What to do when you're in a reading slump

Reading is Good for Your Health

Anything in life worth enjoying takes time and effort.
It’s why commitment to exercise, eating well (by prepping food at home), and social time with friends can sometimes get put on the back burner when other things take priority. 
Reading is one of them. 
The things worth enjoying are also the things that are good for our health. 
So, why aren’t we putting it first?
Well, it’s another topic for discussion, but the reality of doing the things we love should be a priority. It’s good for our overall health. 
Reading not only reduces stress and improves literacy ( obviously), but it is also beneficial for our brains. 
​A recent study conducted by Rio Salado College in Arizona published an article about the benefits of reading, and how it improves brain function and reduces mortality rates. While there is a list of benefits to reading, it takes time and energy, and sometimes there are days when it feels impossible to get lost in a book, even when you want to.
​Recently, a woman told me she was frustrated she hadn’t had time to read a physical book or listen to an audiobook. Life had her moving in different directions, and when she had the time, she was exhausted. 
It’s easy to feel disappointed when there isn’t time to open a book, and you’re craving an escape. 
When this happens, it’s better to give yourself a few days to recharge rather than force a reading experience you’re not enjoying. 

​My reading slump has nothing to do with my TBR pile or my lack of interest in finding a book. In fact, there are books I’m excited to read, and I can’t wait to have the time to relax and turn a page, but my creative brain is working overtime right now, and until I finish the projects I’m working on, I can’t start reading a new book until I can relax. 
If you’re in a slump but are slowly crawling out of it, like me, here are some suggestions to help you get back on track.

​1. Carry a book with you. If you’re running around, doing errands, and sitting at appointments, chances are, you’ll be waiting. I don’t have a Kindle, but I have the app on my phone. It’s a great option if your purse is full or you’re carrying light. 

2. Reward yourself. When you’re finished a task, whether it be writing a page, unloading the dishwasher, whatever it is, tell yourself you’re reading one chapter.

3. Borrow an audiobook. The Libby app is great. I find this so useful because I can borrow an audiobook and listen to it while I clean the house or drive to my next appointment. Listening to a book is better than not enjoying a good story.

4. Buy the book. The one you are excited to read. Like you’ve been waiting for this one for a long time, and finally it’s out. A gift to yourself to remind you that your health is important. 

5. Join a book club. If committing to a monthly book club is too much, commit to a friend who wants to read the same book. It makes for a fun discussion, and because you’re reading at the same time, you will be dedicated to finishing because you won’t want to let your friend down.

Are you in a reading slump? Is it because of the lack of time or because you haven’t found another book to read? Comment and let me know! 
Until next time,
Happy reading!

​*opinions my own.