What Is A Book Hangover And How To Get Over It

Bookish

20 July

Hello and welcome to another post! Today I thought I’d share more about book hangovers, because well, I’m currently into one.

A book hangover is the feeling of lingering attachment to a book after finishing it. Symptoms may include an emotional attachment to the characters, difficulty starting a new book, or constantly thinking about the story. It’s also the feeling of being emotionally drained, disoriented, or mentally stuck after finishing a good read. It's like living in the world of the book for so long that returning to reality feels jarring.

To get over a book hangover, try these tips:

Take a Break: Give yourself some time to reflect on the book, come to terms with the ending and let go of the story before diving into a new one.
Engage in Different Activities: Get involved in activities that take your mind off the book, such as exercising, hanging out with friends, or picking up a new hobby. If you’re struggling while you’re alone, take a walk, listen to music, or watch your favourite movie. Do something that will help you shift your focus away from the book.
Read Something Light: If you're having trouble starting a new book, try reading something light and easy to help ease the transition.
Read a Different Genre: Switching to a different genre can help reset your mind and prevent comparisons with the previous book.
Discuss with Others: Talk to friends or join a book club to share your thoughts and feelings about the book. It can provide closure and a fresh perspective because discussing the book with others can help you process your feelings and move on from the story.
Revisit an Old Favorite: Sometimes, going back to a beloved book or a comfort read can help in transitioning out of the book hangover. Pick up an old favourite that brings you joy and comfort to ease the transition from the previous book.

Remember, it's okay to feel a book hangover, as it is a sign of a good read and how deeply the story impacted you. But it's important to find a balance to fully enjoy your reading journey without getting stuck in one book for too long.

I hope you found this post helpful and let me know in the comments section below if you have another tip that has helped you before. Happy ‘healing’!

Love,
Christina xx