Optia Reads: "Together," by Vivek H. Murthy, MD, and "Real Self Care," by Pooja Lakshmin, MD

Here at Optia, we love a good book! From time to time, we’ll share book recommendations designed to help you thrive, starting with these two - read on!

Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World, by Vivek H. Murthy, MD

Murthy’s book was published in April 2020, just as the country and world were grappling with the realization that the pandemic would not be short-lived and that our “social distancing” was going to be of a longer duration than initially expected. More recently, in May 2023, the Surgeon General’s office released an advisory raising the alarm about the persistent epidemic of loneliness and isolation in America.

This book is both eye-opening to the seriousness of the impact of loneliness and full of hope that we can all help ourselves and others reduce the impacts of loneliness on society.

Murthy talks about how being alone can lead to depression, anxiety, and heart disease. He reminds us that loneliness is not just for people who are alone but can also affect those in relationships or surrounded by others. He also explores the impact of technology on our relationships and how it can both contribute to and alleviate loneliness.

Murthy emphasizes the importance of social connections for our survival and well-being and provides practical advice on how to cultivate meaningful relationships and build community. He shares ideas on how to practice self-care and empathy and encourages readers to become healers themselves. He reminds us that small gestures can make a big difference in someone's life, and by connecting with others, we can improve our own well-being and that of the world around us.

Together is a powerful reminder of the importance of human connection in our lives.

Murthy provides practical advice and inspiration for readers to cultivate meaningful relationships and build community. The book is a call to action, encouraging us to combat loneliness and improve our collective well-being.

Click here to purchase your copy of Together.

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Real Self Care: A Transformative Program for Redefining Wellness,
by Pooja Lakshmin, MD

As a practicing psychiatrist and mother of two, Lakshmin understands the challenges of balancing work, family, and personal needs. Rather than prescribing a specific nutritional program, exercise regime, or adrenal reset, Lakshmin first dismantles what she calls, “faux self-care: the wellness behaviors and practices that are commonly sold as a remedy for women’s problems."

Instead, she suggests that real self-care is a proactive process of using principles to guide decision-making. These principles include setting (and maintaining) boundaries, treating yourself with compassion, and identifying and living in alignment with your values.

One of the strengths of Real Self Care is its emphasis on self-compassion and self-awareness. Lakshmin encourages readers to pay attention to their own needs and feelings and to approach self-care as an ongoing process of self-discovery and growth while also emphasizing the importance of setting realistic goals and expectations.

Throughout the book, Lakshmin draws on her own experiences as a clinician and a mother to illustrate her points and offer real-world examples of self-care in action. Her writing is clear and engaging, and she strikes a balance between offering concrete advice and encouraging readers to find their own paths to self-care.

Whether you are a busy professional, a parent, or simply someone looking to improve your quality of life, this book offers practical and compassionate guidance for taking care of yourself in a holistic way.

Click here to purchase your copy of Real Self Care.