As the warm days stretch out and the pace of life (hopefully) slows, many of us look forward to finally cracking open the books that have been gathering dust on our shelves. Summer is often seen as the perfect time to read more – whether you’re relaxing on a beach, enjoying a staycation, or just making the most of lighter evenings.
But sometimes, our good intentions turn into pressure: TBR piles get overwhelming, the urge to ‘finish’ rather than enjoy takes over, and we fall into an all-or-nothing mindset. Before long, what should be a relaxing pastime begins to feel like a chore.
The solution? Approach your summer reading with gentleness, variety and joy. This guide will help you read more this summer—without stress, guilt or burnout.
Embrace Seasonal Reading Without Pressure
The first step to avoiding burnout is to change how we frame our goals. Instead of telling yourself you must read 10 books by September, think about how you want your reading to feel.
Maybe this summer is about discovery, rest, or escape. Create a reading atmosphere, not a rigid goal.
Focus on:
- Themes (e.g. seaside stories, summer romances, adventure memoirs)
- Vibes (light-hearted, whimsical, thought-provoking)
- Authors you’ve always meant to try
Curating your summer reads like a playlist makes the experience far more enjoyable—and much less stressful.
Choose Books That Match Your Current Energy
Not all books are meant for all moods. Summer often comes with heatwaves, family plans, festivals or holidays. Your brain might not be ready for a 700-page literary novel – and that’s OK.
Ideal summer reads include:
- Novellas (short but satisfying)
- Rom-coms and cosy mysteries (light, bingeable plots)
- Short story collections (perfect for dips in and out)
- Feel-good non-fiction (travel writing, food memoirs, essays)
Remember: reading light doesn’t mean reading lesser. It means reading smart.
Break It Down: Micro-Reading for Busy Days
Think you don’t have time to read? You might be surprised.
Reading in short bursts – even five to ten minutes – can add up quickly, especially during summer when routines are flexible.
Try:
- Reading a chapter while your coffee brews
- Bringing a book to the park or beach
- Listening to an audiobook during your commute or walk
- Reading a few pages during lunch breaks or while waiting in queues
You don’t need hours. Consistency beats intensity.
Ditch the Doomscroll—Reach for a Book Instead
The average Brit spends over four hours a day on their phone. Imagine what could happen if even 30 minutes of that was spent reading instead.
Try:
- Replacing one scroll session with a few pages
- Using an app blocker or ‘focus’ mode for reading time
- Keeping a real book beside the bed, not your phone
- Setting “reading hours” in the evening like screen-free time
Reading calms your nervous system – scrolling often does the opposite.
Create a TBR Stack You’re Genuinely Excited About
A huge part of avoiding reading burnout is reading books you’re actually enthusiastic about – not ones you feel obliged to get through.
Make a list or a stack that includes:
- Books you’ve been meaning to read for ages
- Recommendations from friends or favourite creators
- A guilty pleasure or two
- Comfort re-reads or childhood favourites
Place the stack somewhere visible – like your nightstand or coffee table – as a gentle visual invitation.
Embrace the DNF Rule (Did Not Finish)
One of the quickest routes to reading fatigue is forcing yourself to finish a book you’re not enjoying.
If something isn’t working for you after 50 pages – or even 10 – it’s perfectly OK to put it down. You can always come back to it later, or never.
Reading should be energising, not draining. Think of every DNF as making space for a book you will love.
Treat Reading as Mindful Rest, Not a Productivity Task
We live in a culture that constantly encourages “doing more”—even when it comes to leisure. But you don’t need to gamify or optimise your reading habit.
Let it be a moment of stillness in a busy world.
Try this ritual:
- Make a drink you love (iced coffee, mint tea)
- Find a quiet corner or shaded spot outside
- Read without your phone nearby
- Allow yourself to read slowly, reread lines, or daydream in between chapters
There’s no need to speed-read. You’re not in a race.
Listen While You Move: The Power of Audiobooks
Audiobooks are a brilliant way to fit reading into summer without sitting still – perfect for walks, workouts, gardening or travel.
Many audiobooks are read by the author or skilled narrators, which adds a rich layer to the experience. Some even feature full cast recordings or sound effects.
