This past month, no—scratch that—the entirety of 2016 has been nothing short of a nightmare for most of us. There’s just one month left, and I think I speak for many when I say that I wish I could just wrap myself up in a big, comfy blanket, hide inside it with a warm cup of tea and just ride out the rest of the storm that’s been this year.
Unfortunately, life and obligations mean that’s not an option. While the blanket-fort life may be out of the question for now, that doesn’t mean there aren’t other alternatives for feeling good when things seem to be uncertain. It’s always important to look after your own needs, and establishing healthy self-care rituals is a great place to start.
Here are a few books that can help us better incorporate self-care routines into our daily schedule and, as a result, help restore some balance into our busy lives:
1. The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin
After having an epiphany while riding on a city bus, Gretchen Rubin realized that she wasn’t focusing on what really matters in life. From that moment, she decided to dedicate the next year to her happiness project. This book is the chronicle of her adventures during the year she spent test-driving advice, scientific research, and pop culture lessons on how to be happier. This entertaining read may even help you find the right path yourself.
Source: Amazon
2. The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo
Japanese cleaning consultant Marie Kondo believes that tidying up your home or workspace is essential for cultivating a better life—and it’s something that only has to be done once. Kondo’s own KonMari Method is a category-by-category cleaning system that provides detailed guidance for determining which items “spark joy,” and which do not. This book will help you declutter your life and feel better about yourself for having done so.
Source: Amazon
3. So Sad Today by Melissa Broder
Melissa Broder started @sosadtoday in 2012 after a bout of panic attacks and dread. The anonymous Twitter account allowed her to express her darkest feelings, which gained a huge following not long after. So Sad Today dives into the existential themes she explores on her Twitter account, as well as how she grapples with sex, death, low self-esteem, and addiction while being both insightful and humorous. For anyone suffering from anxiety, this book will help you understand that you’re not alone.
Source: Amazon
4. Yes Please by Amy Poehler
If you’re looking for the ultimate pick-me-up, than look no further than Yes Please by famed comedienne and actress Amy Poehler. In her first book, Poehler delivers a smart and inspirational read that is laced with the humor and uplifting attitude we’d expect from the Parks and Rec star who started her own organization dedicated to helping young women cultivate their authentic selves. Yes Please is a collection of stories, lists, poetry, photographs, mantras, and advice to help you live your best life.
Source: Amazon
5. Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert
In Big Magic, author Elizabeth Gilbert shares her wisdom and unique perspective about creativity. She shows readers how to tackle what we most love and how to face what we most fear. This book is especially useful for artists or writers of any kind, as it will help you tap into your creative spirit and make art even when it feels impossible.
Source: Amazon
6. What I Talk About When I Talk About Running by Haruk Murakami
What I Talk About When I Talk About Running is a meditative book that will have you thinking about running in a way you never have before—regardless of whether you’re a runner or not. Murakami wrote this intimate look at writing and running, full of vivid memories and insights, while training for the New York City Marathon. This funny, playful and philosophical book will open the eyes of athletes and non-athletes alike.
Source: Amazon
7. Pick Me Up: A Pep Talk for Now and Later by Adam J. Kurtz
Pick Me Up is an engaging journal for recording thoughts, feelings, and fleeting moments in everyday life. Unlike most journals, however, this book can be opened up to any page at any time, as each page is filled with inspirational and encouraging thoughts, activities, and prompts. This book will definitely help you better get in touch with your feelings.
Source: Amazon
What are your go-to self-care routines?
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h/t Bustle
