Why Afternoon Might Be the Best Time to Read
When is the best time to read? That depends on your routine, energy levels, and when you can sit down with a book.
Some people love starting their day with a book. Others prefer an afternoon break or to wind down in the evening with reading.
This is part of a three-part series on finding your best reading time. We’ve talked about morning reading and why it works for some people.
Now, let’s look at afternoons—why they might be the perfect time to pick up a book and who benefits most from an afternoon reading routine.
Whether you need a midday reset or a break from screens, an afternoon reading habit could be what you need.
Why Afternoon Might Be the Best Time to Read
If you have some flexibility in your day, the afternoon might be the perfect time to read.
Think about that mid-afternoon slump.
Instead of pushing through with another cup of coffee or scrolling your phone, a book could help you recharge. Reading gives your brain a break so you refocus for the rest of your day.
Afternoon reading also works well if mornings feel rushed and evenings leave you too drained. Afternoons are that in-between time—calm enough for focus but not so late that you’ll fall asleep mid-page.
Advantages of an Afternoon Reading Routine
Reading in the afternoon has some unique benefits, especially if you can carve out a little time for it.
Morning reading helps you start the day strong. Evening reading is about winding down. But an afternoon reading habit gives you a much-needed mental reset.
Here’s why afternoon reading might be the perfect fit for you:
A Mental Reset Without the Guilt—Feeling sluggish after lunch? Instead of mindlessly scrolling social media, reading can refresh your focus without the distractions of your phone or TV.
Perfect for Deep Focus Sessions: If you can find uninterrupted time, afternoon reading allows you to sink into a book while your brain is still sharp but not overloaded.
An Intentional Break—Instead of drifting through your afternoon on autopilot, reading helps you be more present and engaged—even if it’s just for a few pages.
Fits into a Flexible Schedule—If mornings are too rushed and evenings feel unpredictable, afternoon reading offers a low-pressure way to build a habit without worrying about a strict routine.
Boosts Creativity & Productivity—A good book can spark new ideas, helping you return to your work or daily tasks with fresh energy. If you’re stuck on a project, even a short reading break might be what you need to get unstuck.
Whether you’re squeezing in a chapter between meetings, reading while the kids nap, or taking a break before jumping into the next part of your day, afternoon reading can be a simple, enjoyable habit that works with your schedule instead of against it.
Disadvantages of an Afternoon Reading Routine
Afternoon reading has its perks, but it’s not for everyone. Making time for an afternoon reading habit can be tricky depending on your schedule, energy levels, and day flow.
Here are a few reasons it might not be the best fit:
It Can Feel Unproductive—If your afternoons are packed with work, errands, or responsibilities, sitting down with a book might feel like a luxury you can’t justify—especially if you associate this time with “getting things done.”
Energy Levels Are Hit-or-Miss—That post-lunch dip is real. If you struggle (raises hand) to stay awake, reading might feel more like a fight to keep your eyes open than a chance to enjoy a book.
Afternoons Can Be Unpredictable—Unlike mornings and evenings, which have more structure, afternoons can be all over the place. Meetings, appointments, last-minute tasks—there’s no guarantee you’ll get the same quiet time every day.
Too Many Distractions—Uninterrupted reading time might be scarce if you work a 9-to-5, have kids at home, or have a lot going on during the day.
It’s Hard to Make It a Habit—Because afternoons aren’t always consistent, it’s tough to turn afternoon reading into a daily routine. You might get a great reading session in one day, then go three days without picking up a book.
Who Benefits Most from Afternoon Reading?
Afternoon reading works best for those with some flexibility in their day.
If you work from home, freelance, or set your own schedule, it can be a great way to take a break. Instead of scrolling your phone or zoning out, reading helps you reset. When you go back to work, you’ll feel refreshed.
Parents of young children might also find afternoons a perfect time to read. Nap time, school hours, or a rare quiet moment can give you a chance to sneak in a few pages. It’s a small but meaningful way to carve out time for yourself.
Students and lifelong learners can also benefit from afternoon reading. It breaks up study sessions and makes learning feel more natural. A book in the middle of the day can keep your mind engaged without feeling like extra work.
If you struggle with a midday slump, reading can help. Instead of pushing through exhaustion or grabbing another coffee, a book lets you recharge. It keeps your brain active without draining your energy.
And if you pick up your phone out of boredom, try swapping that habit for reading. A book can turn mindless screen time into something intentional and rewarding.
How to Make the Most of Afternoon Reading
Building a consistent afternoon reading habit takes a little strategy.
Unlike mornings and evenings, which often have built-in routines, afternoons can feel unpredictable.
But with the right approach, you can turn afternoon reading into a habit that feels natural.
Pair It with an Existing Break
The easiest way to make an afternoon reading stick? Tie it to something you already do.
If you have an afternoon coffee or tea, swap scrolling your phone for a few pages of a book. If you take a lunch break, use the last 10 minutes to read before jumping back into work.
By linking reading to an existing habit, it becomes part of your routine without feeling like another task on your to-do list.
Choose Books That Match Your Energy Levels
Afternoons aren’t always consistent—some days you feel sharp and focused, while others, that post-lunch slump hits hard. The trick is choosing books that fit your energy level.
If you’re feeling alert, go for nonfiction, self-improvement, or anything that makes you think.
If you’re dragging, pick up something lighter, like fiction, memoirs, or an engaging page-turner that doesn’t require deep concentration.
Use Reading as a Transition Tool
Struggling to shift gears between tasks? A short reading session can act as a reset button.
Whether it’s between meetings, after lunch, or before diving into a creative project, reading helps clear your mind and refocus.
Instead of forcing yourself to power through, let a book help you transition from one part of your day to the next.
Try Audiobooks for On-the-Go Reading
Audiobooks can be a great alternative if sitting down with a book isn't practical in the afternoon.
Listening while running errands, doing chores, or commuting lets you fit reading into your day without needing dedicated quiet time.
It’s an easy way to turn otherwise routine moments into something more engaging.
Set a Time Limit to Keep It Manageable
You don’t need hours to make afternoon reading work—even 15 to 20 minutes can be enough to refresh your mind.
If you’re worried about losing track of time, set a timer or read for a set number of pages.
This keeps your reading break from feeling like a distraction and helps you enjoy it without guilt.
My Afternoon Reading Routine
In the afternoon, I like to take a coffee break (always coffee) and read.
I usually continue with the same book I started in the morning—often a personal development or business book—but sometimes, I pick up a biography or memoir instead. It’s a nice way to relax and reset before getting back to work.
Final Thoughts About Afternoon Reading
Although afternoon reading is not the most talked-about habit, it’s an underrated way to reset your mind, break up the day, and carve out some time for yourself.
Whether you’re using it as a productive break or a way to refocus, it can easily become a simple part of your routine.
Of course, it’s not for everyone.
If your afternoons are unpredictable or you hit an energy slump, you might need to experiment to find the right time and type of book that works for you.
But if you’ve struggled to fit reading into your life, trying an afternoon reading habit could be the solution.
In the next post, we’ll explore evening reading—why it’s often the most popular choice and how to maximize its benefits for relaxation and better sleep.
