The Extremely Busy Woman’s Guide to Self-Care: Do Less, Achieve More, and Live the Life You Want

In this empowering offering, Falter (The Joy of Letting Go) maps out a detailed, adaptable action plan for the overscheduled woman who’d like to take better care of herself, but can’t find the time to. After Falter’s 22-year-old daughter, Teal, died of an unexplained heart condition in 2012, Falter first fell apart emotionally, and then (using many of the tips she offers to readers) climbed out of despair to live her best life. Punctuating chapters with encouraging quotes from Teal’s journal, Falter gently pushes readers out of their comfort zones to first get into the self-care mind-set (understanding one’s needs, setting boundaries, asking for help, taking action, and building self-care into the day), before exploring self-care essentials (feeding the brain by indulging in a favorite hobby, getting sufficient sleep, taking regular vacations, and exercising) and ways of working self-care into one’s life. Knowing that many women put themselves last on their list of priorities, Falter frequently injects exercises designed to force readers out of that state, such as establishing detailed “boundary checklists.” Although the book is marketed to women, Falter’s sensible, loving advice applies to any reader. Agent: Annelise Robey, Jane Rotrosen Agency. (Dec.)