One of my favorite ways to deal with stress is to laugh — so here are some of my favorite shows, YouTube series, and books to help take my mind off things.
Guaranteed Laughs: How to Deal with Anxiety through Laughter
Destress with Brain Candy Books and Other Easy Reads
Did you know that you can destress with brain candy -- those super enjoyable, lightweight books? They can be great whether you're dealing with anxiety (like after interviews or in general), taking a break from social media, or otherwise having problems in general with overthinking or relaxing after a stressful day. Sure, they may fall into the categories of "chicklit" or "romcoms" or even (gasp) "romance" but hey -- these are trying times. Which are your favorite easy, lightweight reads when you're stressed out? Do you prefer to destress with brain candy books, TV shows, games, or more? We'd love to hear!
Some all-time favorites (all affiliate links):
Favorite Memoirs/Non-Fiction:
-BossyPants, Tina Fey
- Yes Please, Amy Poehler
-#GirlBoss, Sophia Amoruso
- anything by Malcolm Gladwell
- for creatives: On Writing, The Tools, and The War of Art
Favorite ChickLit:
- The Undomestic Goddess, Sophie Kinsella
- Eligible, Curtis Sittenfeld
- The Royal We, Heather Cocks & Jessica Morgan
- The Hating Game, Sally Thorne
Favorite Romance Books (all funny/lightweight, though!)
These are kind of meant to be binge-read, and can be great if you're seriously stressed. (These are perfect for Kindle reading! I have and love the Paperwhite.) I've read and enjoyed pretty much everything by Julia Quinn, Sarah MacLean, Tessa Dare, or Kresley Cole...
Summer Entertainment: Let’s Name Favorite Books, Magazines, Podcasts, Bingewatch TV, and More
Gearing up for summer travel — and looking forward to decompressing by the pool or beach with a great book? Let’s talk about favorite beach reads — and listens — and binge watching…
Weekend Open Thread
Brain candy alert: this book was such a fun, fast read that I wanted to recommend it…
Brain Candy Books and Other Fun Summer Reads
With the holiday coming up tomorrow, I thought it might be a great time to discuss brain candy books — what have you read lately that you can’t wait to recommend to friends? What are you eager to read again? (Let’s try something new — please preface your comment with the category of the book … Read More about Brain Candy Books and Other Fun Summer Reads
Holiday Weekend Open Thread
Something on your mind? Chat about it here. Readers recently recommended The Hating Game by Sally Thorne, and I read it and really loved it! It was very funny — as the publisher describes it, it’s “a hilarious and sexy workplace comedy all about that thin, fine line between hate and love.” (If you like … Read More about Holiday Weekend Open Thread
Dealing with Anxiety (Post-Interview Or Otherwise)
A reader wrote in after a job interview: “I think it went well, but I’m so anxious. … [W]hat to do with anxiety while waiting to hear back about a job?”
Gift Idea and Open Thread: The Best Books for Gifts
The Stone Sky caught my eye after the NYT reviewed the series of which it’s a part (the Broken Earth trilogy) as the “fantasy trilogy that changed the game,” not in the least because the female author, N.K. Jemisin, became the first black writer to win the Hugo Award for best novel. I’m excited to read … Read More about Gift Idea and Open Thread: The Best Books for Gifts
Books, Binge TV, Movies, and More
Ladies, it’s been far too long since we’ve had a check-in to see what you’re reading, what TV you’re bingeing on, what movies you’ve loved, and more (games?). What would you recommend? For my $.02, my television habits are probably more erudite than most of my other habits at this point. Right now, my husband and … Read More about Books, Binge TV, Movies, and More
Summer Reading Fun
Is anyone else excited that summer is almost here? On the off chance anyone has some down time this summer, let’s discuss: which are the best books to read for fun? Which are the thrillers you couldn’t put down — the rom-coms that warmed your heart — the memoirs that made you laugh, cry, think? Which … Read More about Summer Reading Fun
Holiday Open Thread
Something on your mind? Chat about it here. Happy holidays, ladies! As always, we’ll be on a reduced schedule for the next week or so, with some year-end roundup posts for you to use as new open threads, as well as some deal alerts (stay tuned — I’m excited for the sales this year!). May everyone … Read More about Holiday Open Thread
Open Thread: Best Brain Candy Books For the Summer?
2016 Update: There are still tons of great suggestions in the comments, but do check out our more recent discussion on summer reading for working women. I’m having a rough Monday for a reason I suspect is familiar to many of you: I was up until 2:30 last night finishing The Hunger Games. (Yes, I … Read More about Open Thread: Best Brain Candy Books For the Summer?
