I Was Stuck in a Reading Slump: Here's How I Got Back Into My Reading Era

"Once you've read a book you care about, some part of it is always with you." -Louis L'Amour

My favorite way to spend my downtime used to be cozying up on the couch with a captivating novel and a cup of hot tea. Reading was something that was a part of my everyday life, but over the last few months, I haven't even touched a book.

I'm not sure why I stopped reading; possibly from unexplained disinterest, or perhaps lack of motivation, or even something else entirely.

But the truth still remained: I was stuck in a reading slump.

However, about two weeks ago, I realized that I truly missed one of my favorite hobbies, and I wanted to get back into it. I just wasn't sure where to start. I felt lost trying to navigate something that used to be so familiar for me.

With that in mind, if you are stuck in the same boat, or if you've never really been a reader before, this is for you. Here is how I got back into my reading era and how you can, too.

What I Did to Get Out of My Slump

Though I tried a few times to pick up a book and start reading, I immediately felt restless and couldn't focus before I even reached the end of the first page. I couldn't just get back into it like nothing happened. I felt bored of reading. So, I headed to the bookstore.

When you are in a reading slump, going to the bookstore is more helpful that you might think. It doesn't matter if it is Barnes and Noble or the nearby used bookstore; just being there gets you motivated. For me, I liked being around the books, and I enjoyed quietly browsing.

I would read the synopsis on the back of a book. I would admire the cover art of a book. The soothing and intentional atmosphere of a bookstore can spark your curiosity and pull you into a more focused head-space. Though I bought two books, it's not absolutely necessary to buy anything. The bookstore itself is enough.

Going to the bookstore helped to clear my head, so I was ready to begin reading. However, so I wouldn't lose focus while reading, I chose a book that was interesting and fun for me. My advice is to not choose a book that you are reading for information, or because it's popular, or because it makes you seem smart.

Reading will not be enjoyable if you choose a book for the wrong reasons. So, don't forget: there is no pressure. It is a hobby for you and only for you.

Choose a book that you are excited to read and that you think is interesting. Don't feel pressured to read it; read because you want to read. Nobody likes doing something that feels like a chore. So don't be afraid to embrace whatever genre is your favorite!

Image Credit Greg Rosenke from Unsplash

By participating in these simple habits, I was able to at pick up a book and begin reading again. However, if you are still stuck and find yourself without motivation, I recommend to change at least one thing about your normal reading habits. For example:

• Change your location - Read in a location that's different than usual, whether that's in your backyard, at a coffee shop, at a park, on the beach, or anywhere else.
• Change your reading format - If you read print books, switch to an audiobook or a Kindle. Or vice versa.
• Change your book - If you are sure you dislike the book you're reading, it's okay to DNF (Did Not Finish). Don't force yourself to read something you don't like.

The first step to reset your mindset like I showed you will get you out of your reading slump. However, staying out of a reading slump is a bit different.

If reading is something you'd like to commit to, why not fall in love with reading? Finding a passion for reading will make it meaningful and enjoyable, and something with that kind of importance will be difficult to drop. So, keep choosing books that you love; keep spending your free time with a novel.

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Tracking Your Reading Habits

I personally have found the best way to keep myself motivated to read is to track my reading habits. StoryGraph is a free app that helps you track your books. This includes what books you currently reading, have read, and want to read. The app also breaks down the genre of books you generally choose, the length of books you tend to read, This way I can get a good idea of which books I typically enjoy.

I love to add books on my wish list using the app because it makes me more motivated to continue reading. It's also fun to track the books you read throughout the year, because you can actually see your journey. I highly recommend this app or another one like it to really keep you out of that reading slump.

Here is the link to the app's website.

Book Recommendations that Will Force You Into Reading

There are some novels that will change your perspective on reading and are difficult to forget. Here are a few of my favorite, easy to read book recommendations that will get you out of your reading slump:

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• Born a Crime by Trevor Noah

The memoir Born a Crime is Trevor Noah's powerful depiction of the challenges of living in a racially segregated society. Noah also enhances his powerful message with honesty and humor, which I found refreshingly hilarious. A brutally heartfelt and wholly inspiring novel, this is the book that will make you fall in love with reading.

• One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus

An addictive mystery/thriller, One of Us is Lying is difficult to put down and will keep you guessing until the end. The novel focuses on five students who walk into detention, but only four make it out alive. It's like The Breakfast Club, with a darker twist.

• The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton

I'm not even kidding you, I read this book in one sitting. The Outsiders is a classic coming-of-age story about the rivalry between two teenage gangs: the poor greasers and the wealthy Socs. Following the perspective of teenager Ponyboy Curtis, the novel honestly explores belonging and friendship in the aftermath of a tragic event.

The Beginning of a Reading Era

I found reading again by remembering how much I loved it, and I hope this helped you begin your reading era once again, too. With every book, try and fall in love with reading more and more to stay out of that slump.