5 Self-Care Hobbies and Essential Books to Guide You Through Them
5 Self-Care Hobbies and Books to Guide You
Happy New Year! Congratulations on surviving the last 365 days. If 2020 taught us anything, it’s that taking time to care for yourself is not just beneficial – but necessary – for our well-being. There are many things you can do to make sure your mental, physical and emotional health aren’t neglected this year and we’ve got the books to help you do just that. Check out these 5 Self-Care hobbies and books to guide you through them below:
1. Take regular breaks from technology: 24/6: The Power of Unplugging by Tiffany Shlain (256 pages) (Published September 24, 2019)
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Why Self-Care This?
Too much screen time isn’t good for anybody. You know it; I know it; we all know it. Yet it can be hard to detach ourselves from our phones and laptops.
Tiffany Shlain and her family practice what she calls a “Tech Shabbat”. From Friday evening to Saturday evening, her family goes technology-free choosing instead to spend time on quality family bonding, enjoying nature, hosting friends etc.
In 24/6, Shlain truly conveys the power of unplugging from our screens. The benefits of technology and social media are evident but so is the paradox around the isolation and disconnection it can also cause.
This was one of my favourite reads from last year. There’s no secret agenda encouraging you to delete all your socials or pretend the internet doesn’t exist. The aim is to simply get you reimagining rest as a form of technology; to look at your day or hours unplugged as a way to reset and reboot your system. There’s a whole chapter with ideas on how to spend your technology-free day, broken down by age groups so you can be sure to make it fun for the whole family.
2. Embrace creativity: Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert (288 pages) (Published 2015)
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Why Self-Care This?
“Because your life is short and rare and amazing and miraculous, and you want to do really interesting things while you’re still here.”
Whether it’s a new hobby, a passion project or something fun you’ve always wanted to try – this book is your reminder to go for it.
In Big Magic, Gilbert redefines what it means to be creative. Creativity does not refer strictly to the arts, but more so to what feeds your curiosity. As long as you’re curious,paying attention to and following what drives your curiosity – that to Gilbert, is the true meaning of creativity and I’m inclined to agree. This book is filled with back-to-back words of information and inspiration that will have you pumped and ready to go.
So make time to do whatever sparks your creativity. Make time to work on projects that make you happy. Whatever your creativity looks like, embrace it!
3. Get in the kitchen (or don’t, I can’t tell you what to do) – Magnolia Table: A Collection of Recipes for Gathering by Joanna Gaines (336 pages) (Published April 24, 2018)
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Why Self-Care This?
You might know Joanna as one half of Fixer Upper on HGTV but, today, we’re not talking about her Magnolia home designs; we’re talking about nourishing home cooked recipes.
At the start of quarantine, it felt like everyone in the world was baking banana bread. Hopefully, that newfound enthusiasm for playing around in the kitchen stuck with most of us but, if not, I’ve got you covered with a recipe book that’ll be sure to get you cooking.
Gaines’s cookbook includes 125 recipes ranging from big meals to snacks and desserts. What I particularly like about it is that it’s filled with personal stories and beautiful photos. It’s visually pleasing to flip through and, with the simple ingredients and easy to follow instructions, you’ll be whipping up delicious meals in no time.
4. Treat yourself: Hello Glow: 150+ Easy Natural Beauty Recipes for a Fresh New You by Stephanie Gerber (156 pages) (Published November 15, 2016)
image via Goodreads
Why Self-Care This?
Let’s be honest, when we think self-care, what usually comes to mind are face masks, hot baths, a glass of wine in hand, and a movie with your favourite snacks. Well, with our last recommendation you should be covered in the snack department, now how about some skincare recipes?
This book contains a wide range of amazing DIY recipes for your skin, body, and hair. It gives you all the guidance you need to make your own variety of fresh and organic flavoured masks; natural scrubs for a range of skin types; and soothing bath oils.
You’ll definitely be looking forward to your evenings and weekends once you get your hands on this book. My personal favo
5. Wreck stuff (yes you read that right): Wreck This Journal by Keri Smith (192 pages) (Published June 5, 2007)
image via Goodreads
Why Self-Care This?
So this isn’t exactly a book – as you can see from the title, it’s a journal but trust me, you want this. I had never quite come across a journal as bizarre and as interesting as this. I can’t remember what happened to the one I used to own, which might actually be a testament to how great this one is. If you’re looking for a way to do something fun (safely), release tension, and get creative all at once, then this journal is for you.
It’s a journal filled with blank pages and numerous prompts. This is not your typical journal. No. The entire purpose of this journal is for you to wreck it; creatively, wildly, passionately.
From easy instructions like: ‘tear up this page’ to “throw this journal across the room”, there will be endless methods of destruction. I recall having to tie a string to it and drag it across the floor, run it under the shower, stick dried leaves to the pages, draw endless spirals in black marker and so much more. By the end, your journal will look entirely unrecognizable and you’ll be surprised by how much fun these simple silly quests can bring you.
The best thing about this book is that it’s perfect for anyone regardless of age – so get out your markers, get set and cause some chaos!
If you loved our 5 self-care hobbies and books to guide you let us know here. You can also check out more self-care content over here.
Esosa Akpata is a 20-something-year-old avid reader, occasional writer, and constant dreamer who enjoys travelling, cheesy rom-coms, and brunch dates with friends. She is passionate about improving the lives of people and communities and has worked in the charitable sector for over five years with a focus on healthcare and education. Her love for reading started as a preteen with The Nancy Drew Mysteries and was reignited in her late teenage years thanks to tear-jerking young-adult novels like The Fault in Our Stars by John Green. Today, she enjoys a wide genre of books that include: contemporary fiction, short-essay collections, memoirs, and historical fiction.
Top Three Favourite Books are:
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven
When They Call You a Terrorist: A Black Lives Matter Memoir by Patrisse Khan-Cullors
Favourite Brunch Spot: Reyna on King
