Happy Thursday, book friends! My “traditional” Thursday post is usually a TBR Thursday highlight of a book I’m looking forward to reading. However, the thought of looking at my TBR during a reading slump is a little overwhelming. So many books I want to read, and yet, I’m struggling to find the time/motivation to read!
It’s totally normal to have reading slumps, and most of us have plenty of other responsibilities and hobbies to attend to that sometimes take time away from reading. So for today’s post, I thought I’d highlight some of the not-directly-bookish hobbies that I’ve been spending time with lately.
Playing Video Games
I mentioned in my What We’re Reading Wednesday post that I’m back on the Stardew Valley train for the cold months. I’ve loved video games since I was very young and tend to prefer two main genres: RPGs and “cozy” games.
Earlier this year I got back into the open-world RPG, Skyrim, in a big way. Then I got frustrated by a cave and haven’t played in actual months. So it goes. I’m also a huge fan of The Sims and farming games like Stardew Valley, which are more low key and involve just doing pretty mundane tasks and reaching goals you mostly set for yourself.
Watching Great British Bake Off
To be honest, I don’t keep up with much in the way of TV anymore. I just get overwhelmed trying to remember which shows are on which streaming platforms and I have to care about something enough to go seek it out. I do, however, watch Great British Bake Off whenever there’s a new season out. My friends and I have a fantasy league where we draft bakers and then collect points based on how well those bakers perform throughout the season.
My team is not doing well this year and I’m down to just one baker left, but it’s always an extra layer of fun to engage with the show in this way. Plus, an excuse to get together with friends on a weekly basis so we can watch together and agree to the point values.
Baking
I don’t just watch baking on TV–I love to bake in real life, too. Over the past couple of years, I’ve been baking more consistently and following my way through some cookbooks trying to learn new methods. I’ve learned a lot, though I’m not going to be auditioning for the American version of Bake Off any time soon (not that my friends haven’t suggested it.)
Blogging
Blogging is honestly the hobby that’s taking up the most of my time this month. While writing itself comes pretty naturally to me, there’s so much else that goes into blogging that does take up time. I try to engage with other bloggers regularly, especially during Blogtober when we’re in our group sharing our posts each day. So, between writing my own posts and reading others, I spend most of my mornings with Azula doing blog-related stuff rather than reading these days. And right now I’m okay with that, because it’s still feeling fun and worthwhile for me.
That’s all from me today, book friends. What are your hobbies besides reading?
Your Book Friend 
Interesting post. Great to hear about your other hobbies. My mum will often talk to me about TV programs and I’m like it sounds really good, I do want to watch it BUT there are too many other things I want to watch at the moment so I can’t commit lol. She enjoys Bake Off actually, I like it if it’s on but no time for it at moment. I love how you watch with friends and have a fantasy league etc. I have a few shows I watch “Together Apart” with friends and family too- great fun. Your sourdough loaf looks amazing! Yes blogging is quite intense in October, isn’t it? Like you, I’m enjoying it too! xxx
Ohh! I love playing The Sims. I haven’t played in a while but actually started a new game last night and I am a big fan of the Great British Bake Off. That show always inspires me to get in the kitchen and bake more.
Nice! I love starting a new game, especially whenever I get new expansions!
I haven’t had a true reading slump where I’m unable to pick up a book but I’ve come close. I’m glad that you have other hobbies to get you over them. I have found that audiobooks for me were the key to getting me through the rough patches. I agree with blogging taking up the largest chunk of my non-reading time.
Yes, I’m definitely still listening to audiobooks during my commute, which helps me feel connected to books even when I’m not picking them up as often!
For some strange reason I have not really got into this years Bake Off, probably as just not had a chance to watch it. I do love baking and need to get back into the kitchen
This year has been interesting. I think having the fantasy league helps me feel invested.
That bread looks amazing! I LOVE baking shows – they are the only reality shows I enjoy.
Me too! I find some of them a bit too cutthroat and competitive but for the most part, I love a good baking show!
Besides reading and blogging, we enjoy backing too!
So nice to hear your other hobbies! I like to illustrate, and photography.
Nice! I’ve always wished I were better at drawing and photography.
I used to have more hobbies when I had more free time. Back to office killed my gameplay life. RPGs are definitely my thing, and no fighting. I like to farm and decorate and stuff.
I hope you break your reading slump soon. I love the Great British Bake Off as well.
I like bake off but I’m not as avid a watcher as I used to be!
Wow, you are a busy lady and have lots of interests, good for you. That bread looks amazing! Hang in there, be happy, enjoy and when you get out of your slump, you will have lots to choose from.