How to Cure a Reading Slump

When I got out of school this summer, I was excited for a lot of things. One of the things that I was the most excited for was getting the opportunity to read more often. I have a lot of books that I want to read and the thought that I would (hopefully) get to read more of them was thrilling. Only, there was one problem: I wasn't in the mood for reading.

We all have these times. They're awful. During these periods of times known to us as "reading slumps", we usually experience a lack of motivation or desire to read. You might find yourself picking up your book, thinking about how much fun you're going to have, and then - bam! - after a few words you feel bored to tears. 

I don't know about you, but I absolutely hate it when this happens. So, after quite some time of dealing with this problem, I tested out a few solutions to "curing" a reading slump. Check them out below.

Cure #1: Continue to pick up your book.

This was the first thing that I tried. I just continued to pick up my book until I felt like reading. I would read a little, and if I wasn't "feeling it", I put it down. I would then pick it up a few minutes or hours later. Surprisingly, it worked.

Pros

After doing this little trick, I actually read a good amount. Not just a few pages, but a few chapters, which was surprising because I couldn't bring myself to read for a bit.

Cons

For all I know, I could have just had a break in my reading slump. Furthermore, this method won't always prove to be effective (sometimes it can just wear you out), and can waste a lot of time.

Cure #2: Get in a good reading spot.

If you have a special reading nook or a place where you normally read, this could help to get in the mood. You could also go to a spot where you tend to have good focus. For instance, I went to my desk.

Pros

This is more effective than the last technique.

Cons

First of all, you might not be able to get to your special reading spot/focus area. To add, you might get distracted. If you have books in your reading nook, you might find a different book that you would like to read more. Or, in my case, you might think of other activities that you do in that spot. (I blog at my desk, and I ended up writing this, rather than reading.) Also, my desk has a turning chair, so...

Cure #3: Use music.
Basically, all you have to do is put on some music, set it so that it's kinda low, and then try to read. I like to use faster and more upbeat music, for I find it to be motivating. If this doesn't work for you, then you can always try something slower. Whatever suits you.
Pros
This one proved to be very effective for me. I read, and I felt like reading. It wasn't a chore. Plus, I got to listen to music and read, which was pretty great, for me.
Cons
The bad thing, though, is that you can (very easily, in fact) get distracted by the music. I was listening to songs with lyrics, and I have to admit that I completely stopped reading when I heard "Animal" by Miike Snow. Additionally, if you use Pandora like me, you might find a song that's new to you, and I always like to see if I like the song. Long-story-short, it is very easy to get distracted. Music can be a gift, but it can also be a distraction. Remember that.