Why Reading Slumps Aren’t Always Bad

I know. The entire bookish community just screamed in unison as they read this title.

Because reading slumps are horrible! The enemy! A monster! They’re out to get us, and they’re never a good thing. Or are they?

I’ve been in a reading slump for the past couple of months. It’s the first time I’ve ever been in one for longer than a few weeks, and the experience has changed my perspective on slumps. I sound dramatic, but I speak the truth. 😉

As a little background, my reading slump didn’t happen because I felt burned-out of reading. It actually happened because I am so busy.

With all my activities, I just ran out of time to read. While I used to read after school, I go to dance. While I used to read before bed, I crash instantly because I’ve stayed up late doing homework. Slowly, as I read less and less, I got out of the habit more and more.

I’m definitely not saying reading slumps are your best friend. They’re not. But I thought it would be important to share the reasons why my slump hasn’t been a horrible nightmare of a time, and the ways it has even helped me.

You can set your focus on other goals.

Let’s be honest. Life is really busy.

Between school, homework, having a relationship with Christ, dance, blogging, and spending time with my friends and family, I’m always doing something.

And, as hard as it is to admit, many things I just listed come before reading. They are more important.

i too am scarred, elsa

I need to focus on getting good grades, reading my Bible, knowing my dance choreography, and hanging out with my family. As I’ve been in my reading slump, I’ve realized I have one less thing off my plate. I can focus on other things a little better.

 You go back to reading refreshed.

I was lucky in that my reading slump isn’t because I’m bored of books, it’s because I’ve gotten out of the habit of reading them. (Read Brooke’s post on different kinds of reading slumps if you’re interested!)

However, if you’re having a “burned-out of reading” slump, then this is a really great bonus for you. When your slump is over, reading will seem new to you!

another disney gif! but i can’t help myself!

It keeps reading from becoming a chore.

Everyone has reached that horrible day where reading feels like a chore. Unless you haven’t. In which case teach me your ways. You know, when all these thoughts are running through your head:

• I really need to read this book.
• I should read that book.
• But do I want to?
• no.
• Oh look, my book just came.
• Why am I not happy? Or excited??
• What is happening to me?!
• I still don’t want to read that book.

I try really hard to not let this happen to me. Reading should never be a chore! It is a hobby, and hobbies are supposed to be fun! What am I saying reading is a lifestyle.

Still, it happens. Just like with any other activity, there will be times when you’re in a reading rut, but feel compelled to keep up, so you read anyway. If you’re in a reading slump, at least reading won’t be a chore anymore.

You’ll remember that there’s more to life than books.

*closes eyes because I’m pretty sure all my blog readers are running towards me with a sword right now and these are my last few moments on Earth*

BEST MOVIE AMIRITE

I love books. They are wonderful. And obviously I’m obsessed with them…you’re reading my book blog. Sometimes, though, it’s important to remember that you can get satisfaction from things other than reading, too.

Think about your Savior, Jesus who died on the cross for you and blankets you in His love every day. (Or any other religious figure, if you’re not Christian.) Think about your friends and family, your pets, anything. There is so much to life, and so much that can bring you joy.

If you’re in a reading slump, a good thing is that you might be able to see and appreciate the little things just a bit more.❤️

It’s natural. It’s going to happen.

I know that reading slumps can be a pain. It’s devastating to suddenly not have the time or interest in books, especially when you love them so much, like I do and I know so many of you do. I miss reading all the time, but the good thing is I know this isn’t going to last forever.

If you find yourself in a reading slump, I assure you that there’s no reason to panic. You’ll find a way to get out of it somehow (I just got a new blog post idea…), and maybe you’ll even see the positive that came from it. 🙂

I hope that you enjoyed this post! Since I’m in a slump right now, I wanted to try and think of the good that’s coming from this, and hopefully it was helpful.

Have you ever been in a reading slump? What was it like for you? Did you have any of the same positives as me? Have you seen the movie Princess Bride before? I hope to see you in the comments!

Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash << credits for the wonderful photo I used on my featured image!