We just learned that yesterday was National Relaxation Day. (That’s right, you can google it.) How did we all miss this? Well, probably because yesterday was Monday, the less relaxing day of the week.
So if you’re up for a slightly belated celebration of this criminally underrated holiday, we recommend checking out the five books below. Combined with a grassy field and a picnic basket, they are your ticket to a day of pure relaxation.
laziness does not exist
By Devon Price
For too many of us, our self-esteem has become a function of our productivity. In other words, we only feel good about ourselves by working harder and harder. But in this book, a social psychologist argues that what we call “laziness” isn’t just natural, it’s something we should all strive for. Listen to our Book Bite summary, read by author Devon Price, in the Next Big Idea app

Doing Nothing: How to Break With Overwork, Overdoing, and Underliving
By Celeste Headlee
As work tries to intrude into every waking moment, an award-winning journalist reminds us that we can and should make time for ourselves. In other words, it’s really fine to sit and do nothing. Listen to our summary of Book Bite, read by author Celeste Headlee, in the Next Big Idea app

Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Your Own
By Nedra Glover Tawwab
Rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), the techniques shared by an influential therapist help us identify and articulate our needs clearly and address a key issue behind codependency, power struggles, anxiety, depression, burnout, etc. Listen to our Book Bite summary, read by author Nedra Glover Tawwab, in the Next Big Idea app

Golden: the power of silence in a world of noise
By Justin Zorn and Leigh Marz
Drawing lessons from neuroscience, business, spirituality, politics and the arts, Golden explores why auditory, informational, and internal silence is essential for physical health, mental clarity, ecological sustainability, and a vibrant community. Listen to our summary of Book Bite, read by co-authors Justin Zorn and Leigh Marz, in the Next Big Idea app

I Didn’t Do The Thing Today: Let Go of Productivity Guilt
By Madeleine Dore
An inspiring call to remove productivity from its pedestal; by dismantling our comparison with others, ambitious routines and unrealistic notions of what can be done in a day, we can finally embrace the joyful messiness and unpredictability of life. Listen to our Book Bite summary, read by author Madeleine Dore, in the Next Big Idea app
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