A reading slump and the very real reasons behind it

Sometimes you open your favorite book — and… nothing happens. The pages feel heavy, your thoughts drift toward more “important” things, and instead of the story, your mind keeps replaying what you’re going to have for dinner. And then comes the question: “What’s wrong with me? I used to love reading!”

In fact, everything is fine with you. You’ve simply found yourself in a reading slump — a state that happens even to the most devoted book lovers. So no panic. Let’s take a closer look at why this happens and whether there’s anything you should do about it.

A reading slump is a state of reading burnout or a prolonged lack of desire to read, when even favorite books stop being engaging, and the act of reading itself requires excessive effort.

Reasons behind a reading slump

There can be many reasons why the desire to read disappears from time to time. Let’s look at the most common ones.

Burnout and stress

When your entire day is filled with work and responsibilities, your brain may simply not be ready for new stories in the evening. Forcing yourself to read in moments like this is like dragging a suitcase uphill.

Digital “magnets”

Social media, TikTok scrolling, and endless Reels provide instant dopamine, but they also train the brain to switch quickly between stimuli. After that, long-form reading can feel like running a marathon without preparation.

The wrong book

Sometimes even a favorite genre suddenly stops “working.” Pages drag on, and interest disappears as if blown away by the wind. Or you’ve heard countless positive reviews, but the book just doesn’t resonate with you personally. This kind of disappointment often calls for a pause.

Lack of time and shifting priorities

Life speeds up and changes direction, and reading simply gets postponed for later. That’s normal.

A “book hangover”

You turn the last page of a book that broke your heart or filled it completely — and it still won’t let you go. Give yourself time to savor the impressions and live through the story you’ve traveled with its characters.

External pressure

When you read “because you have to,” the magic disappears. A book turns into an obligation — and where there are obligations, there is little room for pleasure.

How to bring back the joy of reading

Returning to books is not a timed race where we measure who’s faster. It is typically a slow process that requires you to slow down first.

Take care of your basic needs

When you lack sleep and barely have time to eat between work tasks, even your favorite book can feel like a burden. Let your body rest, remind yourself to drink a glass of water, go for a walk. Often, that’s enough to bring the desire to read back.

Practice journaling

Sometimes a reading slump is a signal that your mind is overloaded with your own thoughts. Try writing them down — about your day, your fatigue, everything that keeps spinning in your head. This helps free up space for new stories, including book ones.

Don’t force yourself

Sometimes the best thing you can do is take a conscious pause. Allow yourself to miss stories.

Return to an old favorite

Pick up a book that once moved you to tears or laughter. Rereading something familiar is like meeting a friend you haven’t seen in a long time — but missed dearly.

Give something new a chance

If you’re stuck in one genre, try switching it. From crime to fantasy, from romance to biography. You never know — unexpected inspiration may be waiting there.

Try different formats

If a physical book doesn’t work, choose an e-book or an audiobook. Audiobooks are especially helpful when you want to “read” while walking the dog or cooking dinner. E-books, on the other hand, are a must-have for travel.

Small steps

Five minutes, two pages — that already counts as reading. Habits are formed not by volume, but by small daily steps.

Create your own corner

A soft blanket, a cup of tea, warm lighting. Let your reading space become a small ritual of joy. Especially with winter ahead — the perfect time to finally slow down.

Remove distractions

Turn off notifications, leave your phone in another room. Create a space where it’s just you and a compelling story ahead.

Read together

Book clubs and discussions with friends can help you get out of a reading slump faster than a solo reading marathon.

A reading slump is not a sentence, nor a sign that you’ve stopped loving books.

It’s simply a signal that you need a break or a closer look at what’s happening around you.

Reading is a powerful resource that helps reduce stress, improves concentration and memory, and develops empathy. It allows us to step beyond our own experience, gain new knowledge, and find inspiration in difficult situations.

Take your time and be kind to yourself. Start with small steps, experiment with formats and genres, and create a comfortable environment for reading.

Remember: books are not a routine — they are a source of joy and personal growth. You will definitely find your way back.