What to read while social distancing

We are on the third-fourth(ish) week of Coronavirus pandemic social distancing in the US, and so far, as a family, we've spent a lot of our free time out in nature during this shutdown by playing tennis, walking on trails, and hiking in the mountains. Sadly, as the virus has continued to spread, state and local officials in our area have made the tough decision to close parks and trails by building temporary fences around the trails and locking access points/entries.

So, ever on the quest to make the most of any situation, I've decide to supplement our "new normal" living room workouts  and sidewalk walks around our building by plowing through my to-read list.

​Did you know that reading a book for just SIX MINUTES per day can reduce stress levels by 68%?* So crazy! Reading a book has greater soothing benefits than going for a walk or having a tea even. In stressful times like these, we should all be reading SOMETHING.

Currently, I'm on a nonfiction kick. I'm taking this time of being at home to reflect, regroup, and better myself as much as I can. And reading is a big step in the direction of personal growth.

Even so, no one likes the feeling of starting a book and feeling like it's a chore to read, and nonfiction can often be particularly difficult to get into if it isn't interesting enough. To save you the trouble of testing out books that you just might not love, I'm sharing with you here some of my favorite nonfiction books that you can read while social distancing!

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Five nonfiction books to read while social distancing
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1. Talk Like Ted by Carmine Gallo
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This is a great book. Gallo is a natural storyteller, and he has plenty of stories to tell. While the subtitle implies that the target audience is those who are "public speakers," I honestly think this book can inspire and help ANYONE. Whether you are giving presentations in the conference room, teaching a group of kids, volunteering, leading, or even just want to be a better conversationalist, this book is a win. Everyone should read it! 
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​2. Wired to Create by Scott Barry Kaufman

I love this book. I've read it twice over the past few years because it is just so rich in stories, psychology, science, and truth. If you consider yourself an artist or creative type, or even if you've ever just wondered why your mind works the way it does, this is a book for you. 
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​3. Scary Close by Donald Miller

I read this book a few years ago, but it has stuck with me ever since. It's one of those books that just shakes you to the core. It's part memoir, part self-improvement, but it wholly invites readers to let go of facades and watch what happens when we live with authenticity, true to ourselves. 
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​4. Present Over Perfect by Shauna Niequist
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I can't think of a more timely book than this. Slowing down, letting go of the pressure to go-do-be more, and being present in the moment, enjoying life. Plus, it's a magnetic read! I think I read it in like, two days (and I'm a SLOW reader). 
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​5. Addicted to Busy by Brady Boyd

This book is perfect for anyone who is struggling with the isolation and solitude that comes with quarantine and social distancing. It encourages us to EMBRACE being still, quiet, and alone. 

​What are you currently reading? What should I read next? Let me know by leaving a comment below! ​

*https://articles.aplus.com/a/reading-6-minutes-each-day-reduce-stress-68-percent?no_monetization=true