18 insightful books, podcasts, and online resources that helped us manage our mental health while quarantining

Dear Therapist Podcast

Listen to the Dear Therapists podcast here

I first learned of this podcast by one of its hosts, Lori Gottlieb, while interviewing her for a very similar resource: Her book, “Maybe You Should Talk to Someone”.

Both the book and “Dear Therapists” allow you to step inside of actual therapy sessions without going yourself. In “Dear Therapists“, Gottlieb and her co-host, Guy Winch, receive letters from listeners detailing someone’s personal challenges. Gottlieb and Winch then record a joint therapy session with the letter-writer and end it by giving them actionable steps to take in the following week. Then, they record a follow-up call to see how it went.

With the podcast, and the book, you get to hear what a real therapy session is like, as well as benefit from other people’s “aha” moments; As Gottlieb told me, “they’re different situations, but what you see is that it’s all about relational issues — and everything is relational. So, sometimes, you’ll see your very own issue in one of [those different situations].”

It’s incredibly useful for anyone looking to understand themselves and their motivations better. It’s also made me feel more connected to other people, since the themes remain consistent even if the problems change. – Mara Leighton, senior reporter

 

Cheryl Strayed’s Substack

Subscribe to Cheryl Strayed’s newsletter on Substack

Having read “Wild” and “Tiny Beautiful Things,” I love Cheryl Strayed and her Dear Sugar series, which is now back on her Substack! Cheryl’s ability to blend sensible advice with unflinching vulnerability is what makes her such a role model to me, and her new columns are just as stunning as they’ve always been. This is exactly what we all need in 2021, and I’m so glad we have Dear Sugar to get us through.  — Julia Pugachevsky, e-learning editor

Original Dropcloth Embroidery Sampler

Original Dropcloth Embroidery Sampler, available at Etsy, $18

Without social plans, my evenings mostly revolve around TV shows and movies to fill the time. When I’m watching “Love Island” for the fifth night in a row, the banality and unproductiveness start to make me feel really anxious. I found that embroidering with TV on in the background helps me feel constructive without having to use any brain power. I started learning with kits, but to save money, I often just play around on old canvas bags or t-shirts. This sampler pattern is awesome to learn new stitches (15 total) and you can use it as reference when you’re stitching other items. — Rachael Schultz, health and fitness updates editor

“Maybe You Should Talk to Someone” by Lori Gottlieb

“Maybe You Should Talk to Someone” by Lori Gottlieb, from $17.29, available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and

“Maybe You Should Talk to Someone” is one of the most useful books I’ve read in a long time. In it, psychotherapist Lori Gottlieb outlines her firsthand experience in therapy as well as sessions from a few of her patients — a Hollywood producer, a young newlywed with a terminal illness, a twenty-something with dissatisfying relationships, and an isolated senior citizen. Gottlieb leads us through these intimate vignettes with candor, wit, and a conversational tone that makes therapy feel approachable.  

This book seemed to be on the nightstands of everyone I knew for a while — and for good reason. It helps you learn useful truths, as well as face some of the fears we all harbor — without putting your own skin in the game. It’s one reason why I finally decided to actually go to therapy. – Mara Leighton, senior reporter

The Atlantic’s How to Build a Life column by Arthur C. Brooks

Read The Atlantic’s How to Build a Life column here

I originally became a daily Atlantic reader because of Lori Gottlieb’s Dear Therapist column (also a must-read), but the new-ish How to Build a Life column (bi-weekly every Thursday; yes, I wish it was every week) has consistently given me “I have to tell three people about this immediately”-level takeaways. They’re written by Harvard professor and social scientist Arthur C. Brooks, who always provides a blend of convincing data and personal anecdotes to prove his point. In particular, his columns on setting meaningful New Year’s resolutions, the importance of movement during quarantine, “success addiction,” and how to find the right professional path have all had a profound impact on me. — Julia Pugachevsky, e-learning editor

NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill

NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill, $1,799, available at NordicTrack

I love to exercise simply because it makes me happy — and having a treadmill at home during the Minnesota winter has been a huge help in motivating me to work out this year. I save the best podcasts, playlists, and audiobooks that I can’t listen to during the workday for my nightly run or walk; I get to crank out some endorphins, enjoy some “me time” that breaks up my day, and enjoy my favorite entertainment. It’s also nice to lounge with pleasantly sore muscles after a shower each night. And, it’s helped me fall asleep faster and sleep deeper, which has noticeably improved my mood. – Mara Leighton, senior reporter

The Science of Well-Being Course

Sign up for Yale University’s “The Science of Well-Being” on Coursera

I first completed the Science of Well-Being a few years ago, but quarantine made it worth revisiting to map out better, happier habits with reduced resources. Professor Laurie Santos, who I interviewed about how to be happy during quarantine, is a thoughtful and warm authority — shot in Santos’ own home, her lessons were so practical and thoughtful that the class never felt like work. It was relieving to hear how to make concrete improvements to everyday life, and to understand what our misconceptions about happiness are and what can make us happier from a scientific standpoint. 

