Fall Reading List
I am not a reader.
I’ve never been a reader.
Even when I’m reading a book I love, I just can’t sit still. I want to keep reading, but I start to feel antsy and restless!
But… I’ve always wanted to become a reader. I know it’s so important for my mental wellbeing.
This month I revisited my 2018 resolutions. I realized I have two more months to meet my reading goal. I think I can do it – with just a small caveat – some will be audiobooks.
I’ve always felt I needed to physically read a book for it “count” as read. Otherwise, it’s cheating, right?
Turns out, I’m wrong.
Not only do you learn from the content of audiobooks, listening to them also increases fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. (This was a mid-year revelation, so my 2019 goals will definitely be structured differently.)
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My Thoughts on “Self-Help” Books
There’s a stigma to self-help books. I think many people feel that self-help books are unnecessary or worse, “desperate.”
That’s just not the case.
I’m constantly trying to be better, in every way. I read self-help books knowing that maybe they won’t be entirely for me, but if I can learn just a tiny little something, they’re worth it.
That said, here are the health and wellness books that I’m going to “read” to get me to my 2018 goal:
The Beginning Runner’s Handbook: The Proven 13-Week RunWalk Program
by
Summary: This easy-to-use, practical guide helps runners safely build strength and endurance, get motivated and set realistic goals, choose the proper footwear and clothing, eat right, and avoid injury. A revised RunWalk program gives runners a choice between running 10K or covering the distance by running and walking. A whole new chapter on preparing for charity runs reflects the popularity of getting fit while giving back to the community. There are expanded and enhanced sections with cross-training options such as trail running and bootcamp sessions; information on running through pregnancy; facts about barefoot running, minimalist shoes and shorter strides lengths, plus links to online sources of information and running communities. Combining advice from the experts, training tips and testimonials from runners of all ages, The Beginning Runner’s Handbook is a step-by-step road map for achieving running success.
Why I’m reading it: I’ve always wanted to become a “runner.” You know, one of those people who run every day, even when they’re on vacation? As I mentioned in my Fall Reflection post, I did an ok job of running this year, but it’s clear that I need a little help (and inspiration). I’m hoping this book, and the structure that it provides will give me the motivation I need to get outside and run!
Crystals: The Modern Guide to Crystal Healing
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Summary: From choosing and using to programming, charging, and cleansing, Crystals is a modern guide to enhancing your life with these enchanting stones.
Why I’m reading it: I became interested in crystals several years ago during a visit to Sedona, AZ. I never really knew much about them, so I wanted to learn more. This book isn’t the most detailed crystal book, but it’s a good beginner’s guide. I’m planning to do a post about my “crystal journey” which will include my thoughts regarding the actual benefits of using these colorful geodes.
Lazy Perfection: The Art of Looking Great Without Really Trying
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Summary: A grown-up’s guide to makeup, a primer on the best time-saving techniques, and an inspiring, easy way to update your look–Lazy Perfection is the busy woman’s guide to looking her best, with minimal effort and stunning results.
Why I’m reading it: I tend to have a few books that I’m reading at once (a few paper and a few audio). This book is the one I grab when I’m running errands. It’s light and fun and perfect when I can’t concentrate too hard. Plus, it encouraged me to clean out my makeup collection, which I really needed to do!
The Sleep Revolution: Transforming Your Life, One Night at a Time
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Summary: Co-founder and editor in chief of The Huffington Post Arianna Huffington shows how our cultural dismissal of sleep as time wasted compromises our health and our decision-making and undermines our work lives, our personal lives–and even our sex lives.
Why I’m reading it: As a young professional in New York City, I was all too familiar with the sleep deprivation culture. I would regularly work 12-14 hour days. Although I was able to find a healthier schedule, I’m still curious about how sleep deprivation is hurting us and what we can do to make lasting changes.
10% Happier: How I Tamed the Voice in My Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing My Edge, and Found Self-Help That Actually Works–A True Story
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Summary: Nightline anchor Dan Harrisembarks on an unexpected, hilarious, and deeply skeptical odyssey through the strange worlds of spirituality and self-help, and discovers a way to get happier that is truly achievable.
Why I’m reading it: One of my 2018 goals was to start a “meditation practice.” I thought this book would give me a little encouragement, as well as further educate me on the benefits of meditation. I also need to read the sequel, Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics: A 10% Happier How-to Book, since I’m definitely fidgety!
The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom (A Toltec Wisdom Book)
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Summary: In The Four Agreements, bestselling author don Miguel Ruiz reveals the source of self-limiting beliefs that rob us of joy and create needless suffering. Based on ancient Toltec wisdom, The Four Agreements offer a powerful code of conduct that can rapidly transform our lives to a new experience of freedom, true happiness, and love.
Why I’m reading it: This is such a classic “self-help” book, and those who have read it often come back to it over and over again. This year I began to focus on positive thinking and I feel like this book may help direct my thinking in a more useful way. I don’t really know what to expect, but I’m excited to find out what it’s about!
The Blue Zones, Second Edition: 9 Lessons for Living Longer From the People Who’ve Lived the Longest
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Summary: Bestselling author, longevity expert, and National Geographic Explorer Dan Buettner reports on health, fitness, diet, and aging, drawing on his research from extraordinarily long-lived communities–Blue Zones–around the globe. Buettner’s prescriptions for lifestyle, nutrition, outlook, and stress-coping practices will add years to your life and life to your years.
Why I’m reading it: I’ve always been fascinated with the blue zones, but I never took the time to really educate myself. I decided it’s about time I do! The blue zones seem to live life right, and maybe I’ll learn a few tips that I can incorporate into mine.
Gut: The Inside Story of Our Body’s Most Underrated Organ
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Summary: Worldwide bestseller, Giulia Enders, reveals the secrets and science of the digestive system―including new research on the connection between the gut and the brain.
Why I’m reading it: I’m very interested in learning about how a healthy gut is linked to a healthy mind. I want to know the details: how I can improve my gut health and the domino effect it will have on the rest of me.
The Infinite View: A Guidebook for Life on Earth
by Ellen Tadd
Summary: People often lean towards either trusting their gut or relying on their analytical mind, but Tadd urges readers to consider a new approach that allows both emotions and the intellect to be guided by wisdom. Through describing how the Spirit, soul, and personality are integrated, she guides readers in deepening and expanding their perceptions to discover practical solutions to everyday challenges.
Why I’m reading it: To be honest, I’m not even really sure what this book is about! But, I heard that it’s a must read from a few sources so I thought, “why not?”
What are your favorite books? I’m looking for recommendations to add to my 2019 list!
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