It’s January, which means it’s also the time of year when I have historically found myself falling into reading slumps most often.

Several years ago, I fell into a reading slump in January that was so bad I didn’t pick up a book until March. Needless to say, I have learned a few things over the years about how to prevent them.

Read books you want to read

I’ll be the first to admit that sometimes I do read books because they’re popular and I want to be in on the hype. I’ll also admit that I have some books on my to-be-read list that are classics that I feel morally obligated to read. However, with both of these instances, January is not the time I dive into either category because I know there is the potential for me to not be as interested (this could really go either way, but I just don’t want to take the chance in January), give up on the book, and lose interest in reading overall. That’s why my first piece of advice is to only read books in January that you truly want to read – that way, you’ll be excited every time you crack open a page.

Read shorter books

I love reading because I love stories and I love getting lost in different realities. However, there is a part of me that also loves reading because of the boost of serotonin I get after I finish a book (is this embarrassing to admit?). One way to get the gratification of finishing a book early on in the year is to read a few shorter books right off the bat. Also, for me, once I finish one book, I get a boost of motivation to keep going and reading more.

Pick up seasonal books

The first time I read a hockey romance, I hated it. Not because of the content of the book, but because of the time of year I read it. I read it in the dead of summer by a river where there was not an ice skate in sight. I couldn’t immerse myself in the story as well as I might have had it been winter. I love reading books based on the season they’re set in because I feel like I can relate to the characters more, visualize the setting better, and truly feel like I’m getting the most out of the book.

Make reading a social event

Reading is an inherently independent activity, but you can make it a social event to encourage yourself. I love having 24-hour reading marathons with my friends, cozy nights in with charcuterie and wine (or a good mocktail), or getting together to read at a local coffeeshop. You can get some reading done, find new books to add to your to-be-read list, and spend quality time with friends.

Reread an old favourite

Whether it’s a favourite author or a favourite book, go back to it. You loved it initially for a reason, and I’ve always found that rereading something I’ve held dear (Just Kids by Patti Smith, my old friend) encourages me to find something new that’s similar. There is also no pressure when you reread something you’ve enjoyed before because you already know you like it!

Don’t force yourself to read

Look, when push comes to shove, reading is supposed to be fun. So, if you do find yourself busy, tied up with other responsibilities, or just not in the mood to read one evening it’s okay to take breaks and to take days off. If you force yourself to read, you may eventually find you get to a point where you don’t get the same enjoyment. With that said, take breaks if you need to to come back even stronger.

While reading slumps can feel debilitating at times, they are perfectly normal, and it doesn’t make you any less of a bookworm if you find yourself in one.

Happy reading.

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