13 Burnout Books That'll Help You Actually Break Up With Stress

How prevalent is the loneliness epidemic actually?

I've joked with my sister that there seems to be a change in the way people interact with each other since the pandemic, but there's some truth to it. Reed says, "Since the pandemic began, I've observed a marked increase in feelings of loneliness across various age groups. What’s particularly interesting is the depth of loneliness people have expressed, even after moving back into engaging in normal activities."

Think about the last time you went to the grocery store — did it seem like some people exist in their own worlds without apparent regard for others? It could very well be a symptom of this very epidemic. "Many of my clients have reported feeling disconnected not just from others, but also from parts of themselves. The pandemic disrupted our regular social habits and created a void that many are still learning how to fill," explains Reed.

Does social media play a role in the way we perceive introversion and loneliness?

I can't completely shun social media because it's introduced me to different brands, people, and even my career as a journalist. However, I've also wondered if social media has a major influence on the way we think and interact with the world around us — especially in regards to introversion and loneliness. Reed believes there's more to it than that.

"Our lifestyles and societal values greatly influence how we view introversion and loneliness. For instance, highly individualistic cultures, like in the U.S., often celebrate extroversion," she says before adding, "This celebration can make quieter, introverted ways of engaging with the world seem less valuable."

This may pose an issue for those who are always busy and aren't actively interacting with others beyond a surface level. Reed says, "Additionally, our busy modern lifestyles are filled with long work hours and personal commitments. This can leave little room for deep, sustained social interactions. As a result, those who may not reach out actively can feel further isolated."

What are some signs that someone is experiencing loneliness?

Dr. Murthy also told NPR, “Some people react to loneliness by withdrawing and getting quiet. Others react to loneliness by becoming irritable and angry, and they may lash out more” before adding “...sometimes we need somebody else to tell us, ‘Hey, you’ve been withdrawing more’ to help us understand we might actually be dealing with loneliness.”

This is something that Reed also reiterated. She says, "Signs of loneliness frequently include significant changes in mood and behavior. This might look like increased irritability, persistent sadness, or withdrawal from usual activities" while "Physically, loneliness might manifest through disrupted sleep patterns or a change in appetite."

From personal experience, I've been known to dissociate if I'm feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or upset so I'm very familiar with exacerbating any loneliness I've felt by withdrawing. This also resulted in spending a lot of days in my early 20s sleeping when I wasn't working or remaining in my room with the door locked.

"If you notice a loved one seeming unusually quiet, canceling plans more frequently, or expressing feelings of emptiness, they might be experiencing loneliness," warns Reed.

How can we combat the loneliness epidemic in our daily interactions?

If you've noticed that you're being affected by the loneliness epidemic, there are different ways to combat it. Reed says, "Small daily interactions can be very impactful to combating loneliness. Simply making eye contact, sharing a smile with a stranger, or having a quick chat with a neighbor can foster a sense of connection." This sounds so Starbucks and Bookstore-coded for those of us who don't want to feel overwhelmed by anything grand.

At the same time, Reed says there are things we can do in our personal relationships to help us start feeling a sense of community again. "Reaching out regularly to friends and family through calls, messages, and face-to-face interactions is essential. Building a community around shared interests, can also help bridge the isolation gap," she shares.

Is the loneliness epidemic going to be a prolonged problem, or is it possible to turn around?

Like other things, it can seem like the loneliness epidemic won't get any better. But, Reed wants you to have hope. "While it's possible the impact of the pandemic on social interactions could be a prolonged issue, humans are inherently driven to connect." Though she says, "The pandemic has intensified social anxieties and shifted communication habits."

This can look like people finding it difficult to interact with others the way they used to (hi social anxiety). Still, that doesn't mean we have to approach things as if there's nothing to look forward to in terms of interacting with others. Reed says, "People are finding new ways to engage with each other as we be come more aware of the impacts of loneliness and actively work towards building stronger, more resilient community networks. This adaptability is a positive sign that we're moving towards more interaction again, despite the challenges."

All we can do is turn lemons into lemonade as we continue to find new normals that support our lifestyles, communication, and connection needs.

