Hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl
Thank you to Cristyn @ Draconic Breath for coming up with this topic in 2024. You gave me the inspiration I needed to write this week’s freebie post!
1. Migraines
There are at least a few other TTT bloggers who already know what this illness is like. For everyone else, Reading is difficult when I’m in the migraine cycle due to symptoms like brain fog, nausea, and pain. Staring at a screen can also trigger migraines or make them worse, so I do try to limit screen time on those days.
2. Doomscrolling
It’s so tempting but such a time waster as well!
3. Repetitive Storylines
I love speculative fiction, but I also find myself growing bored with some of the common plot lines in this genre because of how often they seem to be repeated. This is one of the reasons why you’ll find other genres mentioned in my Top Ten Tuesday posts. Switching things up keeps me interested in reading.
4. Medical Appointments
There have been a lot of them in my household this past year or so, and they can certainly cut into the time one has for more pleasurable things like reading.
5. Nice Weather
I know I’ve mentioned this a few times before on my blog, but when Ontario has nice weather, often in the spring and autumn, I feel compelled to go outside and enjoy it instead of read. There will be plenty of other days in the year when it’s too hot, cold, icy, stormy, or humid to enjoy a walk in the park or a visit to the beach.
6. Overwhelming Choices
There are so many amazing books out there that I don’t always know which one to read next! This is not a problem I ever had growing up as ebooks didn’t exist back then and my parents weren’t always able to take us to the library. I feel fortunate to have it now even if decision fatigue does sometimes make it hard to decide what to read next.
7. Social Media in General
I have been trying to be more mindful of my use of it in 2026, but it can be quite easy to spend an hour watching short videos or reading stranger’s comments online instead of picking up one of the books I’ve been meaning to read.
8. Writing
Striking a balance between writing and reading isn’t always easy.
9. Meeting Other Goals
Whether it’s related to work, exercise, or spending time with other people, I do have limits on how much energy I have for reading!
10. Chores
The dishes won’t wash themselves, after all.
Migraines are the worst! Not only does it stop my reading for days, it is debilitating for everything. Doom scrolling is something I’m trying to do less since it’s so depressing.
I’m sorry you have them, too! And totally agreed there.
Doomscrolling and social media can be big distractions from reading for me! I try to keep it under control, but depending on world events, it can be so hard to break away! I’m sorry to hear about your migraines. I don’t get them myself, but know from a close friend how awful they can be.
Thank you, Lisa. And, yeah, it’s hard to break away for sure.
I can completely empathize with your list, especially doomscrolling and social media.
I do not have migraines, but my beloved does – it is heart-breaking.
Thank you. I’m sorry your beloved has them.
I find that medical appointments help my reading! Back when I used to have to do labs and then wait in the transplant clinic to see a doctor, I could knock out at least half a book.
Oh, that’s fascinating! I’m glad you were able to get so much reading in then. I’m usually too nervous to concentrate. Ha.
I relate to some of these reasons! I mean there are SO many books and choices, and social media can be a “dangerous” hole that is too easy to fall into. Great idea and thanks for visiting my list today.
You’re very welcome, Rissi.
doomscrolling and other goals always get me too. it’s hard to find a balance in life.
For sure!
Doom scrolling and migraines are the worst 🫣 I think that’s one thing I really don’t miss about being back on socials, lol. Great choice of topic!
Thank you. I’m sorry you know what migraines are like. Good for you for getting off social media.
A great list. Ergh I have monthly migraines. They are so debilitating.
Have a great week!
I’m sorry you struggle with migraines, too.
I feel that with social media for sure!
Yep!
I’m so sorry you have to deal with migraines. That’s so awful. Social media! Ugh. But before it “we” sat in front of the tv channel surfing. I do think social media is even worse though. I’m guilty of so many hours of doomscrolling every week.
Thank you, Lisa. They are definitely not any fun.
And, yeah, that’s a good point about surfing tv channels. I remember all sorts of articles and lectures and stuff about how bad that was, too.
Migraines are the worst indeed! I’m trying to cut down on my doomscrolling and social media time, so we’ll see how well that goes 🙂
I’m sorry you have them, too. Fingers crossed for your goals.
I think I can relate to many of what you shared. Replace lack of sleep with migraines for me though.
Insomnia is so hard. I’m sorry you deal with it.
Love your post. I don’t get migraines but I know those who do and how bad it gets. I grew up many decades ago and not library so now the choice is amazing between all the formats. I think my overload of books comes from childhood when it was hard to get books.
That makes total sense!
Fab list! Book hangovers keep me from reading, as well to much choice!
Thank you, and absolutely.
You could also make a TBR jar to help with the decision fatigue. I have one but rarely use it, LOL! Have a great week!
