Given the circumstances and state of our world right now (being in a global pandemic), most of us are learning to have more “free time” than ever. However, it’s not the “time off” we all have desired and this time brings up all kinds of unsettling feelings. I thought about how many of you must be looking for good reads to comfort you along the way and I’ve rounded up 18 books in different categories to help you with stress, fear, anxiety, mental health, your physical health (so important right now), lifestyle changes and wellness. I’ve read almost every book on this list (the rest I’ll be ordering) and can’t recommend them enough. These books have guided me, supported me and most of all comforted me in uncertain times. I have peace in my heart going into this season of life because of my faith and so, many picks here are drawing from Christianity, some are not, but most are. Praying that these will help bring some comfort in an unknown time to you too! We can have hope and peace even in the midst of uncertainty, and that’s done through faith my friends…

Books For Anxiety

Get Out Of Your Head by Jennie Allen // My Name Is Hope by John Mark Comer // Rhythms of Renewal by Rebekah Lyons // Victim of Grace by Robin Jones Gunn // One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp // Battlefield Of The Mind by Joyce Meyer

One of the most profound books I have read off this list that’s impacted my mental health the most is “My Name Is Hope” by John Mark Comer. He is one of my favourite Pastors to listen to and read (he’s got a few other books — all which are amazing as well). He has walked through deep depression and anxiety himself and the way he wrote this book just resonated with me a ton. This time we are living through right now is trying and hard on our mental health, so I would strongly advise that you feel supported in anyway you can right now (if it’s a call with a therapist, a friend or a good book). The only book on this list I haven’t read is “Get Out Of Your Head” by Jennie Allen, but I have heard it is great and I plan to order next!

Daily Devotionals

Preparing For Easter by C.S. Lewis // One Thousand Gifts Devotional by Ann Voskamp // Trusting God Day By Day by Joyce Meyer // Jesus Calling by Sarah Young // Embraced by Lysa Terkeurst // Live In Grace Walk In Love by Bob Goff

I enjoy sharing devotions that really speak to my heart on Instagram Stories and one of the most common questions in my DMs is, “what devotional is that from!?” Well, I have a few I love but “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young is my must every morning. It’s written as if Jesus is speaking directly to you and that’s always spoken to my spirit. I feel comforted every time I open this book and have gifted it over and over to friends and family because I think everyone needs it in their lives! If you don’t know what a devotional is, it’s a 365 daily word from the bible and a little paragraph to read each day of the year, elaborating or relating it to real life challenges and how we can apply it to have hope in our lives. It’s not a substitute for the bible but it’s definitely a great place to start!

Books for Health & Well-Being

Essential Well-Being // The Home Edit // You Are A Bad Ass by Jen Sincero // Medical Medium Celery Juice by Anthony William // WomanCode by Alisa Vitti // In The Flo by Alisa Vitti

Right now our focus is our health and well-being more than ever! Why not invest time in to your home, diet, and lifestyle: if you’re looking to organize your space (The Home Edit), begin using essential oils (Essential Well Being), balance your hormones (WomanCode) or detox with celery juice, these are the books for you! I can’t stress how important it is to eat well, take supplements, exercise and keep ourselves as positive as possible as we journey through these rocky waters.

I hope you’ll find comfort in some of these books and they’ll keep you company during this time at home. You are loved and I am praying for your safety and health!

Peace and Grace,

Stephanie