Easy Celebrity Cookbooks To Follow

The Full Plate: Flavor-Filled, Easy Recipes for Families with No Time and a Lot to Do by Ayesha Curry

Cooking for more than one person can be a little daunting and exhausting, but Ayesha Curry's cookbook makes it a little easier with her easy recipes. She knows what it's like to be a busy wife and mom so she gathered 100 recipes that take less than an hour to prep, cook, and serve. Got a taste for chicken sandwiches that feature a hot honey sauce? She's got a recipe for that!

Not That Fancy: Simple Lessons on Living, Loving, Eating, and Dusting Off Your Boots by Reba McEntire with a Forward by Garth Brooks

Similar to Dolly Parton, we don't tolerate any Reba McEntire slander here! Aside from being one of the most popular country artists out there, she's got also got a knack for serving simple meals that are full of delicious flavor. You'll get more than 60 recipes that she's personally cooked and are available at Reba's Place.

Celebrity Cookbooks Filled with Comfort Meals

Cravings: All Together by Chrissy Teigen

Chrissy Teigen is the queen of cooking comfort food and she proves it with Cravings: All Together. From appetizers to dinner recipes, your heart and belly will be full. Also, there's a chance that your home will smell absolutely wonderful which creates a deeper element of coziness.

Just Feed Me: Simply Delicious Recipes from My Heart to Your Plate by Jessie James Decker

Known for doing things with a flair, Jessie James Decker invites you to cook some of her favorite recipes in Just Feed Me: Simply Delicious Recipes from My Heart to Your Plate. She mixes Italian and Cajun dishes together for flavorful meals you'll always be in the mood to eat.

Magnolia Table, Volume 2: A Collection of Recipes for Gathering by Joanna Gaines

Joanna Gaines has perfected the art of creating inviting atmospheres with Hearth & Hand With Magnolia, but she's also known for sharing recipes that encourages her readers to gather with the closest people in their lives. Made completely from scratch, Joanna's dinner recipes are mouth-watering good and make your home smell like a place where love can be found in every bite of the dishes you make.

Here We Go Again: Recipes and Inspiration to Level Up Your Leftovers by Tiffani Thiessen and Rachel Holtzman

Leftovers can get boring after the second day, but Tiffani Thiessen has a few tricks up her sleeves to help you look at them differently. From meals that maybe you didn't exactly love at first to Thanksgiving leftover recipes, you'll be glad that you're getting into the art of meal prepping.

Celebrity Cookbooks With Healthy Options

Cooking from the Spirit: Easy, Delicious, and Joyful Plant-Based Inspirations by Tabitha Brown

Tabitha Brown makes being vegan look and taste fun. Once she discovered that eating healthier led to a decrease in health problems, she started finding ways to make it appealing for her family. One of my favorite things about this cookbook is how easy it is to follow her recipes and add your own flair because, "That's your business."

Nourish: Simple Recipes to Empower Your Body & Feed Your Soul by Gisele Bündchen

Gisele Bündchen is a supermodel and philanthropist extraordinaire who's ready to let you enter her kitchen via her new cookbook. Before she dives into her healthy recipe offerings, she offers practical tips for how you can start making healthier food and lifestyle choices.

It's the thoughtfulness that initially pulls you in, but you'll stay for the easy recipes that are also kid-friendly.

True Roots: A Mindful Kitchen with More Than 100 Recipes Free of Gluten, Dairy, and Refined Sugar by Kristin Cavallari

Once named by MINDBODYGREEN for being one of the best gluten-free cookbooks, True Roots: A Mindful Kitchen with More Than 100 Recipes Free of Gluten, Dairy, and Refined Sugar is ready to help you develop a healthier relationship with foods that don't trigger inflammation like bloating.

Celebrity Cookbooks for The Fun Hostess

Open Wide: A Cookbook for Friends by Benny Blanco with Jess Damuck

Selena Gomez's boyfriend Benny Blanco is not only a talented music produder, but hes' also an excellent cook. His recipes' names may be unconventional (here's looking at you "5 Dishes to Get You Laid and One for the Morning After"), but he clearly knows his way around the kitchen and into the hearts of the people he loves.

