A page-turner lights us up on every level: mind, body, and spirit. Beyond merely entertaining us, our brain reaps a handful of benefits while we read, in ways we seldom acknowledge. In fact, it’s such a healthy pastime that we say reading IS wellness. In partnership with Penguin Random House, we’ll show you exactly what we mean…with plenty of recommendations for what books will strike your fancy this summer. Our recommendation: With Chatter, award-winning psychologist Ethan Kross takes a closer look at our inner voice and shows us how to harness it to combat anxiety, improve physical and mental health, and deepen our relationship with others. Our recommendation: Along these lines, Greg McKeown’s Effortless serves as an empowering guide to help us achieve goals by working smarter, not harder. The advice in this book shows us how to carve a path toward success without burning out… Mentally stimulating, to say the least. Our recommendation: How about relaxing by reading, and reading about something relaxing, like breath? Ruminating on thousands of years of science and research, Breath, by James Nestor, takes a remarkably deep dive into our most basic biological function. A good read and a few deep breaths might be all you need to kick your stress. With But You’re Still So Young, Kayleen Schaefer takes a fresh, new perspective on what it means to be in your 30s and how the traditional milestones of adult life are happening on a bit of a different timeline these days. Our brain wasn’t the only thing connecting in this book; this one plays on the heartstrings, as we receive permission to blaze our own trails. Our recommendation: And on the note of social skills—Set Boundaries, Find Peace, by Nedra Glover Tawwab, gives us a world of insight on setting healthy boundaries—starting with what that actually means. In this book, we understand how to strike work/life balance, cope with toxic people, and enjoy rewarding relationships—all through the art of boundary-setting. Devon’s first book, Earth Women, is coming soon. To learn more, join the mailing list, and receive updates, head to www.devonbarrowwriting.com.
