Combatting the Novem-blahs
Are you feeling it? That strange combination of holiday stress on the horizon and “lagginess” left over from the time change? November isn’t everyone’s cup of tea; it can be a bit of a trial to deal with the demands of the season when your schedule has been interrupted and you’re not feeling your best. Fortunately, our friends at Novelist Plus have put together some reads that can help you find your peace of mind in an otherwise dreary month. Below you’ll find five actions that might make your month feel a little better, along with a book that can help you explore that idea further. Which one speaks to your soul?
Take some time just for you:
The Art of the Wasted Day, Patricia Hampl
“Modern life only seems to become increasingly hectic and stressful, as we try to cram more into each day. In her sparkling new book, acclaimed author Patricia Hampl argues for the necessity of daydreaming and leisure in our over-amped lives. The job of being human, Hampl suggests, is getting lost in thought, and only leisure can safeguard reflection. The Art of the Wasted Day is a timely, compelling, beautifully written celebration of the purpose and appeal of letting go.”
Give people the benefit of the doubt:
“As she was digging deep into the lives of community members, Heather Lende, the obituary writer for her tiny hometown newspaper in Haines, Alaska, began to notice something. Even the crustiest old Alaskan sourpuss who died in a one-room cabin always had Halloween candy for the neighborhood kids; the eccentric owner of the seafood store who regularly warned her about government conspiracies knew how to be a true friend-his memorial service was packed. When Lende started intentionally seeking what was positive and true in people and situations in her own life-whether it was finding common ground with her opponents on the school board or accepting that her unmarried daughter’s pregnancy might be a blessing-she felt happier and life seemed more meaningful, too. Awful events-from a recent school shooting across the country to a fisherman drowning in Haines-are always followed by dozens and dozens of good deeds. When tragedy strikes we can choose to focus on the first responders rushing toward the scene or the guys grilling hot dogs for hurricane refugees, and, like yawning, caring is contagious. There’s so much to gain by taking responsibility for your own happiness and nothing to lose. In stormy times like these, we have to make our own good weather, and Find the Good shows us how.”
Read out loud:
The Enchanted Hour, Meghan Cox Gurdon
“A miraculous alchemy occurs when one person reads to another, transforming the simple stuff of a book, a voice, and a bit of time into complex and powerful fuel for the heart, brain, and imagination. Grounded in the latest neuroscience and behavioral research, and drawing widely from literature, The Enchanted Hour explains the dazzling cognitive and social-emotional benefits that await children, whatever their class, nationality or family background. But it’s not just about bedtime stories for little kids: Reading aloud consoles, uplifts and invigorates at every age, deepening the intellectual lives and emotional well-being of teenagers and adults, too.
Meghan Cox Gurdon argues that this ancient practice is a fast-working antidote to the fractured attention spans, atomized families and unfulfilling ephemera of the tech era, helping to replenish what our devices are leaching away. For everyone, reading aloud engages the mind in complex narratives; for children, it’s an irreplaceable gift that builds vocabulary, fosters imagination, and kindles a lifelong appreciation of language, stories and pictures.
Bringing together the latest scientific research, practical tips, and reading recommendations, The Enchanted Hour will both charm and galvanize, inspiring readers to share this invaluable, life-altering tradition with the people they love most.”
Simplify your life:
Slow: Simple Living for a Frantic World, Brooke McAlary
“What is slow living? It’s a way to find happiness by stepping away from the never-ending demands to constantly succeed and acquire more and more. It’s easy to get stuck in the carousel of frantically wanting, buying, and upgrading the things in your life. The philosophy of simple living is about finding the freedom to be less perfect and taking time to enjoy the pure joys of life: a walk in the forest, sharing laughter with family, a personal moment of gratitude. Reconnecting with the living world can help you integrate moments of peace, joy, and mindfulness into an otherwise rapid life.
Simple living: After being diagnosed with post-natal depression, Brooke McAlary learned about the power of minimalism and found that the key to happiness was a simpler, more fulfilling existence. She put the brakes on her stressful path and reorganized her life to live outside the status-quo, emphasizing depth, connection, and meaningful experiences. Brooke shares the story of her journey alongside practical advice for simplifying in ways that work for your life.”
Embrace balance – not too much, not too little:
Lagom: the Swedish Art of Living a Balanced Happy Life, Niki Brantmark
“In a fast-paced world, wouldn’t it be wonderful if you could slow down and enjoy a life with less pressure, less stress, and more time for the things you love?
Sweden is ranked in the top three of the world’s happiest places to live, and lagom, which means “not too much and not too little–just right,” is the Swedish philosophy for enjoying balance in every aspect of life–from work and leisure to family and food, and everything in between. Experienced bakers know by touch when the dough they are kneading is lagom–not too moist and not too dry. At the office, professionals who work hard–but not to the detriment of other parts of their lives–are following the lagom ideal. Lagom is moderation, balance, and equality.
By using the Swedish lifestyle as an example, Niki Brantmark offers insightful suggestions and bite-sized actions to help you make subtle changes to your life, so you too can make time for the things that matter most and find greater happiness.”