Rock This Versatile Low Braid in 10 Minutes Flat

Jul 25, 2016

ICYMI, braids are kind of everything this summer. Whether you’re a fan of the French braid or you’re into braided buns, pretty plaits hold a special place in every girl’s date-night, workweek and off-duty lineups. They’re a solid style to turn to when you’re on the go; their tidiness and versatility just *works* — simple as that. The low braid is one of our faves for when we want to really look the part and totally rock it, with little to no effort. Did we mention it’s a hair hack you can master in 10 minutes flat?! So now there are no excuses. Scroll on to get the lowdown on this low braid.

STEP 1: START WITH A DEEP SIDE PART

Create a severe side part to start this look. Next, grab the front section of hair, from your hairline to ear. Pro tip: It’s best to clip the rest of your unused hair back when you’re braiding so the strands don’t get intertwined.

STEP 2: BEGIN YOUR LOW BRAID

Now, working with the front section of hair you set aside, grab a one-inch section and begin French braiding it at the front, remembering to keep tension near your hairline. The braid should be as close to your forehead as possible.

When your braid reaches ear-level, start weaving new hair from the back section into the front to form a braid that wraps around your head. It should end near the nape of your neck.

STEP 3: GET LOW ON THE OTHER SIDE

Repeat the same braiding technique on the other side — begin your braid right at your ear.

STEP 4: JOIN BOTH BRAIDS

Finally, join both braids in the back by securing them together with an elastic band. Cover up the elastic by taking some hair from your pony and wrapping it around. So simple and gorgeous, girl!

Leave your look as is or dress it up with a delicate head piece.

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Hair and Art Direction by Maritza Buelvas
Photography by Jennifer Coffey
Modeling by Bella Wholey
Bridal Accessories by Dame Couture

18 Easy Hairstyles For Rainy Fall Days

Great hair days are hard to come by — then, add in a dripping sky and “can’t breathe” humidity and most of us just throw up our hands and flaunt our frizz for the day. That's why these rainy day hairstyles are exactly what we need this fall: when your hair is doing everything *except* what you want it to do, you'll want to have these easy hairstyles in your back pocket. From accessories to braids to updos, these 18 totally awesome hair tutorials are the key to having luscious locks no matter the forecast. This has been a report from your local hair-saver station.

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Two Braids

This is a great look if you want your hair pulled back from your face but also want some of it left down.

Rope Braids

Get a cute style on days when you're not really feeling it with these rope braids. They add just the right amount of detail without having to go all in on a difficult look. (via Brit + Co)

Image used with permission courtesy of @lovefings

Bubble Braids

Pull back the front sections of your hair, or all of it, into a sassy update on this classic hairstyle from our childhoods. (via Brit + Co)

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Deconstructed Ponytail

Ponytails and buns are pretty much every girl’s go-to on a rainy day, but that gets old fast. Amp up your average pony with this chic deconstructed style. (via Wit + Delight)

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JULIE SARIÑANA on Instagram: "happy vibes always. 🌈🙃"

Head Scarf

We love this fab updo for two reasons: 1) It’s super easy to do yourself. 2) It’s got boho-glam written all over it.

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Baseball Cap

This is one easy, cute, and super casual way to keep your hair under control for rainy days and 3rd hair days alike.

Mad Men Updo

Peggy will have nothing on you when you step out in this retro-inspired updo. (via Brit + Co)

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Bun

If your hair always falls out of claw clips, try making a bun and securing the ends with a clip instead.

Crazy Waves

In a hurry? No problem — simply throw some dry shampoo in your hair and head out. You can add a few curls or a cute hat if you have time. (via Brit + Co)

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Headband Hair Pile

Got a head full of crazy curls that go even more cray when it’s wet outside? Allow us to introduce you to the perfect hairstyle for taming your locks when the humidity is sky high. (via Refinery29)

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Boho Crown Braid

If you haven’t noticed yet, braids are pretty much your hair’s white knight — there to save you when the big, black clouds attack.

