How to Overcome a Reading Slump

Do you ever find yourself picking up your phone and mindlessly scrolling Instagram? Meanwhile, accomplishing your Goodreads reading goal is looking less and less likely. It can feel disheartening when you’re not being as productive as the people posting constant homemade bread pictures on Facebook. With these tips, you can overcome that reading slump and get back on track.

1. Use Libby/Overdrive!

Libby is an app that connects you to the library’s online collection, allowing you to borrow ebooks and audiobooks. When you find yourself with a few free minutes, you can open that book rather than getting caught up in social media. Much easier than hauling a physical book around!

2. Read before bed

Reading is proven to help you fall asleep (unless you’re into thriller books, then this might not be a great suggestion…), so turn off the electronics and grab a book! Sometimes we stay awake far too long worrying about anything and everything. By picking up a book, you’re not really sacrificing any of your time… you’re just replacing the worrying with reading!

3. Reread a favourite

Sometimes, we don’t want to read because reading feels like a commitment. If you’re worried about not being able to keep up with a read, why not bring out an old favourite? You know you’ll enjoy the book, and you know exactly what’s about to happen, so there won’t be any surprises. You might find that after finishing, you’re ready to dive into some new books!

4. Switch things up

Sometimes rereading a favourite doesn’t quite cut it. When reading becomes repetitive, it can get boring, so it’s important to switch things up from time to time! Try to pick up a new genre and see how you like it. If you’re not sure where to start, you can use our Personal Picks page, and we’ll pick out books for you!

5. Pick a random novel

Write down any interesting book titles on paper and put them into a jar. Now you have an easy (and unbiased) way to pick out your next read; you might end up with that one book you’ve been meaning to read for the last five years.

Hopefully these tips can help you accomplish those reading goals (or at least serve as a bit of a reminder to read), but don’t be too hard on yourself if it’s just not happening. We all need breaks, and right now might not be the best time for you to go on a reading marathon. Just do what’s best for you!

If you’re in search of book suggestions, you can check out what the staff are reading this summer! Follow us on Instagram and like us on Facebook for more book suggestions, fun activities, and other library content.

Mecham, Sarah. “19 Ways to Beat a Reading Slump.” Book Cave – Content-Rated Book Deals to Your Inbox – Fabulous Free and Discounted Content-Rated Ebooks, Book Cave, 8 May 2018, mybookcave.com/19-ways-to-beat-your-reading-slump/.

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