stuck in a slump

For the last month in a half, I've been a big reading slump. I'm not sure how it happened! I've been doing so well at reading this year. I've been kicking ass at both my Goodreads challenge of 100 books (I'm 15 books ahead of schedule) and my PopSugar Reading Challenge (33/50). I read far more than the average person just in general. I also did a couple themed reading months! I've been doing really well! And yet, I'm so disappointed in this slump.

I hesitate to pick up new books. I don't feel as much enjoyment when I'm reading. I feel anxious when I see an e-loan from the library is about to expire and I haven't even touched it. I don't know what's happening. Sure, I went on vacation and spent my free time hanging out with my family instead of reading. Sure, I had surgery on my ankle and was too exhausted to read and spent hours watching YouTube videos instead (shout out to Dr. Pimple Popper, the SacconeJolys, and vine compilation videos). I have all these excuses and I don't think anyone would chide me for my slow down on reading.

I know this is my anxiety acting up. I know that it's not a big deal, and I'l get back into my reading pace quickly. Slumps happen! But I feel so incredibly guilty, and the guilt leads to more anxiety and I just start to spiral.

I'm not sure how to get out of this slump. I finished a book I'd been slowly reading for a couple months and the next book in a series by a new romance novel author I enjoy. I liked both books, and had a good time. I should feel proud! But I'm not. I'm really disappointed still.

I'm not looking for a solution (although suggestions for getting out of a slump are greatly appreciated). I'm not looking for sympathy. I just wanted to express how I felt, even though I know I shouldn't feel that way. I'm hoping after I post this, some of my reading motivation will return and I'll be back on track with how the year started out. But I guess I'll have to see, and listen to endless podcasts in the meantime.

(Taking a podcast break my be my first start at making more reading time)