The Power of Reading as Self-Care

The Kiki Kirby Podcast

• Episode Title: The Power of Reading as Self-Care

Welcome to The Kiki Kirby Podcast: Evolving in a Heart-Centered Way, where we inspire you to love, grow, and take action in your life, health, and work. In this third series, we’re exploring life, work, and careers, diving into the “why” behind what we do.

Episode Overview:

This is a solo episode with your host, Kiki Kirby Stanton, founder of Kiki Kirby Coaching and Consultancy. Kiki discusses The Power of Reading as Self-Care, sharing my personal journey and love for reading, how it became a cornerstone of her self-care, and its impact on reducing stress and fostering growth.

Key Takeaways:

• Reading as Self-Care:

  • Books provide a sanctuary, a moment of stillness, and an opportunity to learn from others’ experiences.
  • Just six minutes of reading can reduce stress and lower heart rates, offering a mini-vacation for your mind and soul.

• Kiki’s Reading Journey:

  • From not enjoying reading in her youth to discovering its transformative power in adulthood.
  • Reading is now a cherished part of her self-care routine.

• Book Recommendations: Kiki shares seven impactful books that have influenced her personal growth, healing, and coaching journey.

Kiki’s Top Book Recommendations:

• Try Softer by Aundi Kolber:

  • A fresh approach to anxiety, stress, and survival mode, encouraging connection and joy.
  • Covers trauma, nervous system healing, and inner child work.

• The ABCs of Emotions by Marion Myers:

  • A guide to understanding and navigating emotions like anger, joy, and loneliness.

• Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter Scazzero:

  • Examines the link between emotional and spiritual maturity and offers tools for healthy conflict and leadership.

• The Seven Decisions by Andy Andrews:

  • A roadmap for personal success, with actionable principles on persistence, responsibility, and joy.

• Happy by Fearne Cotton:

  • An honest exploration of mental health, finding joy in the everyday, and letting go of perfectionism.
• The Ruthless elimination of hurry - John Mark Comer
  • Too often we treat the symptoms of toxicity in our modern world instead of trying to pinpoint the cause.

• Anxious for Nothing by Max Lucado:

  • Strategies for finding calm in chaos and understanding the root of anxiety.

How can you look over your book to revisit old favorites and finding joy in the act of reading itself?

Self-Care and Reading Tips:

Take time to slow down and prioritise self-care through reading.

Reading is unique to each person, choose books that resonate with your heart and interests.

Create a cozy environment for reading to make it an enjoyable ritual.

Stay Connected:

Subscribe and Share: If this episode or podcast inspires you, please like, share, and subscribe!

Upcoming Episodes: Stay tuned for two exciting episodes coming soon.

Thank you for listening and for your ongoing feedback! We love hearing how these episodes impact your life.

Links to the books mentioned and additional resources will be available in the show notes.

Follow Kiki on social media and visit the website for coaching programs, resources, and updates on upcoming retreats and episodes.

Websites: Coaching: www.kikikirbycoaching.com | Consultancy: www.kikikirbyconsultancy.com

Email: [e-mail]

PODCAST: The Kiki Kirby Podcast – Evolving in a heart centred way