This class is also low-pressure. It’s meant to be enjoyed — and there’s zero required reading. – Mara Leighton, senior reporter

“Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents” by Lindsay C. Gibson

“Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents” by Lindsay C. Gibson, from $12.99, available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and

I read and wrote about this book in 2020 because of how much it blew me away. No matter your situation, this book gives you tangible advice on how to cope with strained familial relationships (and, IMO, any relationships). The writing strikes a great balance between being highly empathetic and offering concrete tips to improve how you communicate and deal with unhealthy relationships. It’s something I’d recommend to anyone, especially parents or people who’d like to be parents someday. — Julia Pugachevsky, e-learning editor

Just Between Us Podcast

Listen to Just Between Us on Spotify or Apple Podcasts

The intersection of digital media and mental health is incredibly fascinating to me, so whenever others in the industry share those passions (and back them with knowledge and empathy), I’m almost always interested. Such is the case with Allison Raskin and Gaby Dunn’s podcast, “Just Between Us.” The podcast is friendly and joyful in nature, but the duo doesn’t shy away from vulnerability.

Introspective conversations from the pair and their guests dive deep into anything from imposter syndrome and boundaries to sex and gender identity, and it’s always validating to hear takeaways I’ve discussed with friends or my therapist while learning something new at the same time. Topics and guests are diverse and informative, and even in the episodes that don’t cover mental health, listening leaves me feeling a bit more educated and much more seen. — Emily Hein, story producer

Adobe Fresco

While I didn’t have access to my art supplies during remote quarantine, I was able to draw and paint using the terrific Fresco app from Adobe. Available for iPhone, iPad, and Windows PCs with pen support, such as the Microsoft Surface and Wacom Cintiq Pro, I could create everything that I would normally do on paper — from line doodles to watercolor paintings. I’d spend hours getting lost in making art and forgetting the world’s troubles for the day. — Les Shu, guides senior editor

“Zen as F*ck” by Monica Sweeney

“Zen as F*ck” by Monica Sweeney, from $8.99 available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, , and Target

Check out our favorite journals for processing and managing anxiety here

Journaling is one of the healthiest, most productive ways I’m able to make sense of my thoughts, and it takes on many different forms. When I often have anxious thoughts that seem to pile on top of one another, it can be easier to physically write everything down in a blank journal, or to brain dump thoughts into a note or a Google Doc when my brain is moving faster than my hands can write.

Guided journals like “Zen as F*ck” can be helpful when I’ve been feeling generally anxious, but I can’t pinpoint it to something specific. I especially love this journal because the tone of it encourages journalers to approach their thoughts with a bit of humor without being invalidating — an approach I have trouble with on my own. Plus, fun exercises like coloring and doodle spaces are interspersed between the guided prompts, which adds a bit of catharsis while giving my brain a break from introspection. — Emily Hein, story producer

“Year of Yes” by Shonda Rhimes

“Year of Yes” by Shonda Rhimes, from $9.69, available at Amazon and

Shonda Rhimes has been receiving a lot of press for her hot, new production, “Bridgerton,” and “Year of Yes” is just as deserving of the attention. Though it is important to say “no” every so often to hold a sense of balance when it comes to your mental health, Rhimes advocates being open to every opportunity that presents itself. I read this book last year and saying “yes” lingers in my mind whenever I’m hesitant about jumping into something out of my comfort zone. She targets how the many “yeses” she challenged herself with enabled her to “explore, empower, applaud, and love her truest self.” It’s a top book to kick off 2021, too, and especially enlightening when it comes to celebrating the tiniest things in life that ultimately bring us newfound joy. — Victoria Giardina, buying guides fellow

“The Body Is Not An Apology” by Sonya Renee Taylor

“The Body Is Not An Apology” by Sonya Renee Taylor, from $16.79, available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and

As an adult, I’ve noticed how much of the world pushes loathing of yourself or others — be it in the service of politics (us vs them) or marketing (you vs them). I’ve been trying to avoid and unlearn as much of it as possible. 

