Tiny Habits and Self-care in the New Year ...

TINY HABITS by BJ Fogg deals with “The Small Changes that Change Everything” and starts with a positive, “can-do” approach: “Tiny is mighty.  At least when it comes to change.” Fogg founded the Behavior Design Lab at Stanford University and has decades of research to support his recommendations.  This is definitely a text which individuals and groups could use to foster change.  Fogg has filled it with multiple, practical exercises, diagrams, charts, and lists of steps.  There is no index or bibliography, but there is a lengthy appendix with summary materials.  One section which I am particularly eager to share is titled “One Hundred Ways to Celebrate and Feel Shine.” I am already anticipating student reaction to suggestions like “inhale and think of the energy entering you” or “do a subtle head nod.” Fogg also includes some specific recipes for tiny habits related to 15 life situations (like reducing stress, better sleep, productivity, and adjusting to college). This book, with chapters on motivation, ability and emotions, has a little bit of advice for everyone. TINY HABITS received a starred review from Library Journal. 

THE EXTREMELY BUSY WOMAN'S GUIDE TO SELF-CARE by Suzanne Falter is subtitled “Do Less, Achieve More, and Live the Life You Want.”  It also seems like a relevant read if you are looking to develop some resolutions and new habits for the New Year. Falter begins the text with a section titled the Self-care Mindset where she explains the importance of self-care and saves most tips until the second and third sections (titled Self-care Essentials and Working Self-care into Your Life).  She freely admits that women reading this like to get results; therefore, the first section could have been shorter (it takes up almost half the book) and less negative (especially hard for perfectionists to read) so as to get to some positive action steps earlier.   

Falter pushes readers out of their comfort zone and definitely encourages self-reflection.  She says, “if you’re reading electronically, bring a notebook or a blank document to make notes as you go along.” In fact, many of the pages are purposefully blank or include quizzes and/or worksheets with titles like “Things I’d do if I had Ten Times More Courage” or “Five Things I’d Love to Add to my Life.” Some of the “essentials” she lists are certainly not surprises to readers (the first is sleep, followed by comments on relationships, vacations, exercise, nutrition, and physical surroundings), but this text will make readers think and re-evaluate, listen to their bodies, and attempt to slow down. I can readily see it having a place in one of our learning cohorts – applying to both busy men and women.