The pandemic continues and we’re all stuck isolated in our homes. The novelty and entertainment of binge-watching NetFlix are slowly fading away and the feeling of dread is slowly returning. The good news is, there are books that can help you cope with this situation. Some of these are for productivity while some are for personal development. It’s time to change your perspective and shift your negative thinking into positivity with the help of these nine good reads.
1. Work Together Anywhere by Lisette Sutherland
In this book, Lisette Sutherland has researched and experienced what it’s like to work digitally with virtual teams. If you’re new to working remotely, this book will teach and guide you on how to work effectively together with others regardless of the location.
2. You’ll Get Through This by Max Lucado
A pastor from San Antonio teaches us how God works in helping us through difficult times. The pandemic may cause us a lot of long and slow pain, but if we put The Creator in charge as Pastor Lucado says, God can turn this mess into something good.
3. How to Survive the End of the World as We Know It by James Wesley Rawles
Rawles’ futurist book emphasizes how we can prepare for global crises such as pandemics or financial collapses. Particularly aimed at financially well-off suburban and urban residents, his book includes lessons on how one can survive with proper supply management and which gears to buy.
4. The Reality Revolution by Brian Scott
Brian Scott is known to have his interests being unorthodox. He combines and uses metaphysics, quantum mechanics, parallel reality, and his near-death experience. As a result, he was to achieve happiness for nearly every predicted ordeal. In his book, we’re also taught how to create and control reality for our own improvement.
5. The Lonely City: Adventures in the Art of Being Alone by Olivia Laing
As Laing creates a ‘map of loneliness’, she traces how isolation can bring creativity and happiness. Her book also teaches us that through art, acceptance, and self-belief, one can enjoy the company of solitude turning it into a place worth staying in.
6. The Worry Trick by David A. Carbonell, Ph.D.
Do you worry a lot? Does everything make you anxious? Dr. Carbonell is here to help you understand why you do. Here, you will find tips and ideas on how to trick your mind into worrying less. Most involve mindfulness techniques that could help you kiss your anti-anxiety medications goodbye
7. Great at Work by Morten Hansen
You’ve probably wondered how a high-performing person at your office does minimal work yet achieves a lot. In this book, Hansen dives more into which mindset to adopt and how to manipulate your emotions just for that. The book also teaches you a lot of practical tips and high-thinking concepts that can aid you in becoming a top-performer while doing less.
8. The Book of Joy by the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu with Douglas Abrams
“How do we find joy in the face of life’s inevitable suffering?” The Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu answer as they look back over their lives. Even though both have suffered exile and hardship, they still became two of the happiest people in the world. By reading this book, you’re guaranteed to find joy amidst the pandemic.
9. Anger: Wisdom for Cooling the Flames by Thich Nhat Hanh
Aside from anxiety and fear, we all feel the anger caused by the pandemic. Some are stemmed from the virus, others are directing rage to something else. The Buddhist monk teaches us through this book how to transfer that negativity into something positive.
As we’re all confined to our homes against our will, it doesn’t mean that we can’t control our lives. We still all have the power to nurture our characters and it can be through reading. When the pandemic is over, we’re sure to find that we’ve become the best version of ourselves through wisdom, perseverance, and patience.
