Hibernating with books and nourishing podcasts

November reads and listens

When I think of my childhood, I think of reading late under the covers with a torch (my eyesight isn’t thanking me for that) and hours of time spent curled up in the bean bag corner in my local library in Kingston! The joy of taking out a stack of 8 books from the library and devouring them over weekends, half terms and school holidays - bliss. Now I have a dog, my favourite thing to do is lie down with my staffie Nelly as a pillow and read and doze and read and doze.  But this year I’ve fallen into the habit of mindless channel surfing and series bingeing as it felt easier and less of a brain challenge. In a bid to watch less TV (trying to wean myself off my obsession with crime dramas and thrillers as they aren’t great for my nighttime anxiety) I’m going to share what I’ve been reading and listening to and learning from to keep myself accountable.

So here are 3 books and 3 podcast episodes I’ve loved over the last few months. I’d love to know what you’re recommending as I’ll be taking off 2 weeks over Christmas and plan to have some good PJ  x chocolate x reading sessions.

3 books 

1. For learning with  - Professor Tim Spector’s *Food for Life* - I have read all his books and this huge book is my favourite yet.  Tim writes in such an easily digestible friendly way with lots of practical advice and stories woven into his world class research and scientific studies.

2. For resting with -  *Wintering* by Katherine May.  I read this earlier this year and now winter is drawing in, I’m rereading it. It’s all about the power of rest and retreat in difficult times.

3. For laughing and unwinding with - *Lessons in Chemistry* - my friend and colleague Florence and I love sharing books and this is one I borrowed from her (oh and need to give back!).

3 podcasts

1. On the theme of *letting go*, I HIGHLY recommend this 20 minute meditation by the wonderful Tara Brach. I really respond to her super relaxing slow voice. If you find meditation tricky, try this one. Pop it on, lie down in some cosy comfy clothes, enjoy the body scan, breathe deep and remember you are wonderful, just the way you are. I love the questions she asks in it: ‘What really matters to me? What does my heart long for?’ Hope this one helps you find a few moments of peace this week. 

2. On the theme of *trust* with yours truly and my friend Emma Cannon, a leading author on women’s health, fertility and acupuncturist.

3. On the theme of *boundaries* with my therapist Donna Lancaster chatting to Fearne Cotton on the Happy Place podcast. They talk about becoming a better emotional detective - getting curious with feelings, moods and heartbreak.

---

Thank you so much to each and every one of you for subscribing to Things that make my heart sing. If you’d like to share the newsletter with a loved one who you think might enjoy it, please click the button below.