read much on the weekends, while that’s when others do most of their reading ?
Thank you so much for your sweet comment, Lily! <3 <3
I’m so jealous at your lack of reading slumps Marie haha, though of course also glad for you! Reading slumps are the worst 😛 Most of the time when I get in a reading slump it’s because I’m just too exhausted to read, add a not so interesting current read to the mix and tadah a big reading slump emerges. Taking breaks and not pressuring yourself definitely helps though 🙂
Oh I’m sorry that happens to you, Michelle, it is annoying :/ I guess sometimes, all we need is a little break, only to come back to it more motivated and in love with reading overall 🙂
Thank you so much! <3 <3
I’ve always had a book to read in… I don’t know how long. That being said, some years I read a lot more than others.
I agree with changing up genres. I have been reading a lot of dark books this month… books where bad things happen to all the characters, a book where a Jewish Ukrainian girl survives in the woods during World War II… after a few of these kinds of books, I felt like I had to read something a little lighter.
Oh I get that – sometimes we all need to change things up a little bit, especially if we have been reading some pretty dark and intense books 🙂
Thank you so much for your sweet comment! 🙂
This post is so lovely! I definitely have my fair share of reading slumps, mostly during the school year when I just get too busy and start to neglect books. Thankfully, it’s currently not the school year, so I’m not slumping as of now. 😉 I think your tips are so great, especially the one about turning to the book blogging community! Hearing recs from other people and learning about all the new amazing books always helps me out.
YAY I’m glad you’re all motivated to read all the books right now 😀
And thank you so much, I’m so happy you enjoyed this post. The book blogging community is incredible and so, very inspiring <3 <3
I pretty much do the same ?
Abandoning books I do not like is my go to move.
I like to read every day, especially before sleeping. It helps switch my brain to sleepy mode ?
I don’t read that much on weekends either lately. But it’s cuz the weather is nice so I’m not always at home, but out with friends so it’d be weird. Although i told them we could all read together in the park ?
OHHH reading all together in the park, now that’s goals hahaha, I hope they agreed – or will eventually agree to this? That would be such a fun day 😛
Thank you so, so much for your sweet comment! <3 <3
All of these are great ideas. The only time I really fall into reading slumps is when I’m just overworked in general. Lately I’ve given myself permission during those times to not stress out about how much I’m reading. It never helps!
Oh yes, stressing out never helps. Sometimes it’s hard not to, but when we try to relax about it all, we feel better for sure 🙂
Thank you so much for your comment, Nicole! <3
Thank you for this amazing advice! <3 I'll definitely try your methods the next time I feel a reading slump creeping up. (Especially since I usually don't do anything and just hope for the best.) Great post! 😀
OH you’re so welcome, I really hope this will help! 😀 Thank you so much, Anna! <3
Unfortunately I am in a current state of a reading slump. (big sigh) I’m a college student, so usually I find myself not making the time to sit down and read one of my TBRs. I used to be a major binge reader back in middle/high school. I’ve definitely slowed down my reading process since then and can’t get back into the swing of things. Plus, I find myself bored or just not in “the mood” to read so I jump into Netflix or something. This post has really helped. Most of the time I’m only interested in reading YA, but I think it’s time for me to switch things up a bit. So thank you! 🙂
Oh no I’m so sorry to hear that 🙁 It’s so annoying when you just can’t manage to read, even though you want to. I’m so, so happy to hear that I could help and hope that some of these tips will work out well for you 🙂
Thank you so much for your sweet comment! <3 <3
Great suggestions! I recently had a reading slump trying read two hyped books in a roll. Both were terrible, but followed the disaster with a suggested webtoon from a fellow blogger. I devoured it in hours and felt rejuvenated! ♥️ Love the power of words!!
Ohh that’s so great <3 sometimes all you need is to get out of the hype and to find these little hidden gems <3
Thank you so much for your sweet comment! 😀
I’m right in the middle of a reading slump right now, but I saw it coming a mile off with everything happening in my life. Reading simply had to take.. a hundred steps back in order for me to cope with everything in a healthy way and not hide in pages, hah.
I know I’ll get out of it eventually, but I think it’ll last for.. well.. maybe another month. Or so. I hope not. I try reading a bit every now and then. Reading time during my lunch break is still something I’m adamant about but when I get home? Way too many other things to deal with. It sucks, but sometimes the rest of your life needs to be put first before I can even THINK about reading.