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Barrettes

Keep framing pieces and flyaways under control with some barrettes and hair spray. Very Y2K and very cute!

Easy Wonder Woman-Inspired Knotted Braid

Give any outfit a bit of edge with this fun and surprisingly easy braid. This look is exactly what it sounds like: knots all the way down your hair! (via A Beautiful Mess)

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From Curly to Sleek Top Knot/Bun

Sleek Top Knot

Rain or shine, you can never go wrong with a super sleek top knot.

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Messy French Twist

French twists are no easy feat, especially when you’re in the midst of your morning rush. But, if you’re okay with rocking the messy version, this is an excellent hairstyle to pull out on dreaded rainy days. (via Once Wed)

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Ziger Naturals on Instagram: "Crown braid & bun 👑😍 @_ammamama_ . . . . . . . . . #naturallyshesdope #naturalhair #crownbraid #teamnatural #blackgirlmagic #naturalhaircommunity #protectivestyles #naturalhairdaily #naturalhairstyles #crownbraids #myhaircrush #naturalhairjourney #kinksandcoils #naturalhairrocks #melanin #blackgirlskillingit #amazingnaturalhair #healthyhairjourney #naturalhairdoescare #respectmyhair #melaninonfleek #melaninmagic #naturalista #blackgirlsrock #kinkychicks #melaninpoppin #voiceofhair #melaninqueen #naturalhairgrowth"

Goddess Braids

Add some gold cord or fun ribbons into your braids for an added accessory to your updo.

Half-Up High Pony

This style will keep your hair out of your face while still looking romantic. (via Brit + Co)

Romantic Twist Updo

With this romantic-inspired updo you can control your mane and look good while doing it. Talk about an awesome way to start off a less-than-cheerful rain-filled morning. (viaBrit + Co)

Which rainy day hairstyle will you pull off the next time it pours? Let us know your favorites in the comments and on Twitter, and be sure to check out our Fall Hair Trends for 2022.

This post has been updated.

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Read Your Lucky Autumn Equinox Horoscope For 2024

Fall is finally upon us, bringing so much crisp weather, cool 'fits, and fantastic PSLs! While the rest of the year has plenty to offer in its own way, autumn just really does hit different. And while so much good comes from the turn from summer into fall, the Autumn Equinox on September 22 brings about its own energetic changes we've got to navigate. In order to keep those good vibes going and under understand how you can bring balance to your life during this shift, read on for your sun, moon, and rising sign horoscope from Inbaal Honigman and Psychic World!

Read For Your Sun, Moon, And Rising Sign Autumn Equinox Horoscope!

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Aries (March 21 - April 19)

For Aries, the equilibrium of the Equinox may not hold great allure, as they lean towards extremes rather than stability. But do make an effort as the Autumn Equinox ushers in Libra season (September 23rd - October 22nd), with the whole month dedicated to finding balance. With every active day, combine a calm day. Given that Libra is your polar opposite on the zodiac wheel, this may come as a challenge, but it's needed for a steady mind this season.

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Taurus (April 20 - May 20)

Autumn Equinox is a balanced and elegant time of year, and this speaks right to the Taureans’ soul, as they appreciate peace and equilibrium. A piece of advice for the Equinox is to step out of your comfort zone, seize the opportunity presented by the Harvest Moon on the 29th, and make plans for new and unconventional experiences.

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Gemini (May 21 - June 20)

Summer is their season, as Geminis relish a party or two, and the company of others. The approaching autumn may bring a sense of solitude, which Geminis hate. All the sensible balance of the Autumn Equinox is just plain boring to most, so the twin sign should do their best to reconnect with their inner child and all the things they love about Autumn. Consider booking a trip to view the Northern Lights, or tuning in to a Northern Lights broadcast on your phone to keep things fun and original.

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Cancer (June 21 - July 22)

The Equinox is a solar phenomenon marking the perfect balance between daylight and darkness. This might not resonate as strongly with Cancers, who are lunar creatures, ruled by the moon. Hence, they are more likely to feel the impact of the Harvest moon — a time of endings and resource gathering — on the 29th, rather than the Autumn Equinox, which signifies balance. Emotional Cancers can also be comforted by their favourite autumnal scents, movies and time with their loved ones this season.

