5 Simple Living Books to Add to Your Summer Reading List
I've been finding myself reading two books at once lately and I've noticed there is definitely a pattern- one is typically a fictional novel that I take to the beach when I need to turn off a bit and the other is more of a wellness/self-help book that I read at night and makes me question my entire existence. Sounds intimidating but the balance of the two works wonders on my mind. So when I made my summer beach reading list the other day, I thought I should share the simple & conscious living books that I can't wait to get my hands on, all with a general theme of living a simpler yet more fulfilling life.
The little book of hygge: danish secrets to happy living
What better way to learn of the Hygge way than from a Dane himself (not to mention, one that runs the actual Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen)? Hygge has had a bit of a moment lately, and for good reason. It's a Danish/Norwegian word for cosiness but there's a lot more to it. Yes, essentially lighting a candle and sipping on chai lattes in wool socks is hygge but it's more of an attitude, which this book gives plenty of insight and tips on how to incorporate it into your life. Finding pleasure in the simple things, being present, indulging and taking care of oneself without feeling guilty and togetherness is hygge. No wonder the Danes are among the happiest in the world.
Stretch: Unlock the Power of Less by Scott Sohenshein
We live in a world where we think having more is how we define our success: more money, more time, more possessions. Well, Scott Sohenshein, a psychology professor at Rice University attempts to tell us why that theory is oh, so wrong. When we have more in our professional life we actually exhaust ourselves in the pursuit for even more and better ways to get things done. While as someone with less has to stretch their resources in other ways, like creativity and innovation, in order to solve problems. Whether you're a doctor, artist, athlete, parent or entrepreneur, Sohenshein says we can all benefit from a life with more constraints and less resources.
joy on demand: the art of discovering the happiness within by chade-meng tan
I don't know about you, but I've always been envious of those constantly happy people that live the glass half full life all day, everyday. Well, turns out the secret to cultivating joy on demand is by unlocking what's already inside us. And that doesn't mean meditating 8 hours a day or living in the remote woods Henry David Thoreau-style; you can access this happiness by just being mindful. This book was an instant NY Times Best-Seller and for good reason; we all want to be aspire to be a little happier so a little insight on how to tap into this infinite source of joy makes this an absolute must-read this summer.
simple matters: living with less and ending up with more by erin boyle
This book by author and lifestyle blogger Erin Boyle is a must-have manual for anyone interested in small-space living and conscious consumption. She provides practical and helpful insights for how to organize and be resourceful in a small space and how this sustainable way of living with less actually leaves you with more; more time with loved ones, more savings, etc. which ultimately contributes to our happiness and well-being.
the life-changing magic of tidying up: the japanese art of decluttering and organizing by Marie Kondo
So, technically this would be a re-read for me but Marie Kondo is some kind of organizational wizard and I can't get enough. Kondo is a Japanese organizing consultant who has an extensive waiting list in Japan. Luckily for us mere mortals, she wrote this book/manual/saving grace on her two-pronged method for how to rid your home of clutter and change your relationship with stuff. With guidance on how to declutter your home using her category-by-category system, as well as how to determine which items in your home bring 'joy' and which don't, this book will help you clear your clutter and simplify your life.
