How to Overcome a Slump in Reading
Recently I have not had time to finish reading the book. I’ve been here before. Although I usually read one or two books a week, sometimes I find myself in a reading slump lasting a week – or even months – during which I seem to be unable to finish a single book. There are a million excuses I offer myself to ease voluntary pressure to finish a certain number of books a year (more on this error later). I complain that I don’t have enough time or that I cannot decide what to read next. Luckily, I’ve always found a way out of my rut and back to a comfortable and enjoyable reading habit in just a few steps. If you are even a little like me, they will work for you too.
Refer to your motives
There are many reasons to read, and you should take a step back and revise your own. Do you read at school (ie because you have to)? Are you reading to counter social pressures from, for example, your book club? Have you set yourself the task of reading a certain number of books a year? My motivation statement tells me how I should move forward and, in my case, tends to remind me that I am making a mistake by adding stress and pressure to what is otherwise leisure time.
In other words, I am inadvertently sucking on the pleasure of reading, making it just another thing I have to do. When I start adding “reading time” to my to-do list, it is usually a sign that I am on an elaborate and misguided quest that undermines my motivation to find a good book.
What to do in this situation? Don’t worry about scheduling reading times or being stricter. You don’t need discipline, but pleasure. Being hard on yourself is likely more counterproductive than helpful. Instead, remind yourself that you enjoy reading, giving yourself the opportunity to truly enjoy it. And since we all are running out of time and energy right now, choose a way to give yourself a boost so you can start skating again.
Temporarily set your reading list aside
We discussed this earlier in the Lifehacker Update podcast, but understand that your TBR list could get a little big. When your growing pile starts to feel like a source of stress rather than an opportunity that has not been used up, try to put it aside for a while. The goal is to separate this stack of books from the feel of a to-do list that we associate with work and household chores. Instead, bring something easy to scroll through while you wait in line for a flu shot or any other task that requires your presence but doesn’t require your attention.
In this case, it is important to decide which you choose, as your routine will easily return when your motivation and reading morale is low. Now is not the time for that dense popular science tome that tops the New York Times bestseller list, as popular and well-researched as it is. Instead, I take a three-step approach to get my wheels spinning again: I start with an audiobook, continue with something light, and then pick up something that is time-limited.
Start with an audiobook
Relatively simple and almost completely passive listening to a good audiobook can be a great way to get back to reading a book without spending too much energy. I recommend trying Libby , which you may be able to connect to through your local public library, which will give you access to countless free audiobooks.
Personally, I can only listen to non-fiction audiobooks as their consumption is similar to my daily habit of listening to podcasts. (I know people who are the exact opposite and can only listen to artistic audiobooks; I would love to hear in the comments your thoughts on which one is best for you.) Whichever audiobook you choose, it should not take time from your schedule. , but instead, fit in with what you already do every day, from walking the dog to washing the dishes. When you get to the end, your motivation (and sense of accomplishment) will benefit from it.
Continue with anything easy
Don’t go back to your TBR list yet – unless you feel motivated to do so, in which case the mission is accomplished. Instead, take something below your reading level. YA is great for this, and generally I always refer to it; also think of a light romance or even something you’ve already read that will allow you to browse and enjoy the story without worrying about what you missed. (The latter won’t work if you’re using it to populate your reading list, but it’s great for re-dating your love of stories.)
In addition to the momentum I got from my easy-to-listen audiobook and another headline noted in my personal reading, I’m usually ready for one final push before I get back to travel at my normal speed.
Take something with a time limit
By now I’m ready for more pressure: a deadline book. But the “deadline” sounds much more logical than it actually is – after all, we are aiming for pleasure. What I really mean is choosing the book I want to read before its upcoming TV or film adaptation comes out.
For me, reading a book before there is a film adaptation provides a double reward: enjoyment of the book and setting the stage for engaging in conversations about upcoming adaptations. Hopefully, by combining the thrill of an exciting new TV show or movie, you’ll be reminded of just how much you enjoy reading in general.