Incorporate Reading Into Your Daily Routine & My Top 3 Self-Help And Smut Books
Overview
In this episode of the Mom Guilt podcast, I discuss my top three books in two different categories: self-help and smut. I discuss the benefits of reading for personal growth as well as relaxation and tips for easily incorporating daily reading into your routine.
What you'll learn in this episode:
00:00 | Intro
02:20 | Splitting books into two categories: self-help and smut
03:32 | Importance of decompression and escaping reality
04:43 | Benefits of reading self-help books and smutty romance novels
08:50 | "You Can Heal Your Life" by Louise Hay
10:34 | The power of meditation and Joe Dispenza's books
13:06 | Manifesting desires with Roxie Nafousi’s book on manifestation
14:55 | "The Science of Getting Rich" by Wallace D. Waddles
16:03 | Recommendations for the book series by Sarah J. Mass
19:59 | Discussion of the book series by Rebecca Yarros
20:55 | Mention of the book series by Jennifer Armantrout
22:17 | Tips for successful reading habits
Resources:
Vanna’s TikTok
To watch this episode on video, subscribe to Vanna’s YouTube Channel
Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational purposes only and is not to be taken as medical advice.
This episode is not sponsored. Product links may contain affiliate links that are eligible for a small commission.
Unlocking Wellness and Self-Prioritization: Insights from the Mom Guilt Podcast
For many, achieving wellness is an ever-elusive goal, often hindered by the juggling act of motherhood and personal aspirations. Vanna, a dermatology nurse turned wellness enthusiast, offers candid insights into harnessing the power of structured habits, self-help literature, and yes, even indulgent 'smut' books. Her podcast, 'Mom Guilt,' is more than a guide to overcoming the titular guilt—it's a blueprint for crafting a life filled with purpose and mindful indulgence.
Key Takeaways:
The Power of Reading: Incorporating reading into daily routines can serve as both an educational tool and a means of escapism, fostering personal growth and creativity.
Intentional Habit Formation: Establishing a structured routine with rewarding activities like reading can instigate positive behavior change and develop new, beneficial habits.
Balancing Education with Escape: Engaging with self-help books and indulgent fiction in tandem can lead to more rounded personal development and stress relief.
Reading as a Tool for Growth and Escape
Reading has the transformative power to both educate and provide an escape. Vanna confesses she "never considered herself to be a reader" until she discovered the instrumental role books could play in her life. The two genres of books—self-help and 'smut'—not only offer a method to decompress but also serve as gateways to self-improvement and creativity enhancement.
"It's what I'm reading, but also the way that I've put it into my life."
The deliberate use of reading as part of a decompression routine underscores the significance of setting aside time for both self-education and escape. It's about optimizing personal time, which, as Vanna points out, can contribute significantly to how one handles various aspects of their life, such as reactions to stressful situations. The juxtaposition of reading for educational purposes and for pleasure reinforces the idea that balance is crucial to wellness.
The Role of Routine in Habit Formation
Incorporating reading into a daily routine is more than a mere pastime; it's an intelligent strategy for habit formation. Vanna shares the allure of manifesto reading as part of her sleep routine, giving a nod to Atomic Habits and its insight into the reward structure of habits.
"I'm looking forward to getting through my routine... Usually, sleep is the reward to my sleep routine because I love sleep so much. But genuinely, I'm like, okay, I need to get started on my bath, my skincare so that I can get to the point where I'm in bed and reading a book that I'm really, really enjoying."
The idea of anticipation as a motivator is compelling, urging readers to find that activity which excites them enough to prioritize habit formation. Vanna's candid breakdown of her nighttime routine, from skincare to the final reward of reading a cherished book, underscores the personalized nature of effective habit-building strategies.
Finding Harmony Between Self-improvement and Literary Indulgence
The promotion of self-help literature alongside what Vanna affectionately tags as 'smut' delineates a synthesis of personal growth with pleasure—a duality in reading that satisfies the craving for knowledge and the need for escapism.
"Like, education and escape are both necessary... Self-help books I view as becoming the best version of myself, of filling myself up with knowledge..."
In delineating her book preferences, Vanna highlights the impact of influential titles such as You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay for its therapeutic approaches, and the works of Joe Dispenza for those seeking a scientifically-backed approach to meditation. Notably, she also champions the role of escapist fiction in stimulating creativity and providing a welcome break from reality. This balance resonates with the broader implication that personal development and self-care can coexist harmoniously, and that indulging in one's fantasies through literature is not only acceptable but beneficial.
As we recap the key insights gleaned from Vanna's dialogue, it's evident that her approach to reading is strategic and purposeful, with an emphasis on its integrative role in daily life. Whether it's the pursuit of self-awareness and growth through self-help books or the creative stimulation offered by fantasy romance novels, Vanna demonstrates that engaging with literature can be a dynamic tool for anyone seeking to enrich their life. The philosophy she embodies, one that holds space for both education and entertainment, exemplifies a holistic approach to wellness that many might do well to emulate.