1. Reread an old favourite

Sometimes you just can’t face the thought of reading something new. You don’t have the energy to get involved with a new world and a new set of characters. It can be immensely comforting diving back into the pages of an old favourite. It can remind you of why you loved reading in the first place, and make you more eager to discover new books that might become favourites in time.

2. Try audio books

Audio books are great if you’re tired or if you don’t have much time. You can listen to them on the way to work, while exercising or while doing housework. If you find you’re too tired to read, maybe if you spend all day at work staring at a screen and don’t want to read anymore, you can lie down, switch on an audio book, close your eyes and just listen instead.

3. Construct a reading nook

When you feel overwhelmed, like you’ve got far too much on your plate and far too little time to do it all, sometimes you need to step away from life for an hour or two and think about something else for a little while. Throw together some blankets and pillows, close the curtains, switch on a lamp and some fairy lights, and snuggle down with a good book.

4. Read reviews or watch Youtube videos

Sometimes I find that just reading about books is enough to get me wanting to read again. You can read reviews, book blogs, watch videos about books on Youtube, read fan fiction or look at fan art. Any of these things can remind you of how much you love to read and encourage you to pick up that book you’ve been meaning to start.

5. Just take a break

Sometimes, no matter how much you want to read, you’re just not in the mood. Don’t beat yourself up about it; everyone goes through a reading slump once in a while. Just step away from the books for as long as you need, and you’ll come back to reading with more enthusiasm. Plus, if you don’t feel like reading but you force yourself to read a book, you won’t enjoy that book as much or give it the attention it deserves.

Kelly Pells graduated Brunel University with a first in English with Creative Writing. She has had her short stories published by magazines and runs the book review blog scribblerreview.blogspot.co.uk.