We all want to read for hours. But realistically? Life happens. Emails pile up, errands calls, and work or school takes over. And then, you open social media and suddenly everyone seems to be posting monthly wrap-ups of 30+ books. Before you know it, you’re somehow feeling behind in a race you had no idea you’d signed up for in the first place.

While reading 30+ books is a “superhero-level” achievement, it can get into your head.The worst part is when this pressure turns into a reading slump , making a hobby that should be comforting feel like another chore on your to-do list

If that sounds familiar, no worries. We’ve all been there.

If you’re wondering how to get out of a reading slump , here are my five tried-and-true tips to take the weight off your shoulders.

Key Takeaways: How to Get Out of a Reading Slump

• Audit Your Goals: Stop chasing numbers and prioritize pleasure over “the count.”
• The Power of the DNF: Use the “Page 50 Rule”—if you aren’t hooked, let it go.
• Change Your Medium: Switch to audiobooks or graphic novels to lower the barrier to entry.
• Revisit Comfort: Reread an old favourite to remind your brain why you love reading.

Don’t forget that reading is for pleasure!

There’s nothing more enjoyable than following your own rhythm. Sometimes we forget that! But after all, the main point of the reading experience is to bring us pleasure and relaxation, isn’t it? If your brain feels tired, let it rest. You can always come back to the book when you feel ready.

Reviews can wait!

In the world of Goodreads and StoryGraph , it feels like you need to post an opinion the second you finish. But reviews can wait. What matters is that you enjoyed the journey. Let the book settle and put your thoughts into words only when you feel truly ready.

Break the Numbers Game

We often set arbitrary goals, like finishing 100 books a year. While these goals can be fun and motivating, these can feel like a reminder of what we haven’t done when life gets busy. In my experience, it is much more important to use reading as a way to switch off from daily stress than to chase a number. Be kind to yourself

The Power of the DNF (Did Not Finish)

Oooooh, scary! I know! But I promise you, you absolutely do not need to push yourself to finish something you don’t like. It’s okay! Sometimes it just isn’t working. Maybe the story isn’t clicking with you, maybe the characters are frustrating, or maybe it’s simply not the right time for it. That’s fine! Look at the other books patiently waiting for their turn. I can bet you have a pile staring judgementally at you right now. Don’t worry mine does too! I work on a Rule of 50. If a book doesn’t grab me in the first 50 pages, then bye for now!

Why it’s OK to DNF a book

DNF-ing, or not finishing a book can be a contentious matter to some people. Some readers believe in powering through every book regardless of enjoyment. And that is absolutely fine, but when you’re in a book slump, sometimes forcing your way through a book that you’re just not vibing with isn’t the play. You could use the ‘soft DNF‘, put the book down with the intention of revisiting when you’re feeling better. For me, DNF’s are important because if I force my way through a book I’m probably not going to enjoy it and it will probably get a low rating. But sometimes it really is me, not the book, so putting it down and coming back weeks, months, maybe years later is OK.

Get Out of a Reading Slump by Changing Your Medium

The best thing that works for me when I just can’t get into a story is changing the way I read.

• Switch to an audiobook, especially while doing chores or exercise
• swap the heavy hardcover for an e-Book
• pick up a manga or comic, for a visual break
• try a different genre; struggling with a dark thriller? Try a light romance instead

Reading still counts, even when it looks a little different.

Return to an Old Favorite

When everything else fails, I go back to the basics. I pick up that one favourite book that feels like home every time you open it. There is something incredibly comforting about returning to familiar characters and scenes. This method is absolutely bulletproof in my house.

Final Thoughts

So next time you’re in a reading rut, remember it is not about reading more or doing it “better”. It’s about taking the pressure off and remembering why you love reading in the first place. So slow down, change things up, reread an old favourite, or put the book down for a while if you need to. The stories will still be there when you’re ready.