How to Get Out of a Reading Slump
Suffering from a reading slump?
Don’t worry - it’s happened to all of us!
One day you're too engrossed in a chapter to realise you've missed your stop on the train, and the next, you're too tired even to finish a page.
Like all things in life, reading comes and goes in phases. Just because you're not racing through Leo Tolstoy with the speed of Usain Bolt, does not mean you're not still passionate about books. There are many reasons you might find yourself in a reading slump; let's take a look at them.
So... What Actually Causes a Reading Slump?
Let’s break it down. Reading slumps don’t just appear out of thin air (although it does feel a bit like a curse from a grumpy book witch sometimes). They sneak in quietly, often when we least expect them. Here are some of the sneaky culprits:
Lack of Time
We're all busy bees! Sometimes there are just not enough hours in the day. We’re all juggling about ten thousand things, right? Work, family, laundry, social obligations, and don’t even get me started on how long it takes to choose what to watch on Netflix. Sometimes you blink and realize you haven’t picked up a book in a week—and not because you didn’t want to, but because you literally couldn’t find a minute to breathe, let alone read.
Too Much Noise (AKA: Choice Paralysis)
There are SO many books. Like, an overwhelming, ever-growing mountain of books whispering “Pick me!” from your To-Be-Read pile. You scroll through your Kindle or stand in front of your bookshelf and suddenly your brain goes blank. Too many options can totally stall your momentum.
Repetitive Plots
If you’ve ever read three books in a row with the same love triangle, the same enemies-to-lovers banter, or the same “secret royal” twist, it might start to feel like déjà vu. Even when you love a trope, burnout is real. Your brain starts begging for something different, but your hands keep reaching for the same genre.
Change in Taste
Maybe you were a ride-or-die fantasy reader, but now all those dragons and sword fights feel a little… meh? Just like your favorite ice cream flavor from 2010, your reading taste can shift without warning. And when that happens, your go-to books might suddenly feel like a chore instead of a treat.
Burnout (Yes, Even Bookish Burnout)
If you’ve been devouring book after book (hello, reading marathons!), your brain might simply need a break. Sometimes we read so much that we forget to miss it. A little pause doesn’t mean you’re not a reader—it just means you’re human.
Emotional Overwhelm
Life gets heavy sometimes. Grief, stress, anxiety, or even just good ol’ fashioned exhaustion can drain your mental energy. And when that happens, even the fluffiest rom-com might feel like too much to handle. If your brain is full, reading can feel like a mountain instead of an escape.
Digital Overload
Let’s be honest: TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, podcasts, Netflix—there’s a never-ending supply of dopamine at our fingertips. And while a good BookTok scroll can inspire your TBR, it can also eat up the hours you would’ve spent reading. No shame, just facts.
Pressure (Especially from Goals)
Did you set a goal to read 100 books this year and now you’re 12 books behind and spiraling? Been there. Reading goals are fun until they start feeling like homework. If you’re reading because you have to, not because you want to, the joy can fizzle out real quick.
No matter what’s behind your slump, you’re not broken, and your inner bookworm hasn’t disappeared. She’s just taking a little nap. And good news: there are so many gentle, no-pressure ways to bring the spark back, and maybe even fall in love with reading all over again. Let’s take a look at them!
How to Overcome a Reading Slump
1 - Try something totally new
If your usual reads are starting to feel like reheated leftovers, it might be time for a palate cleanse. Maybe you’re a fantasy fangirl but suddenly feeling meh about magic? Or you've read one too many twisty thrillers and can now predict the killer by chapter two?
If storylines are becoming repetitive and you've tried and tested most authors in your favourite genre, it's probably time to step outside your comfort zone and try a genre you usually avoid—sci-fi, horror, memoir, even poetry! Try reading the first chapter of a book you would never usually try; you might find it's more compelling than your thought. Just like you didn’t know you loved mango sorbet until that one summer, your next fave read could be hiding in a genre you’ve never touched.
2 - Keep it short and sweet
Sometimes the number of pages in a book can seem overwhelming when you're in a reading slump. A great technique is to start small and work your way up.
The thought of a 500-page epic might feel like climbing a mountain right now. Totally fair. Instead, dip into a short story, a novella, or even a collection of essays. Finishing something bite-sized can give your bookish brain the quick win it needs to feel like itself again. Once your back into the swing of things, you will feel ready to dive back into the longer, juicier reads.
