Image courtesy of Aaron Burden
Books Ideas for Christmas
As an avid reader, my book collection has grown over the years and my bookcases expanded. I devour books for work and pleasure. Below I have chosen some of my favourite books from a wide range of topics in my two business areas: Personal & Professional Development and Health.
Fact rather than fiction, they span a wide range of topics from the impact of exercise on the brain to introverted personality and from decluttering to sleep.
The first person to read this article has already chosen 3 for their own stocking! Not wanting to leave little ones out, I’ve included a couple of touching books for children too.
Top Ten Books to Move You
Excited at the thought of ticking some presents off your list – or perhaps adding one or two to your own Santa list? Then let’s get started!
- How to break up with your phone by Catherine Price. Do we really need a book to help us do this? Actually, probably, yes! An easy read with useful tips on reducing phone time and using screen time wisely. How many copies do you need?!
- Why we sleep: the new science of sleep and dreams by Matthew Walker. Walker tells us that all that we know about sleep is wrong. Turning our previous view of sleep on it’s head, Walker informs us that less sleep makes you less productive, less creative and less effective. More alarmingly drowsy driving is responsible for more vehicle accidents than drink and drugs together.
- Quiet. The power of introverts in a world that can’t stop talking by Susan Cain. An interesting, informative and much-needed book to change the way we see introverts and make quiet people see themselves in a whole new light.
- Spark! How exercise will improve the performance of your brain by Ratey and Hagerman. Forget fish oils and Sudoku, the fitter you are, the better your brain works. Scientific evidence on the profound impact exercise has on our cognitive abilities and mental health.
- Spark Joy by Marie Kondo. Queen of tidiness, follow Kondo’s guide to get on top of the clutter in your home and your life.
- And wisdom comes quietly by Helen Exley. A lovely book of quotes with wise words about living simply and peacefully to promote calm in our fast-paced world.
- Mayfly Day by Jeanne Morris. Whilst aimed at the young, this book has a lovely message for young and old about making the most of each day. Bought for my daughter’s fifth birthday, this is her all-time favourite. When she took it to school one day, her teacher later told me that the words had moved two of the teachers to tears, with both then going on to buy the book.
- A light in the attic by Shel Silverstein. This book is a seriously fun poetry book. A black and white book with scribbled drawings – my daughter admits that she wasn’t filled with glee upon opening this Christmas present. However, if there was ever a lesson in judging a book by its cover…she adored it and we spent many happy hours giggling our way through it.
- Tuesdays with Morrie: An old man, a young man and life’s greatest lessons by Mitch Album. A moving true story and a gem of a book. I challenge you to get to the end with dry eyes!
- Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl. Despite never having read this book, I have quoted Frankl many times in my work with clients. This year his book is finally on my Santa list!
To go back to the first book here, How to Break up with your phone, – remember the most precious gift of all you can give your friends and family this Christmas is the gift of your time and attention.
Hopefully I’ve given you a few ideas to share the wonderful world of books with your loved ones . You might even have an idea or two for your own Christmas stocking too!
Have a wonderful festive break and remember, put down your phone and pick up a good book!
Latest news
- New Venue. From the start of 2019, I will be offering appointments at an Edinburgh West End location in addition to my North Edinburgh base and telephone / Skype. My new venue is conveniently situated, close to Haymarket train station, the city centre and Ravelston schools.
- New Year, New Start. The festive period can be a time for reflection and new beginnings. Low self-esteem, lack of direction, overwhelmed, overstressed and struggling: if any of these resonate with you (or someone you know) get in touch here to fix a time to chat. Your 2019 can be different.
- My Career Clarity Personalised Programme of Support is perfect if you want to change career, get a new job, return to work, start a business or if you have absolutely no idea what you want to do, you just know you want to do something different from now. Full details of my Career Clarity Programme can be found here. Feel free to get in touch in the meantime if you’d like further information or to book a telephone chat to find out if this 1:1 personalised programme is right for you.
- 2019 will see the introduction of my new workshop/programme to improve public speaking called Own Your Voice. Further details coming soon. If this may be of interest to you, I’d love your input to help shape the finer detail.
