Fall Fatigue: Reading and Mental Health (Getting Over A Reading Slump)

Confession time: I have been in the worst reading slump ever. 

Even more of a confession: It seems to happen every year, around the same time. 

Fall coincides with the beginning of the school year, a time when I find myself swarmed with homework and worries. Even now, entering adulthood, I can’t seem to bring myself to sit still, let alone focus on a book, and on the rare occasion that I manage to, I don’t enjoy it very much. 

I’m not sure if the issue lies in the books I pick, since I am a mood reader, and DNFing books is something I do more often than I care to admit. 

But also, I find my reading life is intrinsically linked to my mental health, which makes sense. If I am too focused on surviving, little luxuries like taking the time to read are the first to go out the window. That said, I love reading. Many times, it is the thing that keeps me going. The thing that gives me hope, or makes me laugh for the first time in a while. I also know that when I am reading regularly, my brain feels more awake, and I struggle less with expressing my ideas.

Thus, I am on a mission to make reading part of my daily routine again, with understanding and no pressure on myself. I am not on a mission to meet my reading goals, but rather, to come back to a beneficial habit that might make my life easier in these trying times. Sometimes all we can do is survive! So, here are a few tricks that I’ve come up with to maintain my sanity. Maybe they help you too! 

Trick # 1: Audiobooks

When I am truly tired or sad, no amount of willpower will get me to scan a page with my eyeballs, let alone understand any concepts. Therefore, audiobooks can be a great help. I am a big fan of things that make experiences accessible for others, and I find audiobooks do just that. Whether you are interacting with audiobooks because you need to, or because you simply like the format, I think it is a valid way to read a book. 

This medium is also helpful when it comes to multitasking. Manual tasks such as cleaning your room or showering can become more bearable when you are engrossed in a story. Other tasks that require focus, such as studying or writing blogs might not be best suited for this. Still, it is good to take breaks. 

If you need recommendations, The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins, read by Carolyn McCormick is a great pick. 

PS. If you don’t know where to find free audiobooks, remember that many libraries have services like “Libby,” where you can check out ebooks and audiobooks! And if you don't have a library card, (though I totally encourage you to get one!) Spotify has free audiobooks from the public domain as well, with works such as Emma by Jane Austen.

Trick #2: Graphic Novels

Much like animation, though somehow worse, graphic novels are overlooked as mediums for storytelling. Which is so sad, because I find it so helpful! The nature of graphic novels takes show, don’t tell, to new heights, with sometimes just as intricate of a plot as a fully fledged novel, only easier to consume if you feel like your brain would not be able to process as many words at once. 

I cannot express how much I love graphic novels, even on days when I feel on top of the world, but especially on days when I need to escape reality but can’t commit to a full novel. 

Also, there is a misconception that graphic novels are all aimed at younger kids (again, much like animation), but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Just because beautiful art tells a story does not mean it is more shallow or less important. 

My favorite graphic novel series is Paper Girls by Brian  K. Vaughan, illustrated by Cliff Chiang, though Locke & Key by Joe Hill, illustrated by Gabriel Rodríguez, is not far behind, though be warned this is a (beautifully done, and incredibly creative) horror comic (and yes, the show is amazing as well!) 

Trick #3: Nostalgic Reads

We all have comfort characters, shows, and books. Sometimes reading books we already know and love helps! 

Though I don’t tend to re-read books as much, there are some I don’t mind picking up again, like The Phantom Tollbooth, and Harry Potter. Books that made an impact on me as I was growing up. I will sometimes pick up past annotated copies of my favorite books, re-annotating or simply laughing at myself. This helps make reading a more interactive experience for the days I feel the need to do something but can’t figure out what.

And those are all my tips and tricks to get out of a reading slump, but also (and perhaps more importantly) make life a little less hard. Remember to be kind to yourself, and that reading goals are a nice thing to aspire to, but that your wellbeing should go first, and everything else will follow! 

As always, thanks for reading! 

Much love, 

-Val ✨