How to Beat Summer Burnout: Mental Health Tips for When You’re Supposed to Be Relaxing

Summer is supposed to be relaxing. So why do so many of us feel even more overwhelmed this time of year?
Between work deadlines, managing kids on school break, family obligations, and the pressure to “make the most of summer,” many working professionals and parents find themselves burned out instead of recharged.

If this sounds like you, you’re not alone—and you’re not doing summer wrong. Summer burnout is real, and understanding how to manage your mental load during the warmest months can make a world of difference.

What Causes Summer Burnout?

1. Overcommitment
   Social calendars fill up fast in summer. BBQs, weddings, vacations, playdates—you name it. Many people feel obligated to say yes to everything, even when they’re running on fumes.

2. Disrupted Routines
   For parents, summer break can mean juggling childcare and work. For others, vacation schedules or long days of sunlight can throw off sleep and self-care.

3. Guilt Around “Wasting” Summer
   There’s a hidden pressure to have the “perfect summer,” which can make rest feel like laziness—even when you desperately need it.

5 Therapist-Recommended Ways to Beat Summer Burnout

1. Redefine Rest
Rest doesn’t have to be a two-week beach trip. Rest can be a slow morning, saying no to a social event, or turning your phone off for an hour. Build micro-rest into your day.

2. Embrace “Good Enough”
If you're a parent or professional with limited time or energy, remind yourself that not everything has to be Pinterest-worthy. A low-key backyard evening or quick dinner is still meaningful.

3. Make Time for Solo Recharge Moments
If your summer includes lots of social time or parenting, carve out small windows where you’re not “on.” Even 15 minutes alone—without responsibilities—can help your nervous system reset.

4. Let Go of Comparison
Social media will show you everyone’s highlight reel. Remind yourself that rest looks different for everyone. You don’t need a perfect vacation to have a restorative summer.

5. Listen to Your Body
If you notice more fatigue, irritability, or mental fog, that’s your body’s way of asking for a break. Instead of pushing through, pause and ask: What do I really need today?

Final Thoughts
Burnout doesn’t go away just because the sun is shining. In fact, summer can sometimes amplify stress and obligations. The good news? You don’t have to do it all—and you don’t have to do it alone.

If you're feeling stretched thin, therapy can be a space to reset, reconnect with yourself, and create a sustainable plan for your mental well-being.