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The Attorney Wellness Advocate Book Club chooses 1-2 books a month to read with our subscribers and followers. Sign up for book club by entering your email address and receive the monthly emails about new books and promotions. We will also send thoughts and opinions on the books we are reading. Let us know of any health and wellness book suggestions and we will include them in future months!
DECEMBER 2023
"Time Off" challenges the prevailing mindset that productivity is solely achieved through constant work. Fitch and Frenzel present a compelling case for deliberate rest as a catalyst for creativity, innovation, and overall success. The book is filled with research, practical examples, and actionable strategies to help individuals and organizations embrace the power of time off.
Reflection: "Time Off" made me reevaluate my own approach to work and the value I place on rest. It highlighted the importance of finding a balance between periods of intense focus and intentional breaks. By incorporating deliberate rest into my routine, I have noticed a significant improvement in my productivity, clarity of thought, and overall well-being.
The book emphasizes the need for restorative activities during time off. Engaging in activities like reading, walking in nature, pursuing hobbies, or simply doing nothing allows our brains to relax and recharge. These moments of rest can lead to breakthrough ideas and renewed energy when we return to work.
Fitch and Frenzel advocate for creating a culture that values time off in organizations. By encouraging employees to take regular breaks and providing them with the freedom to disconnect from work, companies can foster a more engaged and productive workforce. It's essential to recognize that downtime is not a waste of time but an investment in long-term success.
The book underscores the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care. It highlights the detrimental effects of overworking and the diminishing returns it can have on productivity and well-being. By establishing clear boundaries between work and personal life and making time for activities that bring joy and relaxation, we can achieve a healthier work-life balance.
SEPTEMBER 2023
When we got a hardcover copy of the new book we picked this month for April, we did not expect it to be such a beast of a book! In a good way. In the Author’s Note, Peter Attia, MD writes that he tries to strike a balance between “brevity and nuance, rigor and readability.” To better judge whether he accomplishes this, we’ve decided to only have this one book as pick this month. Join us in reading the brand new book, “Outlive: The Science & Art of Longevity,'“ while pondering what we can all do for our own “healthspans” and how wellness and self-care can positively impact our professional practices.
What did our Book Club think of Outlive?
"Outlive" was a life-changing read for me. Atilla's thoughtful exploration of the many factors that contribute to aging and longevity, along with his actionable tips, gave me a renewed sense of hope and motivation to take control of my health. One specific tip that really resonated with me was the importance of getting enough sleep, and I've since made it a priority to get 7-8 hours of quality sleep every night. The difference in how I feel during the day has been remarkable! - Stephen G.
I highly recommend "Outlive" to anyone looking to take control of their health and longevity. Atilla's easy-to-understand explanations of complex scientific concepts, along with his practical advice, make this book a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their overall well-being. Personally, I've implemented his suggestions for incorporating more whole foods into my diet, and have already noticed a significant improvement in my energy levels and overall health. - Kim B.
Wow, this book was long! I continue to read it, and I especially appreciate his emphasis on the importance of social connections and the role they play in longevity, and have since made a greater effort to prioritize spending time with friends and loved ones. - James L.
June 2023
What did our Book Club think about Essentialism?
I read Essentialism at your recommendation. Thank you! My only regret is the ideas in it were not known to me when I started my professional life over 30 years ago. It should be mandatory reading for any law student planning a litigation career. -ss
McKeown's message is simple but powerful: by focusing on what is essential and cutting out the rest, we can achieve greater clarity, purpose, and success in all areas of our lives. I appreciated his emphasis on the importance of saying "no" to non-essential tasks and commitments, and his practical advice on how to prioritize and streamline our work. -kab
He challenges us to question our assumptions, prioritize our values, and make intentional choices that align with our vision for the future. His practical advice on how to simplify our lives and cultivate greater mindfulness is also invaluable. -ai
What did our Book Club think about Dopamine Nation?
Dr. Anna Lembke's book provides a much-needed perspective on the ways in which our society has contributed to the rise of addiction, and the challenges we face in addressing this crisis. Her emphasis on the role of dopamine in addiction is particularly insightful, and she does an excellent job of explaining the science in a way that is accessible to a broad audience. -ed
I was particularly impressed with her discussion of the ethical implications of our addiction to dopamine, and the ways in which our society needs to shift to better support healthy living. -aw
I found "Dopamine Nation" to be a fascinating read. I appreciated her frank discussion of the role that technology, social media, and the modern world have played in exacerbating our addiction to dopamine. td
FEBRUARY 2023
Atomic Habits by James Clear. How is real change made? This book is the road map to improving your personal and professional life. Read this book and apply small, daily habits to your life that will add up to big changes over time.
Quit Like a Woman by Holly Whitaker. You don’t have to consider yourself an alcoholic (in fact, Whitaker has issues with that label) to examine your drinking habits and consider how it is negatively affecting your life. Many women who read this have said it has completely changed the way they look at alcohol.
What did our Book Club think of Atomic Habits?
"Atomic Habits" by James Clear has been a game-changer for me. The book helped me identify the cues, cravings, and rewards that drive my bad habits and taught me how to replace them with healthy ones. Thanks to the book, I improved my daily exercise routine to be more consistent. Clear's advice is practical, evidence-based, and easy to implement, making it a must-read for anyone looking to make positive changes in their life. -James L.
I applied the book's principles by setting small daily goals while prioritizing important tasks. I make more lists now to organize my time to make sure I am not low- key procrastinating by other distractions. Then I treat myself (big or small, depending) when I accomplish everything. - Monica G.
Inspired by the book, I started tracking my daily progress towards my goals, which has helped me stay accountable and motivated. - Tim R.
What did our Book Club think of Quit Like a Woman?
Whitaker's personal story, combined with her research and analysis, makes for a powerful and compelling read that offers a new perspective on sobriety and living a fulfilling life. The book is a must-read for anyone seeking to break free from alcohol or any other addiction and wants to do it on their own terms. - Kim B.
The book has helped me see how alcohol is deeply ingrained in our culture and how it can be used as a coping mechanism for deeper issues. Whether you continue to drink or not, this book will change the way to view alcohol and the way you see it promoted throughout society. - Kate W.
Whitaker's comparison between the alcohol and tobacco industries is compelling and thought-provoking. People are becoming more aware of the health risks associated with alcohol, and the alcohol industry's marketing tactics are coming under increased scrutiny. In the same way that tobacco use has become less socially acceptable over time, it's possible that alcohol consumption could follow a similar path. - Eve V.
