I talk a lot on here about burnout and how creativity has helped me heal, and ironically be more creative. I recently shared a reel on Instagram with trending audio all about it too! In my last major project I also explored how travel helped me heal as well, but in reality is was obviously a whole bunch of different things, including creativity, travelling, support from family and friends, therapy, sports, and also reading! I’m absolutely no expert, and I’ve only gotten into better practice of reading fairly regularly in the last few years, but I found reading to be incredibly beneficial for me specifically through my most recent and longest period of neurodivgent burnout. So here’s a list of books I’ve read over the last couple years that I really feel shaped me into a healthier and happier person that I’d recommend to anyone similar :)
ALSO if you struggle with reading, consider audiobooks!?!? I listened to more than half of these as audio on long drives as they are often narrated by the author which for me is super engaging!
UNMASKED & How to be You by Ellie Middleton - ADORED these and to be honest basically any of Ellie’s content
The Year I Met My Brain by Matilda Boseley - I thankfully discovered this the year I got my ADHD diagnosis and the most significant takeaway was validation that this shit is really hard so its valid that sometimes I really struggle!!
Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May - LOVED this, from an autistic female author all about navigating the slower and harder periods of life
The Salt Path by Raynor Winn - unfortunately this book now has horrendous press because it turns out it was all a lie… AND I thought the film re-make was incredibly disappointing, but ignoring that I really loved the book and it made me challenge my perspectives on a few things!
Homesick: Why I Live in a Shed by Catrina Davies - Similar vibe to the Salt Path but hopefully true… and incredibly relevant to my experience of being a creative in Bristol and moving to a cheaper alternative to have more time to be intentional, connected to the earth, and creative!
Avoidance, Drugs, Heartbreak and Dogs By Jordan Stephens - this also fits into the ADHD category but it more focused on his personal experience which is I imagine fairly relatable for many people. Also lovely poetic writing which isn’t surprising considering his background in music and lyricism!
Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton
Notes on Heartbreak by Annie Lord
How to Fail: Everything I’ve Ever Learned From Things Going Wrong by Elizabeth Day
These 3 weren’t particularly life changing but it’s just real life stories (from female perspectives and largely centring heartbreak but also careers and general life) to remind you that we all fail, which all made me laugh and feel better about myself :)
The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin - LOVED this, it’s definitely more focused towards music oriented creatives and potentially writers, but I feel it’s beneficial for all creatives and enabled me to claim being an artist far more confidently!
The Hustle Cure by Sophie Cliff - premise is in the title. It’s specifically aimed at women and I’ve recommended it to almost every woman I know!
What You Are Looking For Is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama - a short and simple but incredibly wholesome book centred around following little cues found in the library 📚