Reading Slump 101

Reading Slumps are something that we all, as readers, have come across at some point in our reading lives. I get them all too often lately and in fact it's rare that I actually sit down and allocate a day to reading any more which makes me incredibly sad. I thought, instead of laying down and wallowing in self pity, I will instead turn it into an idea for the blog. This is that idea (It's not very original, sorry).

Don't read.

The worst thing you could do is force yourself to read. If you're not feeling it, you're not feeling it. If you try and force it all you're going to do is work your way deeper into the slump, it's almost like poking a bee hive that way. The harder you poke it, the angrier it gets. It's best to just leave it be.

Re-read.

If you're adamant that reading will help you to shake the slump blues then go ahead and read. I'd recommend re-reading an old favourite. It'll make you happy and bring back good memories which is likely to help you to get back into reading new books sooner rather than later. A personal favourite of mine to re-read is Fangirl (or any contemporary really). 

Binge Netflix.

Netflix is great for reading slumps (but there is also the chance that you'll never again want to get out of bed without your laptop so there is that) because you can just sit back and enjoy a good story without actually reading anything or exerting energy. I've been watching H2O: Just Add Water and Once Upon A Time lately which, weirdly enough, has me in the mood for a summer contemporary but I'm reading a book for review instead which is the reason I'm slumping. CURSE YOU, Natalie the 'Mood-Reader'.

Blog.

I've been capitalising on all of this spare reading-allocated time that I now have by working on the blog. I've had the chance to catch up on reviews dating all the way back to May and write and schedule posts for the upcoming days that I'm busy (i.e. the day that this post goes up, I'll be at Reading Festival). I've also changed around my design a little bit and I'm happier with it. This is to say: Use this slump to get to doing all of the things you've been meaning to do! This way you won't feel like you're just wasting your days away.

Relax.

Have a bath. Drink lots of tea. Go to the movies. Listen to your favourite album. Make a new playlist. GO SHOPPING. Do whatever it is that you do to relax and I guarantee that you'll be more in the mood to read something.