Popular UK audiobook platforms:
- Audible (with free trial options)
- BorrowBox (free via UK libraries)
- Spotify & Apple Books (increasing audiobook selections)
Make Your Environment Reading-Friendly
Sometimes the barrier isn’t the book – it’s the setting. Creating a cosy, inviting environment can significantly increase your desire to read.
Summer reading spaces might include:
- A shaded hammock or garden chair
- A picnic blanket in the park
- A comfy corner of your sofa with a fan nearby
- A spot by the window with fairy lights
Reading becomes irresistible when your space says: “Come, unwind here.”
Read With Friends (Without the Pressure of a Book Club)
Love the idea of a book club but not the pressure to finish on time? Create a low-pressure reading group instead.
Ideas:
- A WhatsApp group to share what you’re currently reading
- Swapping books with neighbours or colleagues
- A “read together, no rules” buddy system
- Hosting a picnic where everyone brings a book to chat about
You get the community feel—without the deadlines.
Keep a Reading Journal or Scrapbook
Rather than focusing on how many books you finish, track how they made you feel.
You might include:
- Favourite quotes or lines
- Notes on the setting or characters
- Star ratings or mood ratings
- Sketches, photos, or stickers to decorate
This makes your reading journey more personal, creative, and fulfilling.
Incorporate Books Into Travel and Day Trips
Heading off on a holiday or city break? Pack a book that complements your surroundings – maybe a novel set in the area you’re visiting or a travelogue that adds flavour to your trip.
Holiday reading ideas:
- Light thrillers for long train rides
- Memoirs for solo café moments
- Romance novels for poolside lounging
- E-readers for lightweight carry-ons
You can also visit local bookshops or second-hand markets to pick up a book as a souvenir.
Make Reading a Ritual, Not a Reward
A common mistake is treating reading as something we only get to do after chores or errands. Flip that idea: reading isn’t a reward – it’s a right.
Try scheduling it like any other priority:
- “10 mins reading after lunch”
- “Read before emails each morning”
- “30-minute book break at 4pm”
Even busy summer schedules have space for small rituals.
Revisit Old Favourites or Comfort Reads
Don’t underestimate the magic of re-reading. Whether it’s Harry Potter, Bridget Jones, The Secret Garden or a forgotten series from your teen years – comfort reads help reignite your joy for books.
They’re also great for when your concentration is low or you’re recovering from a reading slump.
Accept That Reading Ebbs and Flows – And That’s OK
Finally, remember this: not every summer needs to be your “big reading summer.”
Some years you’ll fly through 30 books. Others, you’ll savour two and that’s enough. Reading is a lifelong habit, not a seasonal sprint.
Let go of guilt. Embrace rest. Choose joy over obligation.
Final Word: Read Less Perfectly, More Joyfully
Summer is the perfect opportunity to fall back in love with reading – but only if we release the pressure to perform our reading life.
With the tips above, you can build a balanced, fulfilling, burnout-free reading habit – one that fits around your life, not the other way round.
So whether you’re on a beach in Cornwall, your local park bench, or curled up on your balcony with a cup of tea: crack open that book, breathe deep, and read like no one’s watching.
Quick Recap: 15 Ways to Read More This Summer Without Burnout
1. Focus on atmosphere over goals
2. Match books to your energy level
3. Read in short, manageable bursts
4. Replace screen time with reading
5. Create a TBR you’re excited about
6. Don’t be afraid to DNF
7. Make reading a mindful rest ritual
8. Use audiobooks to read on the move
9. Create inviting reading spaces
10. Connect with others through books
11. Track your thoughts, not your stats
12. Pack books into your travel plans
13. Schedule reading like any other habit
14. Return to old favourites guilt-free
15. Let your reading pace reflect your season of life
Let this summer be the season you fall back in love with reading—gently, slowly, joyfully.
The Kelly Diane Report 
2 responses to “How to Read More This Summer Without Burning Out”
These are good ways to keep your reading hobby alive. I like picking up books that suits my current mood and energy. Thank you for sharing.
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These are great ways to keep reading during the Summer. Sometimes I go into a reading slump during the Summer. It’s weird, but I find it too hot to read! Sounds ridiculous I know! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
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