“The Body Is Not An Apology” is one of the best salves. It’s activist and poet Sonya Renee Taylor’s self-love manifesto, and, in it, Taylor discusses the origin and impact of our human-made, indoctrinated body-shame. She writes about the liberating power of “radical self-love”— and how it can create a more equitable society. She also includes prompts and a “toolkit” for reflecting on your own life, which was especially useful for pinpointing body-shame, which is so pervasive it can feel invisible. 

Like radical self-love, this book is an invitation to experience something infinitely happier, healthier, and more enriching: a society where we celebrate and affirm our differences rather than hate or simply tolerate them. That world takes work to build, but Taylor’s book is a lovely peek into it. – Mara Leighton, senior reporter

Dr. Norton

Follow Dr. Norton on Instagram here

Dr. Marquis Norton is one of social media’s quarantine treasures, in my opinion. He’s a licensed professional counselor based in Virginia, and he’s grown a following on Tik Tok and Instagram (@drnortontherapy for both) for disseminating bite-sized mental health insights and aggregating infographics on topics like anxiety, relationships, and naming your emotions. Seeing him use his expertise for good — often accompanied by goofy TikTok dances — has made me happy. The content has been a nice daily reminder to prioritize my mental health, without requiring me to create a “new” space for it in my day (it lives on Instagram, where I already spend too much time). It’s also helped facilitate conversations in real life with friends and family. – Mara Leighton, senior reporter

@emotionalsupportlady

Follow @emotionalsupportlady on Instagram

Along with “Just Between Us,” Allison Raskin’s Instagram account and corresponding Patreon page have allowed me to feel so supported and far less alone with my anxious thoughts. Allison is currently in the process of receiving her Masters in Clinical Psychology, and our shared interest in digital media, mental health education, and advocacy make me even more inspired by her work than I’d ordinarily be.

Her vulnerability shines through by appropriately including personal experience to validate those who engage with her page, which typically features a doodle of a major takeaway with a caption further explaining the sentiment. Many of Allison’s posts mirror conversations I’ve had with myself, my therapist, and my friends, in some cases almost exactly (her Patreon blog post on positive self-talk was especially resonant). — Emily Hein, story producer

Anboor French Fries Slow Rising Squishy

Anboor French Fries Slow Rising Squishy, $6.99, available at Amazon

If there’s such a thing as a stress ball enthusiast, I’d consider myself to be one. They’re a healthy way to release pent up energy and relieve tension. I received this one as a gift from a close friend upon receiving personal news, and while it’s definitely had its fair share of ripping after two years (and I never caught onto a scent), the smiling French fries make me smile each time I reach for it. If you’re looking for something a little more compact, I also highly recommend Speks magnetic toys — I keep a set at my desk and a set in the living room for whenever I need something to do with my hands while thinking. — Emily Hein, story producer

“Love Does” by Bob Goff

“Love Does” by Bob Goff, from $7.84, available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and

Read this book. These three words sum up Bob Goff’s memoir to a T because it is seriously a sensational read for its promotion of restful living and encouragement to fervently love others. I read “Love Does” last year while on vacation and finished it in a day (and, even though I’m a speedy reader, I was likely on double speed going through each word). It was the perfect book to read while lounging by the pool in Italy, and it was just as refreshing to read at the start of a new year. Goff is an author and speaker with a passionate, faith-driven perspective on life that is simply delightful to discover across the pages. I contacted Goff after reading his best-selling book and he, not to much surprise, responded with even more encouragement. I guess that’s what ‘love does’ — it consistently circles back once you’re in a peaceful headspace to give to others. I can’t recommend this one enough; it’s undoubtedly my favorite book I’ve ever read.

For another encouraging read (that I’m currently flipping through now) is “Love Lives Here” by his wife, Maria Goff. — Victoria Giardina, buying guides fellow

“Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert

“Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert, from $11.04, available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and

 If you’re looking for a book that captures practical wisdom and advice to unleash your inner creative genius, Elizabeth Gilbert’s bestselling book “Big Magic” should be at the top of your reading list. If you’ve never considered yourself a creative, don’t fret — you don’t have to know every shade of paint Hobby Lobby offers or how to write a haiku to relate to Gilbert’s nuggets of wisdom. It’s for the dreamers, the doers, and everyone in between, especially for workers of all kinds and people who aspire more mindfulness and drive in their lives. Her words are a great example of understanding mental health from a fresh, new angle. Each chapter entwines for a fuller understanding of inspiration and how creativity is worn differently, depending on personality. For a book to read in the “Live Your Best Life” section (as titled by Barnes & Noble), this one is a five out of five stars, for sure. — Victoria Giardina, buying guides fellow