3 - Reread a favorite
Sometimes the best remedy is a comfort reread. Grab the book that made you feel everything the first time around—the one that lives rent-free in your heart. Rereading can be like catching up with an old friend: warm, familiar, and just what you needed.
You have likely watched your favorite film more than once, so why not re-read a book?
4 - Change your location
Sometimes setting is key! If you're bored with your surroundings, it will likely translate into your hobby. So if you always read in the same chair (hi, reading corner), your brain might associate it with the slump. Shake things up!
Why not try a cozy cafe for a chapter or two? Snuggle up in bed on an evening with a cup of cocoa, bring a paperback on your next walk, or build yourself a soft little reading nest with blankets, pillows, and snacks. Or check out my tips on how to create the perfect reading nook! Any new place that is comfy and cozy will likely positively affect your reading time, and a new vibe might be just the reset you need.
5 - Give yourself permission to take a break
Repeat after me: It’s okay not to read right now.
Life gets busy, brains get tired, and forcing yourself to read when you’re not feeling it can actually make things worse. If you have a lot going on at the moment, don't punish yourself by being angry at your lack of reading.You’re still a reader, even if you’re not currently devouring books. Trust that the mood will return, and probably when you least expect it. When you do feel like you're ready to pick up a book again, you'll likely enjoy it even more than before. And your mind may be thankful for the break.
6 - Try an audiobook
Feeling too mentally zapped to focus on a page? Audiobooks to the rescue! You can listen while folding laundry, commuting, or taking a walk—no hands, no eyes, no pressure. Some are even read by actors or the author themselves.
Check out Audible, Everand, or BookBeat they have lots of great audiobooks, and also offer a 30-day free trial! If you don’t fall in love with audiobooks, just cancel before the trial ends—no harm done.
7 - Take a trip to the bookstore or library
If you're stuck for inspiration, then a trip to the bookshop might be just what the doctor ordered. Wandering through shelves with zero pressure to pick the book is basically self-care. Let yourself be drawn to a pretty cover, flip through a few pages, or ask a friendly bookseller or librarian what they recommend for someone in a slump. Their eyes will light up. Promise. And there's no doubt they'll have a book or two up their sleeve.
8 - Join a book club
Book clubs aren’t just for serious literary debates (unless that’s your thing). They can be hilarious, heartwarming, and the perfect excuse to gather, chat about fictional people like they're real, and eat cookies. Getting out of a reading slump is way easier when you're reading with people—especially if there's a little structure, some friendly accountability, and maybe a group meme thread for the unhinged plot twists.
Not sure where to start? You don’t have to join a huge group of strangers online (unless you want to). Why not create your own cozy little club with friends or fellow readers in your community? I actually have a whole blog post on How To Start a Book Club (On or Offline) for advice on setting up your own. Or check out my Book Club Glow Up—a full course and resource library designed to help you launch and run the book club of your dreams.
9 - Buddy read with a friend
Accountability, but make it fun! Sometimes taking on a task is easier in a pair. Choose a book with a friend, set mini goals ("Let’s both get to chapter 5 by Friday"), and chat about it as you go. It's like a tiny, two-person book club—plus memes, voice notes, and excited squealing when something wild happens.
10 - Let a bookish podcast inspire you
If reading feels like too much effort, but you miss the feeling of loving books, try a bookish podcast! You’ll hear recommendations, juicy author interviews, and fun convos that might just nudge you toward your next five-star read.
Check out my blog 16 of the Best Literary Podcasts for Book Lovers to find the perfect bookish podcast for you.
11 - Read the first few pages
We all know some books take a bit of time to get into, but this is not an option whilst you're in your reading slump. You need something that will drive you from the get-go!
So tell yourself you don’t need to commit to a whole book, just try the first few pages of a few. If one doesn’t hook you, no hard feelings, just place it to the side. If one grabs you and won’t let go… jackpot! Sometimes the right book just feels different from page one. Don't worry, you can always go back and finish the others later.
12 - Put your phone in time-out
Be honest—how many times have you picked up your phone mid-page just to check something random? Yep, same. Try setting your phone aside (or using Do Not Disturb) during reading time. Constant connection with the outside world is far too distracting for a bookaholic in a reading slump. Your brain will thank you, and you’ll be way more likely to get into the flow.
Everyone’s reading slump looks a little different, and that’s okay. Whether you’re resting, rediscovering, or simply waiting for your next bookish spark, know this: your love of reading is still in there. It’s just hibernating a little.
Got a tried-and-true slump-buster? Share it with me—I’d love to add your tip to the list (or maybe even feature it in a future blog post!).
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