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Leo (July 23 - Aug. 22)

Leo’s planetary ruler is the Sun, and so celestial shifts such as solstices and equinoxes will feel very impactful. The call to bid farewell to the joys of summer behind and embrace the muted tones of autumn is strong, though they can't help but miss the sunny days. Leos should expect a powerful boost this season as the energetic shift will tap into their curiosity and passion.

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Virgo (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22)

The very end of Virgo season is when the fall Equinox hits — and isn't it ironic? Under the influence of Virgo, society as a whole has been organized and neat, shedding unnecessary baggage and investing in self-improvement, much like the sign itself. And when the Equinox asks everyone — are you sure you're done? Is everything in place? Virgos can confidently answer 'yes'.

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Libra (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22)

As Libra season approaches, get ready to feel right at home! No one will enjoy this cosy season more than the Libra, with everything pumpkin spice upon us, and the Autumn Equinox signals this shift. No shaming of those who want to pull their pajamas on straight after work. Peaceful moments as the leaves fall are the key to Libra’s happiness.

Brit + Co

Scorpio (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21)

Secrets are a Scorpios safety net. Not big secrets like having two wives, but little secrets like 'Yeah, I loved Dangerous Liaisons' or 'I don't know my way around Birmingham'. With the arrival of the Autumn Equinox, Scorpios leave summer behind and find comfort in the shadows of winter. It will be a refreshing time.

Brit + Co

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21)

The end of summer hits Sagittarius hard, because they love traveling so much. The Equinox calls for a moment of calm and balance, although that is not their vibe as they seek for winter sun destinations. A Sagittarius should allow themself to be still for a few days, put their phones and passports away and honor the fall season with a few deep breaths.

Brit + Co

Capricorn (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19)

Capricorn is a business-minded sign who understands that change is a constant, cyclical aspect of life. And so when the time comes to enact change, they seize the opportunity. The Autumn Equinox serves as a reminder that what once worked may no longer be effective, signaling the need to adjust your routine.

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Aquarius (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18)

With their humanitarian nature, Aquarians are always introspective. This Equinox will encourage this idealistic sign to visit new places, and learn new things. They also enjoy being helpful, but will not be conspicuous about it. They like to be well-read, but hate a snob or a show off — so the Equinox is right up their alley! Business as usual.

Brit + Co

Pisces (Feb. 19 - March 20)

As a romantic at heart, Pisces hold high expectations for themselves. The Equinox's call for balance and self-value is a message Pisces need to hear. The increased likelihood of witnessing the Northern Lights adds an extra touch of enchantment to this autumn season for Pisces.

For more astrology advice, be sure to Ask Lumifor advice, and follow the conversation on Facebook!

horoscope astrology zodiac fall zodiac signs horoscopes

5 Quick and Easy Hairstyles That Look Even Better With Extensions

If you’ve ever found yourself running late (guilty), you’ve likely thrown your hair into a messy bun or half-up hairstyle in hopes of getting out the door ASAP. While your inspiration may have been your favorite Instagram beauty blogger, if you have fine strands, lifeless locks, or simply aren’t a hair pro, you may be at a loss as to where to begin. Instead of feeling frazzled, heed the advice of Amber Fillerup Clark, AKA Barefoot Blonde, on how to bring her Insta-worthy #HairGoals to life. Ahead you’ll find five easy-to-follow tutorials that will put the finishing touches on any outfit of the day. Best of all, despite looking voluminous, expertly coiffed, and perfectly imperfect, each insanely quick style will take you no more than five minutes, a few bobby pins and, depending on your hair type, clip-in extensions to create.

Two-Twist Updo

You’ll need:

extensions
hair elastics
bobby pins

Instructions:

1. If you have thick hair, you can skip this step. If you have fine hair, however, consider the BFB Up ($115). Designed to create full-bodied updos, these clip-in extensions make any ponytail, bun, or twist look bigger and better. If you use them, clip them in line with the tops of your ears under the outermost layer of hair.