It does hurt though. Simply realizing my non-bookworm boyfriend has read more than I have in the last week.. is.. torture, haha.
Lovely tips though! The one that always helps me is switching between genres! 😀
OH I get that, sometimes life just happens and there’s nothing you can do, but wait for it all to settle down for you to get back to your books <3 <3 I'm sure you will, once life gets a bit less hectic <3 <3
Thank you so much for your sweet comment, Kathy!! <3 <3 I hope everything has been okay for you <3
Hello Marie <3
I love this post so much. Thank you for sharing these great tips!
I don't think I'm in a reading slump right now, though I don't feel as excited about reading as I usually do. I think it is because I have a lot going on right now since I find my mind wandering when I try to read. Maybe I will take your advice and ease up on reading when I am not feeling like it. I do know what you mean in that there is pressure to read in the blogging community and I feel guilty unless I read a certain number of books each month. However you are right that it is good to take things at our own pace 🙂
Great post <3
OH I get it, whenever you’re busy or a bit preoccupied, it’s hard to get into reading. It’s so important to listen to yourself and take breaks, even if you might feel guilty about it. I know I do hahaha.
Thank you so much, Sophie! <3 <3
I’ll take that advice. Thank you Marie <3
You’re so welcome! <3 <3
These are all great advice! Varying up my reading and not sticking to a strict TBR has proved to be really helpful in keeping me out of the slumps! Will definitely be recommending this post <333
Thank you so, so much! <3 I'm so glad you find this post useful, thank you again for sharing it as well, you're the sweetest <3 <3
You know, now that I think about it I can’t remember the last time I was in a reading slump either. 🙂 I mean there have been times when I’ve slumped on certain genres but that never lasts too long and there’s plenty of other genres I can check out in the meantime. I think the main thing that helps me not slump is the points you mentioned on not being too set on a TBR list, which I suppose is where being a mood reader comes in handy, and taking reading breaks, because as much as I love reading I’m not going to want to read all the time.
Here’s hoping we both manage to avoid all reading slumps for the near and far future. Great post Marie! 😀 <3
Oh yes, being a mood reader really helps, in that case, because we often pick up the books we really want to read 😀
Thank you so, so much for your sweet comment, Beth!! <3 <3
Yep, I always feel like there’s so much less chance of slumping when you pick up the books you want to read you know?
That’s all right. 🙂 <3
I agree! 😀
Lovely post Marie! I still remember my worst and the only reading slump in February and that was because of The Hazel Wood. that slump lasted for almost 15 days. I guess that was because of the pressure of liking the book that you talked about. But now I know better 🙂
My go-to formula for changing the mood or avoiding slumps now is binge-watching Netflix 😀 There are days when I’m feeling too sleepy or tired to read a book. On those days I just stick to Netflix.
Also, I am a moody reader too, so that really helps.
OH yay, binge watching some tv shows or movies definitely help and give our minds something else to think about, for sure 🙂
I’m glad that works out well for you as well 😀
Thank you so much for your sweet comment, Sim! <3 <3
I’m in a terrible reading slump now but the tips do help. Just sometimes I go overboard with the breaks. Great post!
OH I’m so glad if these tips can help 🙂
Thank you so much!! 😀
Thanks for sharing so many great tips Marie ?
I haven’t head a reading slump since I started reading again 2 years ago *fingers crossed* but before that during high school I was in the biggest slump and barely read anything at all. Discovering the bookish community and starting my book blog to share my passion really is what helped me get back to reading and maintain the habit! There’s nothing more inspiring than seeing other bookworms talk about how much they love books 🙂
Oh book blogging definitely plays a huge part i maintaining my love for reading. I LOVE IT so very much <3 <3 Here's to hoping we will stay out of slumps for a long, long time haha 🙂
Thank you so much!! <3 <3
You find that being stressed out and even depressed can make people go on a reading slump – reading favourites always makes you giddy with the feels and you always now what to expect from them! Boy has our TBR pile grown while we just kept reading (rereading) books that we’ve already read (and obviously loved). Great post ?❤
Oh yes definitely – I guess when life gets in the way, we’re not always in the mood to read. It’s also important to take breaks, at least it is for me, to keep on loving reading more and more whenever I come back to it 😀
Thank you so, so much for your sweet comment! <3
Totally true – breaks allow you CRAVE books especially when you haven’t read in a long time and it is completely bliss when you get back into reading!
A sweet comment for a sweet person! ??❤
Yes that’s exactly it, I love that 😀
Awww thank you!! <3