Rebel Homemaker: Food, Family, Life by Drew Barrymore with Pilar Valdes

Drew Barrymore continues to find ways into the hearts and minds of people all over the world, but she also knows that food is at the center of every deep connection we have. I love that the recipes she shares have her own signature twist on them because they serve as a reminder that cooking doesn't have to be super scary or strict.

Y'all Eat Yet?: Welcome to the Pretty B*tchin' Kitchen by Miranda Lambert with Holly Gleason

We live for a good southern cookbook and Miranda Lambert's does not disappoint. She makes a point to celebrate the spirited women in her life for teaching her all about laughing, loving, and raising hell while sitting around home-cooked meals. It's a feisty cookbook that's full of great food and even better memories.

Shaq's Family Style: Championship Recipes for Feeding Family and Friends by Shaquille O'Neal with Rachel Holtzman, Matthew Silverman, and Matthew Piekarski

Is there anything former basketball player Shaquille O'Neal can't do? I had no idea he had a cookbook until my S.O. and I caught a glimpse of it at our local Barnes & Noble bookstore. Nevertheless, it's apparent from the first page that his love for food can be found in each recipe that's in Shaq's Family Style: Champion Recipes for Feeding Family and Friends.

More Amazing Celebrity Cookbooks

Trejo's Tacos: Recipes and Stories from L.A. by Danny Trejo with Hugh Garvey

Danny Trejo has several Trejo's Tacos locations around California, so you know the man knows his stuff. But for those of us who aren't anywhere near the sunny state, he's packaged some of the same hearty recipes you can find at his restaurants in this amazing cookbook. My S.O. and I have been enjoying making recipes like Chicken Tikka Tacos and Mushroom Asada Bowls. Yum!

The Tucci Cookbook by Stanley Tucci with Joan and Stan Tucci, Gianni Scappin, and Mimi Taft

This cookbook really doesn't need an introduction other than: it's by Stanley Tucci. When it comes to cooking tasty Italian dishes, he simply can do no wrong in our eyes. Gonna throw The Devil Wears Pradaon real quick while I cook with this!

F---, That's Delicious: An Annotated Guide to Eating Well by Action Bronson with Rachel Wharton

My S.O. actually introduced me to rapper Action Bronson's F--- THAT'S DELICIOUSseries on YouTube when I was pregnant in 2020 and we still faithfully revisit this channel every chance we get. Want recipes from someone who — for lack of a better explantation — orgasmically loves all types of food? Start with this cookbook if you don't buy anything else.

Celebrity Cookbooks Based On Delicious Drinks

Single AF Cocktails: Drinks for Bad B*tches by Ariana Madix

You know what Ariana Madix's Single AF Cocktails drink recipe book reminds me of Rapper JT's song "Okay." I literally can't get it out of my head, especially her CTA at the beginning: "Where my bad b-tches at?"

Given Ariana's life post-Scandoval, the title of cocktail recipes book is very fitting. Each section of the book features the various stages of relationships, and it's something I can totally get behind. BRB while I go whip up a drink!

Trejo's Cantina: Cocktails, Snacks, and Amazing Nonalcoholic Drinks from the Heart of Hollywood by Danny Trejo with Hugh Garvey

Want something that feels like a different kind of celebration? You'll want to pick up this nice complement to Trejo's Tacos. Instead of offering full-blown lunch and dinner recipes, Danny Trejo shares snacks and drinks that you can indulge in on a hot summer day with your loved ones.

Rumor-Stirring Blueberry Lavender Fizz

You can't have brunch without a fun, easy drink to kick things off! This fruity mocktail features flavors of blueberry, lemon, and lime, and it comes with a foamy, pastel finish. What could be more springlike than that?

Ingredients

Serves 1

• 1 teaspoon dried lavender flowers
• 1 tablespoon blueberry jam
• 1⁄2 ounce lemon juice
• 1⁄2 ounce lime juice
• 1⁄2 ounce heavy cream
• 1 large egg white, pasteurized
• 8–12 ounces cooled sparkling water
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest

Instructions

1. Muddle lavender in a cocktail shaker.
2. Add remaining ingredients except sparkling water and lemon zest. Shake vigorously until texture changes to a foam, about 10 seconds.
3. Fill cocktail shaker with ice. Shake 15 seconds or until cocktail is well chilled.
4. Strain into a Collins glass. Top with sparkling water and garnish with lemon zest.

