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Recent research has shown that burnout in the workforce is a significant issue for women, with a survey conducted by Future Forum in six countries revealing that 46 percent of women are suffering from burnout. Gallup’s data also indicates that the gender gap in burnout levels has spiked by more than 100 percent since 2019. The pressure to keep pushing yourself onwards has become a societal norm, and in today’s world of constant overstimulation, it’s become increasingly difficult to find the time to rest and recharge.
The impacts of chronic stress are far-reaching, with potential effects on a person’s mental and physical health. Depression, anxiety, digestive problems, headaches, high blood pressure, sleep disturbances, and difficulty concentrating are just some of the consequences of overwork and burnout. But the solution to these issues goes beyond self-care and relaxation – it involves redefining the way we live our lives.
If you’re feeling exhausted and stretched to your limits, now is the perfect time to slow down and reassess your priorities. Instead of focusing on productivity and the latest trends, it may be beneficial to explore alternative perspectives. These 10 books, ranging from memoirs to philosophical musings, offer valuable insights to help you let go of the pressure to do it all and embrace the possibility of living in a more fulfilling and sustainable way.
‘Work Won’t Love You Back: How Devotion to Our Jobs Keeps Us Exploited, Exhausted, and Alone’ by Sarah Jaffe
Sarah Jaffe’s nonfiction book delves into the myth of a “dream job,” challenging the belief that ‘doing what you love’ can cure burnout. She explores how the pursuit of a career that becomes a “labor of love” has resulted in exploitation and overworking for many individuals, offering a transformative perspective on the relationship between passion and work.
Do Nothing: How to Break Away from Overworking, Overdoing, and Underliving’ by Celeste Headlee
Celeste Headlee examines our cultural beliefs about time, work, and ambition, encouraging readers to break free from modern habits that contribute to loneliness, anxiety, overwork, and exhaustion.
‘Life in Five Senses: How Exploring the Senses Got Me Out of My Head and Into the World’ by Gretchen Rubin
Author Gretchen Rubin shares her journey of exploring the physical world around her, inviting readers to embrace the joy of present engagement by tapping into the simple pleasures of life.
‘A Year of Living Simply: The Joys of a Life Less Complicated’ by Kate Humble
Kate Humble’s book offers a refreshing perspective on living with simplicity and finding long-lasting happiness in a capitalist society, encouraging readers to rethink their approach to modern consumption and its impact on personal fulfillment.
‘Radically Content: Being Satisfied in an Endlessly Dissatisfied World’ by Jamie Varon
In this insightful memoir, Jamie Varon redefines success and contentment while offering practical tools for resisting the pervasive pressure to constantly achieve more and be more.
‘Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times’ by Katherine May
Katherine May shares her personal experiences with transformative rest and retreat during challenging times, encouraging readers to embrace the concept of ‘wintering’ in their own lives.
‘How to Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy’ by Jenny Odell
Artist Jenny Odell critiques the addictive nature of the attention economy and explores the benefits of reconnecting with the natural world and embracing a more mindful, present-focused approach to life.
‘Rest Is Resistance: A Manifesto’ by Tricia Hersey
Tricia Hersey’s powerful manifesto challenges the notion of rest as a form of resistance, providing a compelling argument for reclaiming rest as a fundamental human right.
The wisdom found within these books offers new perspectives on the value of slowing down, redefining success, and prioritizing self-care. By embracing these insights, you may find a more sustainable and fulfilling way to approach life, even in the face of burnout and exhaustion.
