Imagine that Farafina has just delivered your latest book haul. One minute, you are enjoying the thrill of reading, writing reviews, even creating book vlogs for Instagram Reels and Tiktok, but the next minute, it feels like a chore. No matter how hard you try, it is difficult to enjoy your favourite pastime. 

A reading slump is every reader’s nightmare.There are a lot of factors that cause reading slumps, such as lack of interest in the reading material, lack of motivation, personal loss, stress, burnout and a significant change in one’s life. Whichever the case may be, do not feel bad for yourself. It is a common experience and can happen to the best of us. 

The good news is that there are ways to get out of it. Here are some tips to help you break out of a reading slump and get back to enjoying books again.

Read your favourite books again.

Re-reading a favourite book is like running into an old friend.

The familiar story, characters and writing style can provide comfort and a sense of nostalgia—feelings that can stir you back from a reading slump.Reading a favourite book again will allow you to gain fresh perspective as well as see details you might have missed in previous reads. 

Switch genres.

If you’re a staunch reader of a particular genre, there’s a chance you are getting bored. Consider shaking things up by  switching genres. Read something different to expand your imagination and stimulate your senses. 

You can try switching to: audio books, graphic novels, children books and short story collections.

Join a book club.

Book clubs are a great way to reignite your love for reading if you were a lone reader prior to the slump.They are a source of external motivation as well as community and offer a chance to see a book from other perspectives. Joining a book club can also help you stay accountable and consistent.

Join our book club, Farafina Reads, by following us on Twitter and learn more about our next author chat on Twitter Spaces. We also offer a new read every month. 

Change your reading routine.

Sometimes the way you read may need to change. If you have been reading e-books on your bed before sleeping, try reading paperbacks on your couch. A slight change in your routine could be all you need to get your reading mojo back.

Finally, do not force it. If you are not in the mood to read, take a break. Try another activity that you enjoy and come back to reading when you feel ready. Remember, reading should be enjoyable, so don’t put too much pressure on yourself.

About the Writer: Precious Obiabunmo is a graduate of English and Literature at Nnamdi Azikiwe University. She’s the Digital Content/Community Manager at Kachifo Limited. Connect with her on LinkedIn