While diet and exercise are the two main tenets we discuss to achieve a healthy body, a healthy mind is also key to overall wellness. Self care habits like connecting with loved ones, skincare, meditation, creative outlets, and reading are all important factors to feeling happy and healthy. This fall, here are four of my recommendations for books on to help round out your healthy body and mind.

Energy Medicine: The Science and Mystery of Healing

Dr. Jill Blakeaway is a scholar of Traditional Chinese Medicine and an acupuncturist interested in a wide range of healing practices and life forces in our bodies. She approaches her own practice with a skeptical eye and takes a deep dive into trying to understand the field of energy medicine both historically and today. This book managed to be a funny, relatable read that focused on both science and spirituality in an approachable way.

Year of the Monkey (9/24)

This hasn’t even come out yet, but I feel confident it will be amazing because Patti Smith is such an icon and a great poet. Her 2010 book Just Kids gave the most vivid depiction of being a creative, cool young woman in New York in the late 60s and early 70s and when I finished that book I decided that whatever she writes, I plan to read. So excited to dive into Year of the Monkey soon.

City of Girls

I guess I’m really feeling books set in New York this season! Elizabeth Gilbert’s novel City of Girls follows Vivian Morris’ exploration of female desire, developing confidence, and embracing entrepreneurial spirit beginning in World War II era in a small theater. Even though everyone and their mom raved about Gilbert’s 2006 book Eat, Pray, Love, I honestly enjoyed reading this story so much more. It’s a quick, refreshing read that celebrates an independent woman being in control of her own sexuality and career.

Slow Cook Modern

Sophisticated crockpot dinners may sound like an oxymoron, but somehow this cookbook makes it possible. Liana Krissof’s book has more than 150 flavorful, nutritious recipes perfect for starting in the slow cooker in the morning, leaving for 8 hours and enjoying for dinner that will make you reassess your Postmates habit. Also, regardless of what This is Us has to say, slow cookers are totally safe to leave simmering all day at home unattended!

What are you reading? Send me your recommendations on the Studio LB hotline 424-327-5470 or share on our Facebook group.