163: How to Calm Your Mind by Chris Bailey

Atomic Habits by James Clear provides a practical and scientifically-backed guide to forming good habits and breaking bad ones. The book introduces the Four Laws of Behavior Change: make it obvious, make it attractive, make it easy, and make it satisfying. It also emphasizes the importance of small, incremental changes (atomic habits) that compound over time to produce significant results. Clear discusses techniques such as habit stacking, optimizing the environment to support desired habits, and focusing on continuous improvement rather than goal fixation. The book is filled with actionable strategies, real-life examples, and stories from various fields, making it a valuable resource for anyone seeking to improve their habits and achieve personal growth.

In 'Deep Work', Cal Newport argues that the ability to perform deep work—professional activities in a state of distraction-free concentration—is becoming increasingly valuable in our economy. The book is divided into two parts: the first part explains why deep work is valuable, rare, and meaningful, while the second part presents four rules to transform your mind and habits to support this skill. These rules include 'Work Deeply', 'Embrace Boredom', 'Quit Social Media', and 'Drain the Shallows'. Newport provides actionable advice and examples from various successful individuals to help readers master the skill of deep work and achieve groundbreaking results.

In 'Digital Minimalism', Cal Newport argues that we need to be more intentional about the technologies we allow into our lives. He proposes a philosophy of digital minimalism, where individuals focus their online time on activities that strongly support their values and ignore the rest. The book highlights the negative effects of behavioral addictions created by technology, such as solitude deprivation and the fleeting nature of social media satisfaction. Newport suggests a 30-day 'digital declutter' process and other practices to help readers integrate digital minimalism into their lives, emphasizing the importance of optimizing technology use to support personal goals and values.

In 'How to Calm Your Mind,' Chris Bailey provides a toolkit of accessible, science-backed strategies to help readers achieve calm and reduce anxiety. The book explains how the digital world contributes to stress and offers practical advice on embracing the analog world, using 'stimulation fasts,' and applying the science of 'savoring' to become more focused and present. Bailey shares his personal journey of recovering from burnout and offers concrete steps to help readers reclaim calm, leading to greater productivity, engagement, and satisfaction in life.

In 'The Creative Act: A Way of Being,' Rick Rubin shares his insights on creativity, gathered from his extensive career in the music industry. The book is not limited to musicians but is designed for anyone interested in creative processes. Rubin discusses the concept of 'Source,' a metaphysical idea representing the infinite and constant flow of creative ideas and inspiration. He advocates for a way of being that incorporates creativity into all aspects of life, emphasizing the importance of awareness, noticing, and practicing mindfulness. The book is structured around 78 areas of thought on creativity, making it a versatile and inspiring read that can be revisited multiple times for new insights.

In 'How to Train Your Mind', Chris Bailey explores the practical and tactical benefits of a meditation practice, focusing on how meditation can enhance productivity. The book argues that meditation can help individuals think more clearly, reduce procrastination, and become more effective in their work and personal lives. Bailey provides strategies for starting and maintaining a meditation practice, including guided meditations, and discusses how meditation can 'de-stimulate' the mind to improve focus and efficiency. He also suggests that for every minute spent meditating, one can gain around nine minutes of productivity back.

This book by Dr. Julie Smith focuses on mental health and wellbeing, offering advice and concepts that she uses in her clinical therapeutic practice. It is designed for an audience that may not have access to psychotherapy, providing realistic and useful solutions for leading a meaningful life.

Glad You're Here tells the story of Walker Hayes, a country singer who was an alcoholic atheist, and his transformative friendship with Craig Allen Cooper. Through their bond, Walker found a path to sobriety and Christianity. The book explores themes of friendship, sacrifice, and spiritual growth, highlighting how relationships can lead to profound personal change.