3 Books to Help You Stop Living Frantically
The start of the holiday season is when people notice if they've been slacking in the rest department. Energy and positivity levels start to plummet if you haven’t been making rest a priority. And you know what causes rest to fall to the wayside? Barreling through our days as we do all the things and wind up burnt out, overwhelmed, and exhausted on the other side.
Today I’m sharing 3 books that helped me stop living frantically and actually rest well. Listen in to hear about the books that helped me be more intentional with my time and energy.
I know the holidays are upon us and it can be the hardest time of the year to be present - which is kind of ironic because isn’t that the point of the holiday season - to spend quality time making memories with your loved ones? But it’s also the time of year when a lot of people have a lot going on. Although, who knows what the holidays are going to be like this year because ya know, 2020, but I still think having a conversation around rest is important.
I’m happy to report that this year, even though it’s been my busiest in business yet, I’m well-rested mentally and physically and I know that it’s because I’ve been following the 5 Keys to Hustling Sanely.
The 5 Keys to Hustling Sanely helps us actively practice habits and routines rooted in mindfulness with the intent to help us shed the frantic, go-go-go, overwhelming life and lean into a peacefully productive one. One where we have solid mindsets, we are clear on our vision, we have defined priorities, and schedules and routines that support those priorities.
This year, I really wanted to make a shift in how I showed up for every moment of my life. I wanted to, as they say, be where my feet are - if I was with my family, I wanted my head to be with my family. If I was working, I wanted my head to be working. If I was resting, I wanted my head to be resting. This last year, I decided to refuse to settle for overfilling my schedule. Refuse to give in to the modern day hustle culture. Refuse to wear busy as a badge of honor. I stepped up to the plate and started taking rest seriously because I think that the ability to be present starts with being well rested. We make better decisions and think clearer when we are well rested, you know?
My favorite way to learn new things is by reading so I scoured the Internet for books that would support my desire to rest well and be present. I want to share 3 books that have helped me stop living frantically so let’s do it:
1️⃣ The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer
Now, I know people usually save the best for last but I’m sharing my favorite one first because I’m just too dang excited to wait. This book legit changed the game for me, folks. I actually read it on vacation this summer so I was able to really take my time with it and soak it in.
John Mark Comer is a pastor of a church in Portland, Oregon and I listen to his sermons on the podcast app every week because I love how he teaches.
This book was written with the intent to guide people on how to stay emotionally healthy and spiritually alive in the chaos of the modern world.
John Mark weaves storytelling and logic beautifully together to create a well-rounded message that hits home both in the heart and in the mind. This book makes you internally check yourself without feeling guilty but with the desire to take action and make a change in your life.
2️⃣ Rhythms of Renewal by Rebekah Lyons
Reading this book felt like drinking a warm cup of coffee from a cozy mug - I hope you can picture what I mean! Rebekah comes off as incredibly wise and it feels like she is a mentor reaching through the pages and squeezing your hand as she reminds you that you don’t have to stay stuck on the hamster wheel that is stressed and anxious living.
I really love how this book is laid out - it is broken up into 4 rhythms: Rest rhythm, Restore rhythm, Connect rhythm, and Create rhythm. Each rhythm has 7 chapters.
Rebekah gets down in the trenches with her readers and she vulnerably shares stories of her own stress and anxiety induced rock bottom but what I really love (which this won’t surprise y’all) is how she wraps everything up with tangible action steps to take.
It doesn’t feel like you’re on information overload when you’re reading - you feel equipped to start applying these principles to your life.
3️⃣ Present Over Perfect by Shauna Niequist
Full transparency, I read this one a few years ago but I’m planning on revisiting it in 2021 because it was a super solid read. The tagline of the book says it all: “Leaving behind frantic for a simpler, more soulful way of living.” The episode on perfectionism on the podcast is one of the most downloaded episodes which tells me that a lot of you probably struggle with perfectionism in some sense. If that’s the case, go ahead and add this book to your “to be read” list because it’ll hit you right in your heart in the best way.
Shauna has a way with words that makes you feel like you are walking next to her as she describes stories and shares lessons. She is raw and open but still incredibly warm and inviting. She has a true gift.
All 3 of these books played a major role in helping me learn and grow in slowing down and being present for my life. They influenced the foundation that are the 5 Keys to Hustling Sanely and I’d highly recommend all 3 of them!
Interested in learning about more books that really impacted my life? Check out the Hustle Sanely Library!
If you enjoyed this post, tune into episode 056 of The Hustle Sanely Podcast to listen into this topic!
