This is a time of year when many of us are overextended and stressed. It’s also a time when we find ourselves reflecting on our habits and making plans for how we want to live in the upcoming year. Can we go on doing as much as we are doing? Can we justify doing less when so many people depend on us?

Enter a book that can change your life:

Sit Down to Rise Up: How Radical Self-Care Can Change the World (2021, 256 pages)

“Mindfulness teacher” and “activist” aren’t roles that seem like a natural fit at first glance. But Shelly Tygielski brings them together with the notion that true healing and well-being can only exist in community with others. Being a positive member of that community does not have to look like working yourself to exhaustion; in fact, caring for yourself and taking adequate rest is a vital part of bringing the best version of yourself to your family, friends, and work. Shelly weaves together her personal story (one that includes being kidnapped as a baby as well as more common difficulties like divorce and a health condition) with tips for making space for yourself to breathe and practical information on effective and efficient mutual aid networks. For people who want to build a better world but are often overwhelmed by the demands on their time and energy, this is a good one to pick up.

Get it in print, as a playaway audio device, as an ebook on hoopla, or as an audiobook on hoopla today!