Looking for something new to read? This week, we’re bringing you 5 books that will hopefully instill a sense of calm and tranquillity into your routine, especially during these difficult times.
Ottolenghi Simple
Cooking can be a great source of calm for many people as it allows them the time to focus on the task at hand rather than worrying about their thoughts. This book, Ottolenghi Simple, is a cooking book which combines maximum flavour with minimal hassle! Containing over 130 dishes which all take less than 30 minutes and only contain 10 ingredients or less, this is a great option for those that may be intimidated by more complex cookbooks.
The Little Book of Hygge: The Danish Way to Live Well by Meik Wiking
Denmark is often considered one of the happiest countries in the world, and that’s down to one thing: hygge! The concept of ‘Hygge’ refers to the art of creating intimacy and cosiness. The author of this book, Meik Wiking, is the CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen, so he knows a thing or two about creating hygge in your home!
Calm: Working through life’s daily stresses to find a peaceful centre by Fearne Cotton
Calm is Fearne’s follow up to her popular ‘Happy: Finding Joy in Every Day and Letting Go of Perfect’ book. In Calm, Fearne is on a mission to find the simple things that can help us move away from feelings of stress and instead focus on the good. Including expert advice, conversations with wise friends from all walks of life, easy ideas to try, activities to complete, this book is a friendly reminder that Calm is a place that exists in us all.
Ikigai: The Japanese secret to a long and happy life by Héctor García, Francesc Miralles
Ikigai refers to the Japanese word for ‘a reason to live’ or ‘a reason to jump out of bed in the morning’, and finding yourikigaiis easier than you might think! This book aims to help you work out what your ownikigai is and equip you with the tools that you need to change your life. This book is a must-read for anyone who needs to recenter themselves and find a sense of balance that they may have lost.
Reasons to Stay Alive by Matt Haig
If you have found yourself struggling with your mental health recently, then this book by Matt Haig is a must-read. The true story of how he came through crisis, triumphed over an illness that almost destroyed him, and learned to live again, in this book Matt creates a moving, funny and joyous exploration of how to live better, love better, and feel more alive.