Words by Freya Bennett
Lately, I’ve made a quiet pledge to myself: to focus on calming my nervous system. Living with a chronic health condition that flares up when my body stays stuck in fight-or-flight mode has taught me the deep importance of kindness—especially kindness toward myself. It’s something I extend more easily to others, but often forget to offer inward.
In this season of care, I’ve been reaching for books that soothe and steady me. These four—two fiction, two nonfiction—have been my favourite balm during stressful times. They offer comfort, insight, and gentle reminders to breathe.
There is, of course, so much in the world to be heartbroken over. And while we must do what we can to help, we are no good to anyone if we’re running ourselves into the ground. So as I work on calming my overexcited heart (part of my condition includes charming little episodes of tachycardia—fun!), I invite you to join me. Not just so you can show up for others in your strongest, most grounded way, but because you—like everyone—deserve to live in a body that feels calm, safe, and cared for.
Sipsworth
In this chaotic world, we need quiet stories—ones about real people, especially those who don’t usually get the spotlight. Sipsworth by Simon Van Booy is exactly that: a tender, heartwarming story of an elderly woman who has quietly decided she’s ready to die—until a little friend enters her world and changes everything.
What follows is a moving meditation on grief, companionship, and the quiet power of community. In a time saturated with loud heroes and high drama, Sipsworth offers something far more profound: the story of a disconnected, isolated woman slowly (and reluctantly) being drawn back into connection by those around her. It’s a gentle reminder of the lengths we go to protect those who can’t protect themselves—and how sometimes, we’re the ones who need a little care.
You can read my full review of Sipsworth here.
The Vagus Nerve Reset
In her new book, The Vagus Nerve Reset, Anna offers a powerful guide to reducing stress, overcoming anxiety, and healing from past trauma. By understanding how our nervous system reacts to stress and learning to reset it, Anna shows us how to cultivate a sense of safety and calm in our everyday lives. She shares practical methods like mindful movement, breathwork, and meditation, along with tips on how to reconnect with our bodies to build resilience.
You can read my chat with Anna Ferguson here.
Why Am I Like This?
Why Am I Like This is a kind, thoughtful, and non-judgmental guide that offers insights into why we behave and feel the way we do. Styles’ warm, conversational tone feels like a comforting chat with a friend—one who understands what you’re going through and is there to remind you that you’re not broken. This is a book I’ll return to time and time again, and I believe it fills a much-needed gap in the world of self-reflection and mental health resources.
You can read my full review of Why Am I Like This? here.
Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop
Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop has been the perfect tonic for an intense world. If I could prescribe one book to soothe a weary soul, it would be this charming love letter to book lovers everywhere. Read in hospital as I awaited my c-section, it was balm to my anxious heart.
Many of us have fantasised about opening a bookshop and while this is usually not something achievable (especially in this economy), you can delve into Hwang Bo-Reum‘s world and live that life for a little bit. A book of self-acceptance that encourages the reader to reflect on their feelings towards themselves and hopefully learn to be just that little bit kinder.
You can read my full review of Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop here.
