It can be difficult to find motivation to read sometimes, no matter how much you love it. All of us have been there! Possibly you have been extremely busy at work or home lately, feeling stressed, tired, or overwhelmed. Although reading is a relaxing activity, it can feel like a chore to set aside time for yourself. As we discussed before, reading has many benefits, so it is important to be consistent with it. Getting out of a reading slump is as easy as following these five tips.
1. Reread one of your old favorites.
Re-reading a book you enjoyed can often help you get out of a reading slump. You can revisit parts of the story you remember or discover parts that you may not have remembered. The experience of rereading an old book can be completely different from the first time you read it.
2. Switch up your genre.
Don't be afraid to try something totally different. If you usually read romance novels, you may find it interesting to read a mystery or suspense book. Reading someone's autobiography or biography is an intriguing way to gain further knowledge about someone you've always admired.
3. Join a book club.
Read the same book with your friends and share your thoughts. Your neighborhood may have a book club that you can join. You can easily create one if there isn't one already! You can start by choosing one book you feel most people would be interested in and then plan the gathering around it. Choose a convenient place, consider the best day of the week and time, and decide how often and how long you would like to meet. It is not uncommon for book clubs to rent space in local stores and charge a small fee for it. Coffee shops or restaurants like Panera are also popular places to meet up. Don't forget to support the local businesses by purchasing food and/or drinks.
4. Create a reading nook.
If you have the space, creating a cozy reading corner can help you enjoy reading more. Get creative even if you have a small space by browsing Pinterest for ideas! Adding pillows, blankets, reading lamps, and anything that you feel could make you happy will make you feel more comfortable.
5. Make it a routine.
Keep it simple, you don't need to read a set number of pages every day. Reading a passage from your Bible each night is a good idea if you pray every night. Read a simple verse from your daily devotions if you enjoy meditating. Regaining the habit of reading again can be accomplished by just spending a few minutes each day.
Do you have a reading nook? Are you a member of a book club? If you're feeling stuck in a reading slump, tell us what motivates you!