Dealing With Reading Slumps: Tips, Tricks, and Encouragement

If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a stack of unread books, feeling totally meh about picking any of them up—welcome to the club.

Reading slumps happen to all of us. Whether you’re a lifelong bookworm or someone who just got hooked on reading, a slump can hit out of nowhere and leave you wondering why you’re not feeling it anymore.

The good news? Slumps don’t last forever, and there are plenty of ways to ease yourself back into loving books again. Here are some things that have worked for me:

1. Switch Up Your Genre

Sometimes you just need something different. If you’ve been bingeing thrillers or heavy emotional reads, maybe it’s time for a lighthearted romance or a fast-paced fantasy. Or, if lighter stuff isn’t doing it for you, try diving into something darker and twisty. I’m a total mood reader, so switching things up based on how I’m feeling usually helps.

2. Reread an Old Favorite

There’s nothing like going back to a book that made you fall in love with reading in the first place. It’s comforting, familiar, and doesn’t require a lot of mental energy because you already know what happens. Plus, it’s fun to rediscover why you loved it so much.

3. Try a Different Format

Audiobooks, e-books, graphic novels—sometimes a simple format change can do the trick. I love listening to audiobooks while doing chores or going for a walk. It feels less like “reading” and more like just enjoying a good story. And graphic novels? They’re perfect when you want something quick and visually engaging.

4. Set Small Goals

Instead of trying to dive into a 600-page epic, start small. Maybe aim for a short novella or just commit to reading a chapter a day. Small goals make it feel less overwhelming, and once you get into the groove, you might find yourself wanting to keep going.

5. Join a Reading Community

Sometimes, reading with others is all the motivation you need. Whether it’s an online book club or a group chat with friends who love books, having people to talk to about what you’re reading can make a huge difference. Knowing that someone else is excited about a book can get you excited too.

6. Don’t Force Yourself to Finish a Book

This is a big one that I am guilty of forgetting about. Forcing yourself to finish a book you’re not enjoying is a sure way to stay in a slump. If a book isn’t working for you, put it down. You can always come back to it later, or not. It’s okay to DNF (Did Not Finish) a book—no guilt required.

7. Make Reading Part of Your Routine

Life gets busy, and sometimes reading just slips off the to-do list. Try carving out a little time each day—even if it’s just 10 minutes before bed—to read. Making it a habit helps keep reading in your life, even during those low-motivation times.

8. Take a Break

Yep, sometimes the best way to get over a slump is to just... stop reading for a bit. Focus on other hobbies, watch some shows, listen to music, or just give yourself space. The urge to read usually comes back on its own when you’re not forcing it.

9. Get Inspired by Bookish Content

Scrolling through bookstagram, watching booktube, or reading book blogs can spark that reading excitement again. Seeing other people gush about books might remind you why you love reading. Just don’t let it turn into pressure—it’s about inspiration, not comparison!

10. Remember Why You Read

At the end of the day, reading is supposed to be fun. It’s your escape, your adventure, your comfort. Remind yourself why you love it—whether it’s for the feels, the characters, or just getting lost in a good story. You don’t have to rush it; your love for books will come back when it’s ready.

Final Thoughts

Reading slumps are normal, and they don’t make you any less of a reader. Sometimes your brain just needs a break, and that’s okay! Be kind to yourself, try out different strategies, and trust that the reading mojo will return. When it does, you’ll be right back to devouring books like before.

Ever dealt with a reading slump? How did you get out of it? Drop your tips in the comments—I’d love to hear what works for you!