19 Aug 2016

#Discussion: Why Reading Slumps Are The Worst + Tips To Overcome Them

I’m in a reading slump right now. 

I’ve barely even looked at a book for the past two days, let alone actually read one. And it SUCKS. As a book blogger, it is hard to be in a reading slump and maintain an active blog schedule. One way to get around this is discussion posts *wink*. But really, it is the worst. I think it is a mix of guilt and frustration -- and knowing that you COULD be reading but you are instead doing something else.

Reading is My Passion

When I don’t want to look at a book, I feel like part of my soul is dead inside my body. And then I get into a slump and it could last days or weeks for me to get back into reading. But then my reading stats go way down. It may seem strange to think that I have bad reading months because I know that my “bad” reading months are typically better than most people’s reading months. However, when I get in a slump I really feel it. Especially in terms of scheduling.



How My Slumps Mix With Blogging

And then guilt sets in because I’m not reading! I feel like I’m letting myself, my audience, and authors down because I am not doing what I signed up to do: read and review. So then it makes it even worse when I just can’t get into books because I get so frustrated.

I know a lot of this is self-inflicted but it is still awful for me to not be reading or enjoying my current read. I’m sure a lot of us feel the same way, so what can we do?

What Do I Do To Overcome Them?

When I’m in a reading slump, these are some things I do to get myself back on track…

Reread Old Favourites

There are some books that no matter what, I can go back into the world and the characters and love them. Even if I am side-eyeing all the rest of the books on my shelf, these ones welcome me with open arms.

Give Myself Some Time

Sometimes my life is hectic and instead of forcing myself to read, I just give myself a couple days to get back into the swing of things. Sometimes stepping away from books and hanging out with friends or going out with my family give me the reprise from stress and deadlines that (albeit are self-imposed) blogging demands.
 

Different Media/Formats

Sometimes words are a thing I don’t want in my life, so reading graphic novels or manga will help me get out of my slump. Having the visual with the words make me want to read stories more. This is also true of audiobooks. I like having the option to read things in a different format.
 

DNF Books I’ve Put on Hold

Sometimes I put books “on hold” to read later but when I’m in a reading slump, I realize that it is because I’m feeling guilty for not reading those/enjoying them and I *haven’t* made a decision about them. When I’m in a reading slump, I DNF more liberally. I realize that I SHOULD enjoy what I’m reading and realize that I just need to let them go.
 

Try Something Way Outside My Comfort Zone

I read a lot of the “same things” so when I’m not in the mood for the regular novels, I look outside my “comfort zone” and read something I wouldn’t normally pick up (or review on the blog) and just enjoy my read. Changing things up really helps to keep me and my brain on my toes.


What do you do to overcome reading slumps?

3 comments:

  1. Synchronised Slumping! Don't you find that the guilt makes the slump WORSE? Like the more you feel like you're supposed to be reading, the less you WANT to read?
    Love Yew!

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  2. I love your tips to get out of a slump. I usually just embrace the slump and binge watch tv or movies haha. I also DNF'd a book for the first time recently and that felt really good! :D

    Molly @ Molly's Book Nook

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  3. This is something I've fallen into. Too many times. (Stupid anime! I'm kidding, anime. I love you.) But these are good tips. I step away from reading and don't try to struggle through the quicksand. I'll only sink. I wait until I can pick up a book. I try to read. It's tough. But I'll take breaks and indulge in anime. It's reading. Sorta. You're reading subtitles! Haha. I cheat the system. But it takes time. At least, that's how it is for me.

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