Even the biggest Book Geeks experience book burn-out.

Maybe it’s because you’re suffering a book hangover from the last amazing novel you read, or maybe life has just gotten busy and your favourite hobby has taken a bit of a back seat. Sometimes Book Bloggers suffer from burn-out more than most – after all if we aren’t reading a book, or talking about books, we’re reviewing books, and blogging about them! Whatever the reason, we all go through it, so here are some tips to see if you can get your reading mojo back!

1. Remember, Reading is Good for You

We often have to justify our reading addiction interest to others – from the number of books we buy, to how many books are in our To Be Read piles, and sometimes we need to take a step back and remember that reading is actually good for you. Not only is it considered to be one of the more relaxing hobbies, but it has been proven to help settle your body and focus your mind.

If that wasn’t enough – remember that reading can also help increase your levels of empathy, nurture personal growth, increase your vocabulary, and improve your imagination. Reading fiction really is the ultimate form of immersive escapism – you can instantly travel to different locations, go on wild adventures, and even experience a different time in history.

2. Make A Book Nook

You know how they say a cluttered work space = a cluttered mind? I think the same is true of books. If your shelves are falling apart, and your book stacks are over-flowing to the point of toppling over, it can make reading feel a little uninspiring. Create a unique and cosy book nook so you will want to spend more time admiring and reading your precious tomes.

If you already have a special space, refresh it with some new cushions, a silky throw, or some delicious scented candles. Choose a spot near a window for natural light (if you’re a day time reader), or invest in some quirky and fun lighting (if you’re a night owl like me). Stock your shelves with all of your favourites to make your bookish sanctuary complete.

3. Stock Up On Snacks

“Snacks” can cover a wide variety of food and beverages. Personal favourites include sliced apple with peanut butter and candyfloss grapes (when I’m on a health kick), or some Fruit Pastilles or dark chocolate (when I fancy a treat). No matter the occasion, I personally think popcorn makes everything better. Check out these simple popcorn recipes for some inspiration. Grab a glass of your favourite wine (just for you, Brandie!), a comforting cup of tea, or a delicious mug of hot chocolate, and settle down for an evening of reading.

4. Read In Different Languages

It’s technically still English, but it often seems like a foreign language – if you are an adventurous reader, or just want to challenge yourself – try Shakespearean dialog or dip your toe into some Classics. I’ve even seen some bilingual Book Bloggers and BookTubers who can read their favourites in more than one language. Unfortunately, I’m not that gifted! But it’s never to late to learn! Use websites such as this blog to help you learn the language as you read, or even use the audiobook for guidance.

5. Try A New Genre

As much as you might ADORE romance, LOVE being whisked away to fantasy lands, or simply can’t get enough of historical fiction, it is possible to get too much of a good thing. Often you’ll start to notice repetitive tropes that can affect your enjoyment of the book, so branch out a little – you never know what new favourite you could stumble across. If you’re a fan of eBooks, it’s even easier to be more adventurous as iBooks has a free book each week, and Amazon are always full of special offers. If you’ve never read one – give a crime thriller a go – drag yourself out of your comfort zone, and you might even end up with a new favourite genre. 

6. Try Your Hand At Writing

This is something I keep threatening to do, but can never seem to find the time! I will, one day… Do you ever read a great book and wish you’d wrote it? Do you have ideas for plots and characters swimming around in your brain that you never put to paper? Are you on the search for a perfect read but can’t seem to find anything that hits the spot? Maybe it’s time you wrote the book you’d love to read. Keep a notebook with you, and when you get a great idea jot it down. When you’re ready to start writing, this notebook could be a game-changer, full of inspiration for your masterpiece. 

Have you ever tried any of these tips to get out a reading slump? Have any others that I’ve not mentioned? Let me know in the comments!