Do Less, Live More: 25 Must-Read Books for Embracing Simplicity
Reading is one of my go-to activities for embracing simplicity! These 25 books will inspire you to escape the hustle, heal from burnout, declutter your home, stress less, and slow down. Perfect for perfectionists, business owners, and mothers, these are the best books to read if you’re ready to do less and live more.
5 Books to Help You Escape the Hustle
Do Nothing: How to Break Away from Overworking, Overdoing, and Underliving by Celeste Headlee
When’s the last time you did nothing? Do Nothing by journalist Celeste Headlee is an intriguing and insightful personal exploration of our cuture’s obsession with busyness. I listened to this audiobook on a long road trip. It made me reconsider my relationship with constant "doing" and embrace the path of less.
The Surrender Experiment: My Journey Into Life's Perfection by Michael A. Singer
The Surrender Experiment is an amazing, uplifting story about letting go and trusting the Universe. I flew through this book and missed Michael Singer's stories once I finished. This is a perfect book to read when you’re craving a shift in energy or perspective.
Journey of Souls: Case Studies of Life Between Lives by Michael Newton
The stories in Journey of Souls are refreshingly different from current affairs. And it’s a great book to read for an introduction to past lives. This is a compelling read made me think about what exists beyond this human life, and I plan to revisit it again!
Letting Go: The Pathway To Surrender by David R. Hawkins
When I read Letting Go, I absorbed the message without catching every detail. If you’re interested in the practices of allowing and letting go in your life, I recommend reading the physical book and taking your time with it. (The audiobook was hard to follow).
Journey to the Heart: Daily Meditations on the Path to Freeing Your Soul by Melody Beattie
I’ve owned Journey to the Heart for nearly two decades. During yoga teacher training, our instructor used it to start group conversations. She'd hand over the book for someone to open to a random page and read the message aloud—a poignant exercise known as a “divinity dip.” You can also read it daily from January 1st onward, which is also a very encouraging practice.
5 Books to Help You Heal from Burnout
Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily Nagoski, Amelia Nagoski
I absolutely loved Burnout and have been recommending it ever since! I listened to the audiobook and thought it was perfect, but I’ve also bought the hardcover to reference and read again. It’s packed with data about stress and wellness, but it’s all presented in an entertaining and empowering way.
Tiny Habits: The Small Changes That Change Everything by B.J. Fogg
Habits shape our daily routines, and we all know how it is to change. Tiny Habits is a fascinating and motivating look at the power of simplicity. Listening to the audiobook, narrated by the author, feels like personal coaching. It’s a great read that will inspire you to create more tiny habits!
How to Break Up with Your Phone: The 30-Day Plan to Take Back Your Life by Catherine Price
This book is a short, sweet, and smart guide to putting your phone down. We all struggle with boundaries when it comes to technology! How to Break Up with Your Phone provides actionable ideas for taking a break. I read most of this book while getting a spa pedicure and found it absolutely delightful!
Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World by Cal Newport
When I listened to the Digital Minimalism audiobook, it made a profound impact. As I absorbed the author Cal Newport's stories, I contemplated how I could apply his suggestions in my own life. My main takeaway was that space, breaks, and room to breathe are vital to our nervous systems, minds, and creativity.
Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown
I read Essentialism on vacation in Hawaii while unemployed and pregnant with my first child. It was an inspiring read, encouraging me to simplify my next phase of life. I vividly remember highlighting and nodding along while sitting poolside, but I wonder what new insights I’d find now that I have three children and run my own business.
5 Books to Help You Declutter Your Home
Minimalista: Your Step-by-Step Guide to a Better Home, Wardrobe, and Life by Shira Gill
Shira Gill is a stylish and inspiring expert on minimalism and decluttering, without the starkness that some minimalists bring. Minimalista is a fun book to flip through with stories and photos from client projects, along with practical ideas you can implement immediately.
Simple Matters: Living with Less and Ending Up with More by Erin Boyle
Simple Matters is a cozy book filled with approachable solutions for cultivating minimalism. I loved the quotes and stories Erin Boyle shares, as well as her recommendations on cleaning supplies and capsule wardrobes. Years after reading, I’m still clearing off surfaces in my home and finding happiness in less.
After seeing this book featured on a bunch of blogs I followed, I was compelled to give it a try in 2015! Marie Kondo is a delightful mix of hilarious, practical, thoughtful, and magical. Trying out her methods was deeply satisfying. I went from a somewhat messy keeper of things to someone who loves decluttering and curating my belongings. Truly life-changing!
I loved watching Clea and Joanna’s colorful friendship and organizing magic on their Netflix show. The Home Edit is a delightful book to browse through on your decluttering journey. It’s great for gathering inspiration on projects like cleaning out your pantry, sprucing up your office, or streamlining your closet.
The Kinfolk Home: Interiors for Slow Living by Nathan Williams
The Kinfolk Home is the only book on this list I haven’t read yet. During my research for this post, I came upon it and immediately added it to my cart. I’m looking forward to flipping through the pages and finding encouragement for slowing down and enjoying my home.
5 Calming Books to Read When You’re Stressed
I adored the Tom Lake audiobook narrated by Meryl Streep. It was a sweet escape from my current life with a glimpse into what life might be like with adult children someday. The characters were captivating and the story was beautifully told. I first enjoyed it between Thanksgiving and Christmas, but it would also be a perfect summer read.
The Signature of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert
Early Morning Riser by Katherine Heiny
Took my time reading this, it was returned to the library a few times, but I always came back to it and I'm so glad I finished it. I loved the characters, the story, and the author's descriptions of children. It wasn't a fast-paced read, but I found it comfortingly true and easy to return to.
Five Tuesdays in Winter by Lily King
How to Breathe: 25 Simple Practices for Calm, Joy, and Resilience by Ashley Neese
Beautiful book. I love the author's perspective and how she encourages the reader to cultivate rituals and practices around the breath. This a resource I plan to use over and over again.
5 Books to Help You Slow Down as a Mom
Momma Zen: Walking the Crooked Path of Motherhood by Karen Maezen Miller
Hand Wash Cold: Care Instructions for an Ordinary Life by Karen Maezen Miller
Loved this so much. This is my 2nd book by the author. I read her Momma Zen when I was newly postpartum with my first child. She has such a relatable and inspiring approach. The way she threads stories through a spiritual / non-fiction / personal-development book is impressive. A quick read, filled with wisdom.
Do Less: A Revolutionary Approach to Time and Energy Management for Busy Moms by Kate Northrup
This book has changed the way I view myself and productivity. It is written with such an empowering and supportive tone, which isn’t always the case with time management & self improvement books. I listened to the audiobook, read by the author Kate Northrup. I loved letting her wisdom wash over me, but the book is so good I’m planning to get a hard copy as well. If you are a woman, I highly recommend Do Less!
Bringing Up Bébé: One American Mother Discovers the Wisdom of French Parenting by Pamela Druckerman
Keep Reading for More Inspiration
This collection of quotes will inspire you to to start listening to your intuition and acting on the guidance you receive.
About Kaileen Elise Sues
Hi, I'm Kaileen! Intuition coach, host of the Celebrate Cultivate podcast, and mom of three.
Until I found my inner voice, I was a perfectionist always on the edge of overwhelm. This practice changes everything.
That’s why I’m here to help you access your intuition. So you can heal old wounds, manifest magic, and find calm in the chaos of daily life.