Oh, that’s a wonderful idea. Thanks for sharing.
Working put a damper on my reading life! Now I’m retired and reading like it’s my job! 😂
Good for you!
Starting last year, I noticed I had to cut back my time on social media, especially Facebook. There were too many things happening that were impacting my mental health. I found it much easier to cut Facebook out of my life, save for 5-10 minutes a day. And since getting a new phone, I don’t remember my Facebook password anymore. If I want to check things out, I have to boot up my ancient laptop now.
One thing my husband has started doing to make doomscrolling less exciting is to set his phone to black and white. If he can’t see the colors in the Instagram posts, he’s less likely to get drawn into them.
Here’s my TTT for the week: https://readbakecreate.com/the-xs-ys-and-zs-have-it-ten-titles-starting-with-x-y-or-z/
That is a good tip! Thank you for sharing.
Yes to migraines! So annoying. I get caught up in doomscrolling too. It’s a huge time waster for me too.
I’m sorry you have them, too.
I identify with a lot of these reasons but thankfully not migraines. I’ll sorry you are bothered by these.
Thank you. 🙂
Great idea for a list! I also get migraines, so I feel you. Social media and too many choices are issues for me too😁
I’m sorry you also get migraines!
Social media and doomscrolling often keep me from reading AND writing! It’s not good! I’m trying to do better but lately I’ve been on too much. It didn’t help that Facebook monetized my one page and then told me they’d give me a $60 bonus if I had two videos hit 50,000 views in seven days. I got it the bonus but I felt like I was on too much trying to make it happen! Now I’m taking a break from it all and focusing on reading AND finishing book four in my cozy mystery series.
Good for you! it’s interesting that Facebook did that to you.
I can relate to some of these! I don’t get true migraines very often (only had a handful in my life) but I do get debilitating headaches where I can’t do anything but lay in bed. Sometimes I listen to audiobooks on those days but other times I just have to sleep it off.
Doomscrolling gets me far more often than I’d like to admit.
I’m so sorry to hear that. Pain of any sort is terrible.
Choice is not a problem for me. If there’s no special reason to read a book first, just start at the top of the list!
Migraines…We used to think my aunt had migraines, and Mother and I only had occasional headaches. They weren’t as painful as hers seemed to be but did seem to fit the migraine pattern. I suppose we had the weak form of the gene. With that caveat, what stopped them occurring regularly were taking the extra bathroom breaks I needed on Certain Days, and taking long warm baths afterward. I don’t think I’ve had one since menopause.
That’s interesting.
Yes, they often get a lot better after menopause.
I do way too much social media and doom scrolling too
It’s such a common problem!
I resent chores get in the way of my reading which is probably why my house is often a mess. L o l
Thanks for sharing your #TTT
Heh, I get that. And you’re welcome.
There are quite a few items I share with you, especially the first one. Which, of course, leads to medical appointments. At least I can bring a book there …
Thanks for visiting my post.
https://momobookblog.blogspot.com/2026/04/top-ten-tuesday-food.html
I’m sorry you get them, too. But, yes, books can be great distractions in the waiting room for sure.
I get overwhelmed sometimes with the number of wonderful books out there. I want to read all of them and I want to read them now. lol
Exactly!
Migraines are the worst! Nice weather is a great reason not to read. I hear you about too many choices.
They sure are. I’m glad you get my reasons.
I hope you get better soon from the headaches. Having headaches stinks. Nice weather is always good to go outside and read. As I write this, I am listening to an audio book. Thank you for visiting my TTT. Thank you for sharing your TTT.
You’re welcome. Thanks for stopping by.
Oh, this is a nice idea for a theme, actually. Sorry about the migraines — I get atypical weird ones that are unpleasant but don’t curtail daily activities too much/for too long, but even that makes it clear to me how awful they are!
Thank you. I’m sorry you have migraines, too! There are several different types of them, and I’ve ever heard of a type that all of the symptoms except no head pain. Wild.
I sometimes get into a rut trying to decide what to read next. I wish I could just dive into the next book, but it usually takes me a bit to decide what comes next. Also sympathize with migraines being a hindrance. I can’t read when I have one either.
I’m sorry you also have them!
I’ve lately tried to multitask listening to some audiobooks while doing chores. It has mixed success depending on the book and the chore, but sometimes it helps!
Cool! Yes, it does depend on the chore.
This list is so relatable, Lydia! I’m sorry to hear you suffer from migraines, they are the worst 🙁 Fortunately, I haven’t had one recently, but I used to play Winnie the Pooh audio books to relax & help me get to sleep. Social media is a definite cause of less reading time as well.
Thank you very much. I’m glad you’ve been able to go months without them!