How to get out of that reading slump!

found this one here - thanks Pinterest!

We've all been there. We find ourselves coming to the end of an unbelievable book or series and we just don't want to get over it, so we refuse to pick up another book for a day or two to let ourselves get over it. Then those one or two days turn into a week. A week turns into a fortnight. And so on. Until before you know it, it's been six months. Yes, you've tried to dabble in a few books here and there, but nothing quite takes your fancy at all, so you stop reading that book. And then suddenly, you pick up a book and just....WOW. It's as if you've never had that slump.

Sound familiar?

Well, you most certainly are not alone! I myself have felt this way, as has a very good friend of mine. And yes, I am well aware it sucks. So how do you get out of that reading slump you ask? Well, here are my tips!

1. Find a book you love to read, or really want to read but haven't yet.

This sounds stupid, but ultimately, if you know you love a book, or series, pick it up yet again and start reading! Not only will you rekindle your love for a series once more, but you will fly through a series of books in no time and crave the feel of the pages yet again!

2. Take the time out to find a new book YOU want to read.

Yes, it is great being a part of possibly the best YouTube and blogging and Twitter community possible (booktube by the way), as there are so many good readers and people in that community who would go to the ends of their bookshelves for you! Many people recommend their favourite reads, or reads they didnt think they would like but did, and all of a sudden your TBR pile grows, just from these recommendations. But then you look back and think 'did I actually want to read that book, or is it on my list because they suggested it?'. If it's the latter, TAKE IT OFF THAT TBR. Go to a bookshop instead of staring at your TBR undecided as to what to read. Find an attractive book. A cover that pulls you in. Read the synopsis. Sound good? Buy it. Not only have you found a new book that YOU want to read, but the cover will also look gorgeous on your shelf!

3. Stop staring at your TBR pile/shelf.

thanks again Pinterest! Found here

Honestly, this does not help at all. There's only so many times you can look at the pile and find it attractive to read. If it's as long as some peoples, you'll have no problem staring at that pile because you WILL find that book you want to read that will pull you out of that slump. But if you find yourself staring at the pile and not getting anywhere with it - stop. Try a new format, such as reading from a laptop or e-reader. Avoid looking at that TBR pile until you're ready too. Don't feel pressured to pick your next book from the pile that never seems to stop growing - seriously, what were you thinking when you picked up that book and added it to your TBR? Is it the best one to get you out of your slump?

4. Sit comfortably when you start that next book.

Be it in bed, on a park bench, in a library, heck, even on the toilet. Read where ever you are at your most comfortable. It's no good if you find yourself that perfect book from tips 1 and 2, yet sit on a seat of nails to read it. Unless of course, you like spikes up your bum. I found that taking advantage of an 'early night' helped me tremendously when I was in the slump. I found that book, and got myself all cosied up, and just read to my hearts content. Now, i am a decent way through my current read, and always read best when I'm in bed. Why? Because its my most comfortable position, and the position that revived my reading.

5. Have fun.

Make sure it's a book or rhythm you enjoy. What do I mean by rhythm? Almost like a habit. If you enjoy curling up with your book while watching TV, do it. If you enjoy having a cuppa and a biscuit with your book, do it. If you enjoy listening to audiobooks on a run, do it. Do whatever you want or enjoy doing in order to make progress with that book. Immerse yourself in the book, get lost in it's world. Fall in love with its bad boy character. Hate that bad guy. Ultimately, if it adds to the reading experience in a positive way that you enjoy, just do it.

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And there you have it. My top five tips to get yourself out of that reading slump! Now, I'm off to put a bigger dent in my book!

Do you have any tips for people who are stuck in a reading slump? Have you been in a reading slump yourself and want to offer help? Are you currently stuck in that reading slump? Please please please comment below with your thoughts. And if you're stuck in that slump, who knows? Maybe myself and other bloggers can help you climb out of it!