In addition to my previous post about books that might get you out of the reading slump, let’s talk about the actual burnout a little more. Falling into a reading slump is a common experience and can happen for various reasons. It’s essential not to feel bad about it and instead approach it with understanding and patience. Here’s why it can happen and why it’s okay not to feel guilty about it:
Reasons for a Reading Slump:
- Burnout or Overwhelm: Sometimes, life gets hectic, and our mental and emotional energies are consumed by other priorities, leaving little room for leisure reading. (like exams season or work overload)
- Lack of Connection with Books: You might have picked up books that don’t resonate with you or fail to capture your interest, making it challenging to engage with them. (I heard a lot of people saying that your brain will feel uneasy if you don’t finish the book. Don’t listen to that, stop reading if you don’t feel like it)
- Pressure or Expectations: If you feel pressured to read a certain number of books or specific genres, it can create stress, leading to a loss of enjoyment in reading.
- Stress or Emotional State: During stressful or emotionally heavy periods, focusing on reading can be challenging as your mind may not be in the right space for it.
Why Not to Feel Bad About It:
- It’s Normal: Reading slumps are a natural part of being a reader. They come and go, and almost every reader experiences them at some point.
- Self-Compassion: Putting pressure on yourself to read can cause a slump. Being kind to yourself and accepting that it’s okay to take a break from reading can help you get back faster.
- Rediscovery: Slumps can lead to rediscovering your love for reading in different ways. It’s an opportunity to explore new genres, formats, or even take a break and come back to reading when you feel more inspired.
- Reading Should Be Enjoyable: Remember that reading is meant to be enjoyable, not a chore. Don’t do it because you have to or because everybody does. If you’re not enjoying a book or reading in general at the moment, it’s perfectly fine to take a step back.
- It’s Temporary: Slumps don’t last forever. You will find your way back to reading when the time is right. Meanwhile, engaging in other hobbies or activities can be just as fulfilling.
Feeling guilty about a reading slump only adds unnecessary stress. Take it as a natural phase, and when the time is right, you’ll naturally gravitate back to the joy of reading.
Most importantly don’t compare yourself to others. These all not only apply to the books I present on my website but the academics materials too!