2. Starting at the front of your hair, twist two sections of hair to their ends before twisting them together in a loose rope braid. To do so, twist toward your head and add in sections of hair as you work your way down.

3. Stop once you have twisted half of your hair and secure with elastic.

4. Twist the other half of your hair and secure with elastic.

5. Pin the two twists up. There’s no wrong way to do this; just have fun pinning hair in all directions.

Modern French Twist

You’ll need:

extensions
bobby pins

Instructions:

1. If you have thick hair, you can skip this step. If not, insert your clip-in extensions in the middle of the back of your head, in line with the top of your ear.

2. Gather all of your hair to the back like you’re going to make a low ponytail.

3. With your pointer finger, twist hair at the nape of the neck.

4. Twist two or three times while moving your hand up to create the twist.

5. Secure with bobby pins.

6. Leave the tail of your hair out for a fun touch, or tuck it under and pin.

7. Pull some pieces of hair out around your face.

Scarf Bun

You’ll need:

extensions
hair elastic
scarf
bobby pins

Instructions:

1. If you have thick hair, you can skip this step. If not, insert clip-in extensions in the middle of the back of your head, in line with the top of your ear.

2. Make a low ponytail at the back of your head.

3. Tie a scarf around the ponytail.

4. Take one side of the scarf and join it with the ponytail.

5. Twist the ponytail into a bun.

6. Bobby pin to secure the bun.

7. Tie a knot with the scarf ends or leave them longer. Up to you!

Snake Braid

You’ll need:

hair elastic
bobby pins

Instructions:

1. Take a small section of hair and do a three-strand braid on one side of your head.

2. With two fingers, hold the middle strand.

3. With your other hand, lightly pinch and push the braid toward the head.

4. Secure with an elastic and pin it in place.

Twisted Half Up

You’ll need:

extensions
hair elastics

Instructions:

1. Twist two sections of hair from each side and secure them in the back with an elastic.

2. Repeat again with two more small sections from the front.

3. Take the hair from the twists and add in two more small sections of hair to create bulk.

4. Fishtail or braid the gathered hair down to the bottom.

5. Pull apart the braid to make it look more voluminous.

6. Secure with an elastic.

Do you love extensions? Tell us @BritandCo!

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12 Abercrombie & Fitch Fall Dresses You Can Wear Anywhere This Season

Fall dresses are my vice. I love stepping out in something flowy, comfy, and cute, and Abercrombie & Fitch has absolutely mastered making fall dresses that check all of those boxes and more. From form-fitting mini styles to dreamy maxi dresses, these Abercrombie & Fitch fall dresses definitely deserve a spot in your seasonal wardrobe. Scroll on to shop my favorite in-stock pieces!

Abercrombie & Fitch

The A&F Paloma Mini Dress

This adorable, meshy, lined mini dress is the perfect on-trend piece to try out this season. Leopard print is undeniably on the rise – take a walk on the wild side by pairing this dress with a black blazer and heels!

Abercrombie & Fitch

Essential Long-Sleeve Rugby Mini Dress

Did someone say preppy? This striped rugby dress feels just as good as wearing an oversized tee (and nothing else) on your day off. Its casual, loose-fitting silhouette makes it super easy to dress up or down, depending on your mood.

Abercrombie & Fitch

The A&F Ava Long-Sleeve Mini Dress

It's never a bad idea to work in some color to your fall wardrobe, but why go with the expected deep greens and burnt oranges when a gorgeous fuchsia like this exists? This long-sleeved mini dress will surely make your look stand out with a unique squared neckline and bouts of flattering ruching along the sides.

Abercrombie & Fitch

The A&F Mara High-Neck Vest Midi Dress

Give me denim dresses or give me death! This sleek design from A&F is cut from a "soft denim fabric" that'll make you forget you're even dressed up. The high neck offers a sophisticated vibe, no matter what you end up wearing with it (I'd absolutely layer the dress with some tall black riding boots).