Household Hasty-Bake Oatmeal Pies with Sugared Berries

This dish might look fancy enough to serve Queen Charlotte, but it's actually very simple to make! You can use instant oats, which speeds up everything about the process. All you need for the sugared berries (other than the berries themselves) is sugar and an egg white, which is so easy that we're taking notes for all of our spring berry cravings.

Ingredients

Makes 4 (4") Pies Or 1 (9") Pie

For Sugared Berries:

• 1⁄3 cup superfine sugar
• 1 large egg white, pasteurized
• 1 cup fresh berries of choice

For Oatmeal Pies:

• 1 1⁄4 cups instant oats
• 1⁄2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 stick unsalted butter
• 1⁄2 cup granulated sugar
• 3⁄4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1⁄8 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 cup water
• 4 cups vanilla yogurt for filling
• 4 tablespoons amber honey

Instructions

1. Prepare a surface with wax paper. Place superfine sugar in a small shallow dish
2. Whisk egg white lightly in a small bowl until bubbles form on the surface. Using a pastry brush, lightly coat each berry with egg white.
3. Gently roll berries in sugar and place on wax paper. Let dry 20 minutes.
4. To make Oatmeal Pies: Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly coat four 4" pie pans (or one 9" pie pan) with butter and set aside.
5. In a food processor, pulse oats, flour, butter, sugar, cinnamon, and salt until butter pieces are no larger than a pea.
6. Pour mixture into a large bowl and mix in water until dough ball forms. If dough is too dry, add more water.
7. Separate dough into four equal parts and, using wet hands, press dough into pie pans. Make sure crust is even and without holes.
8. Bake 20 minutes until edges begin to brown.
9. Remove from oven and allow to cool 5 minutes. Fill with yogurt and Sugared Berries and drizzle with honey before serving.

Portia's Green Soup

We're all about filling, warm soups when temps drop, but when it's feeling lovely outside, switch things up with a chilled (and healthy) soup recipe. Avocado and buttermilk keep things creamy and garlic, chives, and salt add a nice flavor. Top with radishes, nuts, and greens.

Ingredients

Serves 6

• 1 large ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
• 4 cups buttermilk
• 1 large seedless cucumber, sliced into 1⁄4" discs 2 tablespoons sliced red onion
• 4 medium cloves garlic, peeled
• 6 tablespoons chopped fresh chives, divided 2 tablespoons aji-mirin or rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients except 3 tablespoons chives to a blender and blend until smooth. Chill 1 hour.
2. Serve in six small bowls garnished with remaining 3 tablespoons chives.

High Society Scones

These tasty scones will go great with brunch, dessert, or afternoon tea. Just don't forget the marmalade! If you don't have access to barberries, swap for currants or cranberries and you're good as gold.

Ingredients

Makes 12 scones

• 1⁄2 cup barberries
• 1⁄16 teaspoon ground saffron
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided
• 5 tablespoons very cold unsalted butter, cut into small chunks
• 3 large eggs, divided
• 3⁄4 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon water

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 450°F and set out two lined baking sheets.
2. In a small bowl, soak barberries in warm water for 30 minutes. In a separate small bowl, crumble saffron into 1 tablespoon water and set aside.
3. Add flour, baking powder, salt, 1 tablespoon sugar, and butter to a food processor and pulse until a very fine sand forms.
4. In a medium bowl, beat 2 eggs, saffron water, and milk until well combined. Gently mix in contents of food processor until just combined. Drain and stir in barberries.
5. On a clean, lightly floured surface, knead dough minimally and form into a rectangle 1" thick. Dough should be very sticky. Don’t overwork. Use a 2" round cookie cutter or glass to cut twelve circles of dough, setting them on the baking sheet 21⁄2" apart.
6. In a small bowl, beat remaining egg and water and brush lightly onto scones, then sprinkle remaining
   1 tablespoon sugar on top of scones. Bake 8–10 minutes until lightly browned.
7. Remove from oven and allow to cool 5 minutes before serving. Will last up to 1 week in refrigerator.