A reading slump can be tough state to be in, but here are some easy solutions to find your way back into books
If you are reading this, chances are you may just be going through it. Have you ever looked at a book with no desire to open it up and get lost in its words? Or maybe, you want to relive your bookworm days but you just can’t seem to find the energy or the vibe. That’s what we call a reading slump.
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Others define this stage as a period in disinterest towards reading, even for those who have always been fond of books. From hyperactive teens to busy adults, this phase can hit anyone in any place and at any time. But if you’re now ready to pick up from where you left off in your reading journey, here are many ways to revive your love story with books.
Ditch the book aesthetic
In our minds, we tend to envision ourselves reading in our own nook with scented candles. If we’re outdoors, the scenario can be at a café with us turning pages and sipping through our iced coffees. This expectation of an “aesthetic” reading period can be one of the reasons why we fail to find the energy to actually start reading. But the truth is, you just have to go ahead and pick up that book. While it’s nice to have your Pinterest-inspired scenarios happen, too much curation can actually tire you out more than the act of reading itself. Remember, you just need yourself and a book.
Watch, then read
Book-to-film or series adaptations have become more prominent over the years, and they’re definitely not going anywhere. You might have heard the debates and discussions over them. The book is different from the movie or the show, or read it before watching. If you’re more of a visual learner or you just want to switch things up, this tip is for you. Why not go for the film first then read the book right after? That way, you’re not going into the chapters blindly. Besides, you can even make it a fun little game of spotting the differences between what you watched and what you’re reading!
Going shorter is the key
Just like any recovery phase, you can’t expect yourself to speed the process right away. Take a breath, and take everything in slowly. There are a lot of options to revive your love for reading or even just kickstart it. Want to mix it in with your current interests? A one shot fanfiction is the way to go! Intimidated by a whole novel? Go for short story collections or even nonfiction essays. Becoming a reader is not a one-size-fits-all personality. You do you!
Bring a reading buddy
No man is an island, especially with reading. Aside from the characters who’ll be with you as you’re flipping through pages, having an actual human being with you in your journey can be nice, too. Why don’t you make a reading session a bonding or date day with your sibling, parent, friend, or partner? Besides the act itself, you can even visit bookstores together or exchange copies and talk about your thoughts. Hey, this can even be a cute first date idea! Why settle for reading a love story when you can even write your own?
Take note of your journey
As you slowly recover from your reading slump, capturing moments of your progress will definitely be a nice memory to look back on. For one, a reading journey helps you gather your thoughts and emotions on what you’re reading, as well as what you’re learning from it. Another way to keep track is starting a booktok or bookstagram, aka a Tiktok or Instagram account solely for your reader self. Your followers and friends can also be your accountability buddies, and sharing your own story can inspire others to open a book and discover their newfound love for reading, too.
Featured Image: KATHRYN BERNARDO (via Instagram)