Abercrombie & Fitch

Satin Slip Maxi Dress

Slip dresses are timeless, but sometimes, it's fun to play around with ones that have patterns on them. As opposed to a solid black slip, this silky one is dotted in repetitive bow illustrations for head-turning effect.

Abercrombie & Fitch

Squareneck Belted Mini Dress

I love this mini because it feels perfectly appropriate for a wide range of occasions, from the office to happy hour. It has a drop-waist effect, thanks to the low-lying skinny belt that definitely gives cool-girl chic. For work, simply wear it with a tailored cardigan or blazer and some ballet flats.

Abercrombie & Fitch

Long-Sleeve Slash Knit Maxi Dress

Navy blue is slowly becoming my go-to color for fall, and the fact that this cozy dress is swarmed in it makes me want to purchase ASAP. It wears like a total dream, thanks to the stretch knit fabric it's made of, and it's ultimately super flattering on, with tons of ruching and draping to boot.

Abercrombie & Fitch

Ribbed Sweater Duster Dress

ICYMI, it's sweater dress season. When the temperatures start to fall, reaching for a pair of jeans when all you want to do is cuddle up in a blanket just feels wrong. That's where cozy sweater dresses like this one come in – they give you the dressed-up look without ever restricting or distracting you from the day. That's a win!

Abercrombie & Fitch

The A&F Mara Tweed Vest Mini Dress

This work-ready mini dress truly lives in my brain rent-free. I love how polished it looks! It's crafted from a soft tweed fabric with plenty of shiny buttons up the front, non-functional pockets, and a chic v-neckline to complete the look. The dress' overall fit is body-skimming, so it's super flattering, too.

Abercrombie & Fitch

Dipped-Waist Sweetheart Maxi Dress

A drop waist dress is always gonna get me! This dreamy white maxi has the effect of a drop waist without flaunting it fully. The dipped waistline pairs well with the playful open back detail before falling to a perfectly flowy skirt that you can easily don on dinner dates and parties amongst your friend group.

Abercrombie & Fitch

The A&F Ava Knit Maxi Dress

Bright red is definitely one of the trendiest colors to keep an eye on this fall. This fitted maxi dress won't be missed wherever you go, thanks to the eye-catching colorway! The ruching on the side of the bodice hugs your figure nicely while the flirty leg slit draws even more attention to your look.

Abercrombie & Fitch

Short-Sleeve Denim Shirt Dress

This denim shirt dress will be your BFF for wearing with all your fall shoes! From sneakers to boots, it allows endless styling opportunities.

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15 Life-Changing Self-Care Books To Read By The End Of 2024

Has anyone else felt like their mid-year reset skipped them...or is that just me? Truthfully, my mental health started teetering towards the beginning of the year while my self-care has taken a swan dive into a forgotten abyss.

In an attempt to redirect myself, I've hit pause on rom-coms and thriller books so I can have more time for peaceful introspection. It turns out escapism is fun until you realize how much you've been neglecting yourself.

There are so many titles out there, but these 15 self-care books are the most brilliant ones I've come across!

P.S. Some of these books are in heavy rotation! Keep them handy for the days you're feeling down!

Amazon

Consider This: Reflections for Finding Peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab (October 15, 2024)

Therapist and bestselling author Nedra Glover Tawwab captured my attention with her titles Set Boundaries, Find Peace and Drama Free: A Guide to Managing Unhealthy Family Relationships so much that I always have them on my desk. It's one of the reasons I'm so excited to dive into her new book, Consider This: Reflections for Finding Peace, next month!

It's almost as if she has secret intel, with all the precious nuggets she'll share that will help us center ourselves during tough moments. From friendly reminders to loving, but firm nudges, Tawwab provides guidance on everything from boundaries to finding joy during every moment.

