FIVE books that got me through QUARANTINE

The silver lining of being stuck at home during the COVID-19 is getting to cozy up with a good book, especially ones that will encourage you to think about the world from new perspectives. Reading has helped me get through this challenging time with greater gratitude and knowledge, so I'm sharing some of my favorite quarantine reads with you. My intent is that these books serve you as well as they have served me!
 

Untamed

by Glennon Doyle

In a revealing and powerful memoir, the activist, speaker, bestselling author, and “patron saint of female empowerment” (People), explores the joy and peace we discover when we stop striving to meet others’ expectations and start trusting the voice deep within us.

Quarantine has forced us all to slow down and look within and that can be scary and confronting! But it's also liberating. This book is a call to rediscover your truth, strength, and courage. As Doyle reminds us, "we CAN do tough things."

When Antidepressants Aren't Enough: Harnessing the Power of Mindfulness to Alleviate Depression

by Stuart J. Eisendrath MD,  Zindel Segal PhD

For nearly two decades, Dr. Stuart Eisendrath has been researching the therapeutic effects of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) for people experiencing clinical depression.

This book documents how we can find relief from depression and anxiety through breathing exercises, meditations, and innovative visualizations. While this book is research and science-based, its heart is rooted in empowerment for anyone striving for greater mental health.

On a personal level, I found this book extremely empowering.

The Island of Sea Women: A Novel

by Lisa See

This is the only work of fiction I put on the list, and for good reason! Lisa See is a long-time friend and former client of mine, and I have read many of her delicious books. Every time I read one of her books I can count on being swept away by the richness and texture of story, history, and relationship. While this story is set in the 1940s on the Korean island of Jeju, the universal themes of coming of age and feminine friendships will resonate with everyone who picks up this book. Trust me, you won't want it to end!

Own Your Self: The Surprising Path beyond Depression, Anxiety, and Fatigue to Reclaiming Your Authenticity, Vitality, and Freedom

by Kelly Brogan

This book is both provocative and promising. Holistic psychiatrist Kelly Brogan, M.D., shows us that we don't have to medicate our mental, emotional, and physical pain away, and that the best way out is through.

What I love most is that this book teaches the reader how to chart a new path to "get real, get well, and get free."

The Joy of Movement: How exercise helps us find happiness, hope, connection, and courage

by Kelly McGonigal

Movement can and should be a source of joy. Through her trademark blend of science and storytelling, McGonigal illustrates why movement is integral to both our happiness and our humanity.

Readers will learn what they can do in their own lives and communities to harness the power of movement to create happiness, meaning, and connection. And that that something we can all use more of, especially now!