Jeannie recommends SuperLife: The 5 Simple Fixes That Will Make You Health, Fit & Eternally Awesome
By Darin Olief
This brilliant manual isn’t just a manifesto: it’s a life pep talk delivered in easy-to-read, relatable brilliance. Written by Zac Efron’s superfood buddy from the Netflix series Down to Earth, Olien breaks down how to feel amazing using his Five Life Forces, namely nutrition, hydration, oxygenation, alkalisation, and detoxification. Sounds a bit sciencey? Don’t stress: it’s written in a way that even your wine-loving bestie or boyfriend could get on board. What I love most is that Olien isn’t preachy – he’s not into guilt-tripping you about last night’s pizza; rather he offers practical tips on how to find balance in the long-term. And even if his plan doesn’t turn me into Wonder Woman overnight, at least I’m now armed with tools to keep the journey fresh and fun.
Justine recommends Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life
By Héctor García and Francesc Miralles
Can something as simple as waking up every morning with something to do be the secret to a longer, more meaningful life? Yes, is these authors’ simple answer. If you love doing it, that is. Think about that one activity that brings you joy – that makes you feel like you’re flowing, connected to the universe. For my husband, it’s surfing. For my mother, it’s gardening. For me, it’s writing. It’s the thing you’d rather spend your time doing, above and beyond anything else. This “happiness of being busy” is what the Japanese – famous for their incredible longevity – call Ikigai; and this easy-to-follow guide explains how you can find, or enhance, yours; and build a practical template for a long life filled with meaning and purpose.
Lameez recommends Tune In: How to Make Smarter Decisions in a Noisy World
By Nuala Walsh
What stood out to me from Tune In is that Nuala Walsh asks us to be more self-aware: arguing that better decisions don’t just improve our lives, they create a better world. Through her PERIMETERS framework, she breaks down ten judgment traps – Power, Ego, Risk, Identity, Memory, Ethics, Time, Emotion, Relationships, and Story – and shows how they quietly sabotage us. For example, Ego might make us reject good advice to protect our pride, while Risk can leave us paralysed by uncertainty. Her advice? Build a “reflective pause” into your routine – whether in conversations or when facing big decisions – so you can challenge assumptions and rethink impulsive choices. The book is packed with examples, like corporate ethics scandals, but the push to “be more aware” feels like advice we’re hearing everywhere. I’d start with her keynote talk, “Tune Into What Really Matters” to decide if the 300+ pages are worth the commitment. It’s helpful, but not exactly groundbreaking.
Maxine recommends The Mountain Is You
By Brianna Wiest
What if the biggest mountain you’ve ever had to climb… is yourself? This powerful guide unpacks the messy, often frustrating art of self-mastery. It’s a candid and descriptive exploration of why we self-sabotage and how to break free from the patterns that keep us stuck. Wiest uses metaphors, science, and practical tools to help readers face themselves head-on. One thing that struck me was how being constantly busy can feel like a form of “protection,” masking deeper fears. It’s not an easy read – you’ll need to confront some uncomfortable truths. Prepare yourself to get stuck in, be encouraged to value progress over perfection, and tackle your inner terrain.
Perfect for those ready to ditch excuses and start the climb.
