Relaxing Reading Recommendations
By Tracy Griffen
Long dark evenings are an excellent time to indulge in some relaxed reading. Over the last two years I’ve enjoyed learning more about how slowing down can improve both physical and mental health. Here are my favourite picks: A Monk’s Guide to Happiness - Gelong Thubten This is a wonderful book that I keep beside the bed. I’m currently reading a chapter a day for the fourth time. It’s humorous, full of straightforward mindfulness exercises and is an excellent introduction to meditation. The Places That Scare You - Pema Chodrin Pema, an American Buddhist nun, dives deeper into how you can use meditation to help heal trauma and address emotional issues in your life. Ten To Zen: Ten Minutes a Day to a Calmer, Happier You - Owen O’Kane Owen O’Kane has dual medical and psychotherapy training and is a former clinical lead for an NHS mental health service. This book is divided into ten sections, and does what it says on the cover. He’s also the author of the enlightening Ten to Happiness, with ten easy-toimplement ideas of how you can be happier. Think Like a Monk - Jay Shetty Self-proclaimed social media superstar distils the timeless wisdom he learned as a monk into an easy-to-digest introduction to what mindfulness and meditation is all about. A good read for a younger audience. The Wim Hof Method: Activate Your Full Human Potential – Wim Hof Mr Hof is also known as ‘the Iceman’ for his feats of cold exposure (he’s often photographed sitting in the snow wearing only shorts!), and his eccentric method involves harnessing your breathing, cold showers and training your brain. If you’ve ever wondered what the attraction of cold water swimming is, you’ll find it explained in this book. Fascinating and slightly kooky, Wim Hof’s methods are being increasingly backed up by science. Positively Primal: Finding Health and Happiness in a Hectic World - Emma Woolf Many people have found comfort in nature over the last two years. This book helps you live more naturally and embrace your wild side. Of course, I need to mention my own book, published during lockdown last year, ‘Get Fit and Enjoy It: Learn Effective Exercise without a Gym’ by Tracy Griffen teaches you how to get fit and home, with minimal equipment. Perfect for kickstarting new year resolutions! Enjoy. 34