Amazon

Slowing: Discover Wonder, Beauty, and Creativity Through Slow Living by Rachel Schwartzmann

Author and Slow Stories podcast host Rachel Schwartzmann is here to remind us to slow TF down. Between receiving new information at the speed of light and having busy schedules, it's no wonder we're so stressed! Instead of being controlled by work and business, Schwartzmann wants us to reimagine the way we live and create.

She has poignant essays about the positive effects of slowing down — plus, she introduces readers to other voices who have insight about their own experiences with doing so! There are even "guided practices" to help reignite our introspection and creativity through journaling.

Amazon

The Perfectionist's Guide to Losing Control: A Path to Peace and Power by Katherine Morgan Schafler

Perfectionists, we've been summoned with a guide that wants to give us permission to stop trying to control everything. It's so funny — this book landed on my radar after stressing about how I haven't felt in control for a long time. See how life works?

Anyway, psychotherapist Morgan Schafler knows we've been spoon-fed ideology about having balance in our lives, and feels like it's actually not helpful in the long run. She even helps categorize different versions of perfectionism: classic, intense, Parisian, messy, and procrastinator. Yes, that's right. Your procrastinating habit is rooted in perfectionism.

Instead of telling you to get rid of a part of who you are, Schafler breaks down why we respond to things a certain way and teaches how to live life so that our perfectionism doesn't necessarily control every single thing we do.

Amazon

The Secret Language of the Body by Jennifer Mann and Karden Rabin

Do you know the role our nervous systems plays in our bodies? It's basically our in-house communication center for messages between our brains and bodies. It's what triggers or flight or fight mode, which comes in handy if we're trying to escape a bristly bear in the woods, but does nothing for us if we're upset someone cut us in line at Starbucks. Little moments like that lead to nervous system dysregulation and can cause a lot of pain.

Mind-body practitioners Jen Mann and Karden Rabin wrote The Secret Language of the Body as way to help us understand what truly goes on in our nervous systems. They dive into topics like somatic therapy, Polyvagal theory, and how our minds and bodies are connected so we can stop living in survival mode.

Amazon

The Joy of Saying No by Natalie Lue

You know what's even harder to navigate life with besides perfectionism? It's being a people pleaser and considering everyone else's feelings before you think about your own.

The Joy of Saying No aims to explain how this is often rooted in our childhoods from being known as the good kid to the one who believes overachieving makes them more likable. It's true these roles served a function, but they can also stop us from being who we are as adults. Natalie Lue wants to help us recognize how we continue to operate in people-pleasing mode via six steps so we can reset our connection to others.

Amazon

Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily Nagoski, PhD and Amelia Nagoski, DMA

I'm going to talk about this book forever! It's one of my go-to reads when I'm experiencing so much burnout I can barely think straight. Sisters Emily Nagoski, Phd and Amelia Nagoski, DMA know that burnout isn't a new phenomenon — nor are they claiming it is. What they do know is too many women continue to experience it and are determined to help us change course.

There's lessons about how to move through our natural biological stress cycles, check in with our brains when we're frustrated, and get intimate with our inner critics who live to remind us that we're not doing enough. It's written so beautifully that you'll feel like you're talking to a friend who majored in psychology, but still has the same down-to-earth attitude you first encountered as kids.

Amazon

The Sugar Jar: Create Boundaries, Embrace Self-Healing, and Enjoy the Sweet Things in Life by Yasmine Cheyenne

Yasmine Cheyenne's Sugar Jar metaphor is one of the easiest ways for us to realize how depleted we can become if we're not managing our boundaries and healing. From leaving our proverbial jars open, we become subject to energy vampires and moments we don't recognize we need to replenish ourselves until we're on the brink of burnout.

She teaches us how to understand what makes us feel exhausted, how we can press reset, and break up with our own negative habits. Also, she taps into our people-pleasing tendencies so we can find healthier ways to show up for ourselves and others.

Amazon

What It Takes to Heal: How Transforming Ourselves Can Change the World by Prentis Hemphill

Prentis Hemphill knows the past few years have left everyone feeling off balance which is why What It Takes to Heal was written. It's a call-to-arms to remind us that our healing isn't optional if we want to move forward in the world.

