No matter how much you may love something in life, you are bound to experience a lack of motivation or creativity towards it. “Writer’s block” isn’t just a phenomenon that happens to writers, it’s also something that can happen to readers. 

As discouraging as it may feel to suddenly lose interest in reading or other hobbies, it is something that truly happens to the best of us. It doesn’t have to mean you should give up on your hobbies or passion. 

There can be light at the end of your blocked tunnel with a few tips and tricks to get you back on track.

1. Take a Break

Although this may seem counterintuitive, taking a break may actually help your block in the long run. Part of the reason you may be struggling in the first place is because of the pressure you’re putting on yourself.

Maybe try watching your favorite book-to-movie adaption or painting. Really, just do anything that gets you away from trying to open a new read. 

2. Go Back to the Basics

Part of the reason you may be struggling with reading is that you’re trying too hard to pick up something new. Go back to your favorite book, genre or author to get back into the swing of things.

Sometimes all we need is to be reminded why we love reading in the first place. By just focusing on reading what you enjoy, and not just to get through your to-read list, you can naturally find yourself falling back in love with it. 

3. Look at Content

Instead of actually reading books, just listen to other people talk about them. Browse Goodreads, TikTok, YouTube or any other social platform to see what others are currently reading. 

By doing this, you can actually get inspired to read without trying to force yourself to do it first. You may get new recommendations or genre ideas you haven’t previously heard of or tried. Sometimes it just takes watching someone else talking about books to rekindle your own love for them. 

Stressing about getting through a reading block can only make it worse. Afterall you may actually just need to take a break and relax. A block could signal stressors in other parts of your life causing you to shut down when it comes to things you actually enjoy. 

At the end of the day, reading is supposed to be enjoyable. No matter how much you love something, the more you force yourself to do the less you actually want to do it. So, try these reading block hacks and sit down with an anticipated read…. or don’t.