nut free nerd

The internet loves a “reset.” And, frankly, so do I. A minute or an hour–maybe even a morning or afternoon, if we have the luxury of time–to pause, get organized, and take stock of our lives can feel amazing. At the same time, there’s a danger of feeling like we constantly need to be “resetting,” continually going back to square one instead of moving forward.

I’d like to offer some books that provide a chance to engage in intentional, purposeful, slower resets. Think of these books as the fuel or fodder for possible shifts–not a mandate that you must optimize every aspect of your life. If you’re looking to make a change, these books could help you start that process.

When you need to reset your home // How to Keep House While Drowning: A Gentle Approach to Cleaning and Organizing by KC Davis

KC Davis provides approachable, accessible, gentle strategies for tidying and cleaning. This book genuinely changed my approach to cleaning my home. For instance, it helped me see cleaning as a way to take care of my future self. When I do a quick “closing shift” in the evening before getting ready for bed–washing any dishes left on the counter, tidying up a bit, setting things out for the next day–that is really helping tomorrow me, who will be grateful that I took a few minutes to think about her. I’d recommend this to anyone who feels overwhelmed or constantly behind with household chores.

When you need to reset your mental energy // The Brain at Rest: How Doing Nothing Can Change Your Life by Joseph Jebelli

Written by a neuroscientist with personal experience seeing loved ones suffer from overwork, this book feels like a permission slip to slow down. Jebelli argues that resting or “doing nothing” is crucial for our mental health and well being. He explores several different kinds of rest, from spending time in nature to sleeping, moving your body, and experiencing more joy and play. Most importantly, he provides practical ways you can incorporate more rest into your daily life. I’d recommend this to anyone feeling burnt out, mentally and/or physically exhausted, or disenchanted with hustle culture.

When you need to reset your finances // The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel

I’ve read upwards of a dozen personal finance books at this point, and The Psychology of Money remains one of my favorites. It contains a quote that I keep displayed at the top of my budget: “Money’s greatest intrinsic value—and this can’t be overstated—is its ability to give you control over your time.” Money is numbers and income and spending and investing, yes. But, as Housel emphasizes, money is also behavior and habit and emotion. I’d recommend this to anyone looking to shift how they think about money in a grounded, long-term kind of way.

When you need to reset how you spend your time // Meditations for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman

Oliver Burkeman provides a brief but eye-opening lesson each day for four weeks about how to live a more meaningful life–largely, but cutting back on the stuff that really doesn’t matter to us and by embracing imperfection. This book is witty, poignant, and helped me think about how I can live more intentionally without falling onto the hamster wheel of productivity. I’d recommend this to anyone looking for some easily digestible, realistic advice on how to live a life that is meaningful to you.

When you need to reset your mood // Make Believe: Poems for Hoping Again by Victoria Hutchins

In this poetry collection, Victoria Hutchins explores themes of wonder, nostalgia, memory, and healing. Reading these poems felt like reading back diary entries from a younger self, or flipping through old photographs. Her writing invites perspective while sitting with some tougher feelings as well. I’d recommend this to anyone hoping to move forward while giving themselves grace for the past.

What are your favorite books to read when you need to “reset” something? I’d love to know.

Take care xx