How to Get out of a Reading Slump (from someone who’s frequently in one)

As someone with ADHD and a penchant for burnout, I am intimately familiar with the dreaded reading slump. I love reading. There is nothing better than having my whole heart and mind consumed by a rich storyworld – rivalled only by the satisfaction of finishing said story. And yet… 

I still slump. I slump hard. But, after many years of slump experience, I understand the barriers that stop me from reading consistently. It really comes down to: Accessibility, Time Management, Accountability and Engagement. 

With these issues in mind, I’ve developed a handful of tips for serial slumpers, lapsed bookworms and new readers alike. 

Of course, no two readers are the same. What works for me may not work for you. But hey, give it a go anyway, so you can say you read something today. 

Accessibility & Time Management 

1) Get a library card

Truly nothing motivates my inner bookworm like browsing the library catalogue. There is an endless world of reading material. New, old, obscure – if they don’t have it, you can request it, and it’s all FREE! I own around 200 books, but the month I got my library card I borrowed (and finished!) 7 more. 

Borrowing from the library means you’ll never need to feel bad about “wasting money” on a book again, and the 2-3 week borrowing period adds some incentive to finish your book (though you can always check it out again!). 

In most major cities, your library card will also give you access to a wide range of e-books and audiobooks through apps like Libby. 

2) Practice 

Now you’ve got your book…  it is time to actually… read it. (I know, bear with me.) 

People forget that reading is a skill. It’s something you have to learn. Beyond just understanding letter combinations, reading involves discipline and focus. You’re expending mental energy conjuring worlds and interpreting nuance. It can be a lot of work.  But, like any skill, it becomes easier and more rewarding the more you do it.

When teaching yourself to read again it’s important to start with small, attainable goals (whatever that means for you). It could be 1 chapter, 5 pages or 10 minutes a day. Still struggling? No worries. Try one page today, two pages tomorrow, and see where it goes from there. 

There’s no shame in starting small, but you have to start. And keep going.

3) Carry your book with you

Hold onto your book! Don’t give up, but also physically hold onto it. 

It can be hard finding time for hobbies in Capitalism Hell. So whether it’s an e-book on your phone or kindle, an audiobook or physical copy, it helps to keep your book with you for those scant moments of downtime. 

Audiobooks are particularly effective for squeezing in reading time while on your commute or doing chores. And between library apps and Spotify’s extensive range, it’s never been easier to have a book in your pocket. 

Accountability

4) Buddy reading

Reading a book simultaneously with your friend can be a great way to improve your motivation and engagement when forming regular reading habits. If you struggle with getting past the introductory chapters, it helps to share first impressions and theories with someone to get you invested. Think of it like a mini book report, but fun and less coherent.

It is up to you and your buddy to decide what works best for your schedules and reading habits. But you must be consistent and keep up with each other. The core of buddy reading is holding each other accountable.  

For example, my buddy and I read a manageable 2-3 chapters a day and exchange thoughts via text, usually before bed. 

No bookish buddy? No problem. You can achieve a similar effect by joining a traditional book club – your local library and universities are great resources. 

If all else fails, try hold yourself accountable by setting up a reading challenge on sites like Goodreads or Storygraph. 

Engagement

5)  Watching Film/TV adaptations 

Haters will say “I read that ages ago, you’re only reading it because it’s on Netflix.” Ok? And? While I am often wary of book-to-screen adaptations, there’s no denying they get people reading (RIP to all the original book covers lost to live-action posters).  

Once in a blue moon comes a story world so interesting, you can’t help but crave more. And when you already have a rough idea of the story and characters, the entry threshold for reading becomes less daunting.

Suddenly, six novels and a rewatch later, you’re realising how dirty they did your favourite characters. But at least it got you reading.

6) Read ANYTHING. Just read.

Unhelpfully, I truly believe the best way to get out of a reading slump is to simply finish a book. Something to get your foot in the door, to feel the high of that accomplishment and chase that feeling by reading more! Sometimes you just need one book to get you started.

I also firmly believe there is no shame in “easy reads”.  I would recommend starting with either things you’ve read before, and/or short, easy-to-read texts such as:

• Children’s books (I am a big lover of classics like Beatrix Potter and the Moomin series)

• Short YA & middle grade 

• Manga/comics/graphic novels

• Smutty novela and beach-read romances – usually 300 pages or less

• Poetry chapbooks & short story anthologies – more challenging, but still bite-sized reads.

Read something quick, “vapid”, “juvenile”, something with barely any words at all. It doesn’t matter, as long as you are reading. But also…

7) Don’t be afraid to quit/raincheck your current read  

Listen. It may seem counterintuitive to STOP reading when in a slump, but your book may be holding you back. 

I can’t tell you how many times I have been utterly uninterested in a book, yet too stubborn to quit. Reading becomes a chore, something I procrastinate, and then stop completely. 

A challenging book is one thing, but if the idea of reading is actively stressing you out, stop. Read something else. Reset your relationship with reading. The book won’t be offended, you can always come back to it later.

And if you try a new book and still struggle, …it’s actually ok. When you’re re-learning how to read, you have to push yourself to form those habits. It’s not easy. But it shouldn’t be so hard that it’s genuinely distressing. At the end of the day, reading is a hobby, it’s meant to be fun. If you really can’t find the energy to do something you love, that’s a sign to slow down.

Be kind to yourself. Your books will still be there for you when you are ready, and so will this guide.

Sincerely,

A writer that’s read 2 novels this year.