You'll learn how to pay attention to how our body responds to certain things, including our own habits, and you'll figure out how to stop bearing the weight of emotional burdens. But instead of being in isolation, Hemphill encourages you to embrace being part of a community.

Amazon

Sacred Self-Care: Daily Practices for Nurturing Our Whole Selves by Dr. Chanequa Walker-Barnes

Dr. Chanequa Walker-Barnes is offering helpful insights for how to being nurturing ourselves in Sacred Self-Care. As a psychologist, pastor, and activist, she's seen how hard it is for people to maintain a self-care practice that helps them navigate life.

As such, she's developed a seven-week guide filled with practices and activities that hone in on our emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual health. With each passing day, you'll receive journal prompts and scriptures that will help set the tone for the day. It's like a devotional from a psychologist's perspective and that can be great if you rely on both therapy as well as religion to get through your days.

Amazon

You Are Only Just Beginning: Lessons for the Journey Ahead by Morgan Harper Nichols

Morgan Harper Nichols hasn't shied away from sharing her story and encouraging words with others on Instagram which is why it makes sense she's written You Are Only Just Beginning: Lessons for the Journey Ahead. She wants to help us embrace adventurous moments while sharing reminders that hard moments are temporary.

Sometimes all we need is a little courage to keep going when things feel bleak.

Amazon

The Book of Moods: How I Turned My Worst Emotions Into My Best Life by Lauren Martin

Have you ever felt burdened by mood swings? If so, I completely understand because I often question my own and so did author Lauren Martin. She hit a wall a few years ago even though it seemed like her life was perfect on the surface. No matter what she did, she couldn't shake feeling inferior of irritable. It wasn't only she crossed paths with another successful stranger who felt the same that Lauren begin to seek to understand her emotions.

The Book of Moods: How I Turned My Worse Emotions Into My Best Life is a recollection of Lauren's journey and how she learned to find peace. She talks about varying triggers everyone has faced and blends her own wisdom with science-backed evidence to help us make informed decisions.

Amazon

Self-Care for Moms by Sara Robinson, MA

Moms are often praised for our ability to be self-sacrificing and resilient in the face of hardship, but I'd be lying if I said it felt like people seem to forget we're human. We do care a lot and have the warm nurturing nature everyone talks about, but we also have our limits lest we fall victim to burnout.

Self-Care for Moms offers over 100 activities designed to remind moms how to pour into ourselves daily. Whether it's a 5-minute phone call or hour lunch with a friend sans kids, it's time for us to reclaim the way we care for ourselves.

Amazon

How We Heal: Uncover Your Power and Set Yourself Free by Alexandra Elle

Alexandra Elle has shared her moving anecdotes with the internet since Tumblr, eventually becoming a bestselling author who continues to remind us to come home to ourselves. In How We Heal, she aims to help us rediscover peace by focusing on healing.

Broken into four parts, you'll find everything from journal prompts to meditations that tackle our innermost emotions. She even shares bits of her personal experiences so you feel less alone.

Amazon

Dare to Feel: The Transformational Path of the Heart by Alexandra Roxo

If you're on the other spectrum of emotions that includes burying them, Dare to Feel encourages you to do the opposite. Although you may feel repulsed by the idea of cracking your heart open, trust that it's metaphorical. This is an invitation to connect with yourself, life, and others past a superficial level. You'll come across poems, meditations, and more that help you fall in love with being in tune with your emotions in this moving book.

Amazon

Girl On Fire: How to Choose Yourself, Burn the Rule Book, and Blaze Your Own Trail in Life and Business by Cara Alwill Leyba

What's self-care without a reminder that you are THAT GIRL? Instead of questioning your worth, Girl on Fire wants you to start remembering who you truly are.

From encouraging you to not see other women as competition to offering tips for how to navigate the vision you have in your heart, you'll learn how not to let life and business get you down.

You'll feel empowered by the end of Girl on Fire and that's the point!

Still feeling stuck? We have more self improvement books to help you navigate the rest of 2024!

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