NEVER GET BORED OF READING
“I fell asleep reading a dull book and dreamed I kept reading, so I awoke from sheer boredom”, Heinrich Heine
Do you love reading? Do you find there are times when no matter what you do, you just can’t get yourself out of the reading slump?
Over the years I have had days when combating reading slump felt like a mission impossible. After trying many tactics, I finally found strategies that work for me.
I am going to share all of my tried and tested tactics on how to never get bored of reading. Try them and let me know if it helps!
READ ON SUBJECTS THAT IS OF INTEREST TO YOU
Have you ever been so engrossed in something that you lost track of time? Choosing a book from a genre or subject or topic that you are interested in and are passionate to learn about will have the same effect.
MIX IT UP
Are you passionate about learning? Are you open to reading different genres of books? Don’t restrict yourself to one single genre. I love reading non-fiction books. Dividing this genre into spirituality, health, finance, marketing, self-development, self-help, relationship, psychology, philosophy, leadership, communication, travel, history, memoirs, autobiographies, biographies, journalism, brain health and gut health has given me a range of topics to choose from. In the past I found myself getting completely obsessed with one particular subject. I would read a few books on that particular subject with no break. Obviously after a while it becomes slightly boring and repetitive. I have now learnt to read different types of books, articles and blogs.
READ EASY TO READ BOOKS
Somedays no matter how hard I try I just can not get out of the reading slump. That is when I turn to fiction books. Fiction books are generally easy to read and understand and if it is from a genre that you enjoy then there is a chance it might get you out of the reading slump. Yes I know it won’t provide you with the knowledge that non-fiction books do but you are still reading and improving your vocabulary.
If fiction books are not an option for you, then read an easy read non-fiction book. Some people like to re-read a book that they have read before and enjoyed. I personally don’t enjoy re-reading books but it is still an option.
READ AT DIFFERENT VENUES
If you read sitting at your desk most of the time try reading sitting on the couch, in your bed, under a tree, on your garden bench, in a cafe, in a local library, on the beach, on your deck, in a cosy bar, in a bookstore (some bookstores have comfortable chairs where you can sit and read), in a hammock outside, in front of a fireplace, in a green patch in your backyard, in a train or bus or car and maybe in the bath. Different locations give you different reading experiences. It will also give you different memories of the book, of the location and situation. I read the book, The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari while sitting next to my dad’s hospital bed. The book got me through those 48 hours. No matter how hard I try I don’t believe I will be able to delete those memories and that book has a very special place in my heart.
READ FOR SHORT DESIGNATED TIME PERIODS
Research shows that an individual’s focus time before he/she needs a break is around 25 minutes to 45 minutes. Schedule time for reading a few times a day. Read for longer periods of time when you have maximum productivity capability. I find that I am most focused, alert and productive in the mornings and that is the best time for me to get most of my reading done.
GET INSPIRATION
Sometimes listening to other book lovers on you tube or Instagram or podcasts might inspire you.
PUT THE BOOK DOWN
I used to persist reading even when I was bored or had information overload. I noticed I wasn’t remembering what I was reading or sometimes not even understanding what I was reading. This defeats the purpose. Putting the book away and going for a walk or listening to podcast or you tube videos or doing some baking, gardening or finding other distractions actually helps overcome reading slump.
FIND THE REASON
Boredom is “the state of being weary and restless through lack of interest”, Merriam-Webster. According to Hans Wilhelm, an author and illustrator of over 200 children’s and adult’s books, underneath the state is all the emotions, all the emotions that we do not wish to deal with, all the negative things, the subtle things, all the things we do not wish to face.
Identify what these emotions are e.g. loneliness and firstly deal with the emotions.
Hans uses three tactics to overcome boredom:
- Feel the emotions in the body.
- Love the emotions.
- Be ready to be inspired.
Boredom — A Source Of Inspiration by Hans Wilhelm
GET A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP
Sleeping is important for your brain health. Getting a good night’s sleep helps you to understand what you are learning and solve problems. Different individuals require different amount of sleep to work at optimal productivity level. Find out how much sleep your body requires.
TAKE A BREAK FROM READING
Take a few days off. I am not a big fan of audio books. If you enjoy listening to audio books then try that instead of reading. If not just enjoy your reading free time.
Whatever tactics you decide to adopt remember that reading is a magical journey, relax, enjoy the process and take time to fall in love with reading, learning and growing.
“She reads books as one would breathe air, to fill up and live”, Annie Dillard.
