It is no surprise that with the start of a new semester, the pile of schoolwork rises while books are put down. However, it is important to keep a creative outlet when in school and prioritize hobbies that can lessen stress, such as reading.
Reading during the semester
Picking up a book while you are stressed is easier said than done. Many experience a type of mental block often referred to as a “reading slump” in the reader community. Health sciences major Paige Sitko discussed reading slumps.
“A lot of times, I fall into slumps when my routine changes or my schedule gets really busy. Reading starts to feel more like a chore than a way for me to relax," Sitko said.
It is an inevitable hardship, but doesn’t have to last forever. Read these tips and tricks to conquer the beginning of the year reading slump and dive back into your favorite fictional world.
Re-read a five-star read
A common way to beat the slump is picking back up a book you already know and love.
“I always try to pick up one of my comfort reads,” Sitko said. “That way I know I loved the book, and I will be excited to read it again.”
Sometimes starting a new book can feel daunting because there is always a possibility that the book will not be able to hold your attention, furthering the frustration slump. Re-reading a favorite can not only prevent this, but also remind you of why you love reading.
Do not be afraid to DNF
Many are afraid of marking a book as a Did Not Finish (DNF), forcing themselves to reach the last page even when they are uninterested. While this may help reach your reading goal, it may just prolong your reading slump.
Allow yourself to not be interested in every book you pick up. If it is not your style, move on.
Ditch the TBR
There is always a want to read as many books off of one’s To Be Read (TBR) list. However, sometimes this is not applicable, and certain books you may be in the mood for reading might not be included in the list.
If you are in the mood for a specific genre– read it! This will allow you to feel less pressured and more interested in what you are reading.
Popular book YouTuber Eden Yonas recommends for readers to go outside of their list and pick up books they may have never heard of before.
“The only way to get out of a slump is to be okay with allowing yourself to read anything and everything,” Yonas said.
Opt for a fast-paced genre
When you are deep in the slump, reach for a book that you know you can fly through.
Another book Youtuber, Sara Carrolli, agrees with this method in one of her reading vlogs.
“Read something that's mindless and fast-paced. Don't pick something up that's going to take a lot of brain power, like a high fantasy with a lot of world building," Carrolli suggested.
Finishing a book fast can give you more motivation to continue to read, eventually breaking the slump.
“I usually go towards Freida McFadden books because I know they are fast-paced,” Carrolli said.
Thriller author Freida McFadden is known for her quick page-turning thrillers that can be read in just a few sittings.
Switch up your median
Not everyone loves E-books, but they are always worth a try when reading begins to feel like a chore.
“If I’ve been reading physical books for a while, I can get tired of them and switching over to a Kindle or an audiobook can help,” Sitko said. “It can help me get back into reading without feeling as daunting as physically picking up a book.”
Reading is helpful
Ultimately, reading is a productive activity that can truly help you relax. While it may be difficult to get back into reading during an academic year, it is important to try.
Try these few tricks to get you out of your reading slump and back to the books!
