India, Jan. 10 -- Reading can be pure bliss for book lovers, but what happens when that joy turns into a struggle? Motivation can hit rock bottom, and starting a new chapter feels like climbing a mountain, leaving many books unfinished. Some days, even picking up a book becomes an emotional effort. If this sounds like you, then a closer look at the psychological reasons behind it, along with adopting practical steps to reignite your love for reading, can help you get back gradually. "Daily worries, being pre-occupied with tasks, interrupted day schedules and presence of anxiety can interfere with reading and lead to a loss of interest," says Dr Kedar Tilwe, consultant psychiatrist at Fortis Hospital Mulund & Fortis Hiranandani Hospital, Navi Mumbai. He adds that excessive exposure to digital platforms, which shrinks attention spans and erodes patience, is another reason. Echoing this, Meera Raman, co-founder and CEO of BoiPoka, notes, "Even the most prolific reader can be hit by a reading slump, quite like a writer's block. Life gets busy, matters seemingly more important take precedence, and reading quietly slips out of the routine." If starting a book feels overwhelming, Meera suggests these practical, low-pressure ways to rebuild the habit: Start with crime or mystery When focus is low, suspense does the work. This genre doesn't demand deep emotional investment upfront, it offers a compelling question and the promise of answers. Pick a book series Familiar characters and worlds make reading feel less like starting from scratch. Moving from one book to the next feels natural, helping rebuild momentum. Choose shorter books Finishing a book quickly restores confidence. That sense of closure matters, and often leads to picking up the next read. Re-read old favourites There's comfort in familiarity. Knowing where a story goes can calm a restless mind and ease the pressure to stay engaged. Experiment with formats Audiobooks can be a gentle re-entry point. Listening while commuting or doing chores keeps the story alive, often making it easier to transition back to physical or e-books once interest kicks in....