Aaaaahhh, the much-dreaded year-end fatigue is finally here! And don’t worry, you’re not alone. Along with other self-care practises, may we suggest burying your head in a book that will boost your motivation and pep up your energy levels.
You’re probably thinking: “Why would I want to read when all I want is to pass out at this time of the year?” Well, research has proven (more times than we care to remember) that reading helps slow down the brain, thereby helping us relax physically and mentally. Especially when done at night, reading can help send you off to la-la-land swiftly. FYI: 71 percent of adults who read weekly, and participated in a 2019 survey commissioned by Kindle, reported feeling happier and lighter than those who read seldomly, or not at all.
Whether you’re emotionally or physically drained — or simply looking for a blow-by-blow guide on how to keep fatigue at bay year after year or to escape your current reality of back-to-back deadlines – the list below has you covered.
READ MORE: Could Intermittent Resting Be The Key To Your Fatigue?
1. by Norma Young
Writing is one surefire way to offload those niggly emotions that weigh heavily on us. The lessons embedded in every page of will have you feeling like a Pulitzer-deserving writer in no time.
The book, curated for journalling enthusiasts and authors-in-the-making, makes a solid case for writing as a necessary exercise for overall wellbeing. Young touts writing as a tool that can be used to stay sharp or record and review emotions. It also offers guidelines on how to navigate the writing process.
2. by Dr Amy Shah
The secret to nipping burnout in the butt, says Dr Shah, lies in utilising the very complex energy trifecta — “the interconnected relationship between your gut, immune system and hormones.”
Merging the latest scientific insights with her medical experience, she advocates for (a) Changing what you eat (b) Changing when you eat and (c) Discovering the why behind your stress. Be prepared to feel like a whole new person, promises Dr Shah.
READ MORE: Do This Cardio Workout At Home To Burn Cals And Boost Your Mood
3. by Mitch Albom
A compilation of stories about faith, religion and the power of belief that tracks two real-life characters – an elderly Rabbi from Albom’s childhood and a reverend from a Detroit neighbourhood. Through conversations and interviews with both men, Albom discovers how their religious beliefs differ yet remain similar in many ways.
He also learns how their faith influences their lives and how it affects those around them. The book explores what it means to have faith in a world that often appears to lack it. Ultimately, Albom finds that faith is not an abstract concept, but a powerful force that can bring light to the darkest of days.
4. by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
Set in Tokyo, Japan café, this is a magical that explores the interconnectedness of lives (COVID-19 taught us this already!) and the choices we make. The novel explores themes such as regret, love and the importance of making the most of every moment through the experiences of four characters.
Each character’s journey is intertwined with the others’ as they learn to let go of their regrets and embrace a life of hope and gratitude. The storyline ultimately reveals that although life can be fleeting, joy can still be found in the little moments that make up our lives.
READ MORE: 11 Ways To Beat Year-End Fatigue
5. by Claudia Hammond
The world is packed to the brim with stress and over-stimulation – that much we know! And often times when sh*t hits the fan, rest becomes the last thing on our minds. In these pages, expect to find different ways to improve your relaxation practices — from the types of holidays to go on, the under-utilised power of play, how to create restful environments wherever you are as well as how to be mindful of rest and more.
The book also explores the science of rest and the different rest strategies we can enlist to recover from stress. Ready to be productive?
6. by CICO Books
Self-explanatory, expect to find various simple and creative ways to help take care of your mind, body and soul when life gets busy (which is always, it seems!).
Very NB: This little book of self-care doesn’t promise results but preaches implementing small changes that will gradually improve your energy levels and quality of life leading you to sleep better, eat healthier, relax more, stop your overthinking in its tracks, declutter your mind and make progress in achieving the ever-elusive ‘balance’.
READ MORE: Your November 2023 Sex Horoscope Is Here And Scorpio Season Is Bringing The Heat
7.
From incessant cellphone notifications that demand our attention to news cycles that deliver negative news around the clock, distractions and negative feelings are always lingering about and doing a number on our emotions.
is a compilation of wise words from some of the world’s renowned personalities – from ancient philosophers and celebrated writers to modern-day figures. Expect to have your thinking patterns transformed, your mood boosted and to work at your inner joy.
8. by Hannah Jane Parkinson
Uplifting in all the right places and an absolute joy to read, is a reminderto take time out to appreciate the small things in life that can bring you contentment (Yep, you’ve heard that one before!).
Parkinson encourages readers to take the time to appreciate the small things, such as the beauty of nature, a good cup of tea or a funny moment with a friend, sharing how such moments can act as a momentary escape from the struggles and anxieties of life.
READ MORE: Um, A Scary 50% Of SA Women Are Iron Deficient
9. by Haemin Sunim
stresses the importance of living mindfully and in the present, explaining in great detail how slowing down helps us observe the beauty of life and to be aware of our own thoughts and emotions.
It also offers practical nuggets on how to practice mindful living (think: meditation, self-compassion and gratitude). Some of the themes explored include topics such as dealing with stress, overcoming depression and cultivating meaningful relationships.
10. by Jennae Cecelia
Using vivid imagery and carefully selected words, this poetry anthology illustrates the power of resilience and hope, encouraging readers to never give up, no matter how tough the going gets.
Now, show us anything better than beautiful words to remind you that life is beautiful and that life means well!
READ MORE: Radio Personality Gugu Mfuphi On The Lessons Learnt During Her Kilimanjaro Summit — And More
11. by Gary Zukav
In this moving account of how humans sign a spiritual bond the minute they land on earth, the author takes readers on a journey that nudges readers in the direction of evolving from understanding power as the ability to manipulate into acknowledging power as the alignment of the personality with the soul, also known as authentic power. Expect to walk away with a better understanding of how human interactions are formed at a far deeper level.
12. by Alain De Botton
The importance of understanding your emotions, taking responsibility for your own well-being, practising self-care, the need for compassion, the power of forgiveness and the need for self-reflection are all themes covered by this book that will leave you self-aware and better equipped to deal with life’s never-ending challenges.
