Inspiring reads …

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Health, science and how to turn negative feelings into assets … five thought-provoking books.

In an astonishing 2017 experiment, Philip Ball had a small piece of his arm removed which, eight months later, had been turned into a miniature brain. In How to Grow a Human, he explores the extraordinary story of our cells and what is happening in the modern biological world. Can any type of cell become any other? In a laboratory, is it possible to grow from a skin cell, not just a mini brain, but an entire human being? Will today’s scientific advances allow us to grow designer babies, grow new organs or limbs? What will happen when we have the power to reshape, regrow and rebuild our bodies? Read this fascinating book to find out. HarperCollins, R350.

You are what you eat, the old saying goes and eating the right foods usually results in greatly improved health, energy and general well-being. In 63 Days To Optimum Health, Sally-Ann Creed’s life-enhancing, holistic approach sets out the full power of a complete mind, body and spirit reboot in only 63 days. In addition to information on gut health, marketplace myths and superfoods, the book includes delicious, cook-from-scratch recipes that celebrate the benefits of making whole foods at home. Human & Rousseau, R308.

Having two autistic children is every parent’s nightmare. Saving My Sons is Ilana Gerschlowitz’s story, told with Marion Scher, of her determination to find a way to help her sons.. Her tenacity bore fruit in the form of answers from international experts and she has gone on to greatly improve the lives of her own two boys as well as to help countless children facing learning  challenges. Essentially, she discovered that autism is a treatable illness and that early intervention is vital. BookStorm, R320.

Anyone who hates the thought of starting the working week on Monday should read How We Work by Leah Weiss, PhD. Today, traditional working hours are no longer just that and emails and calls often bleed into evenings and weekends. This means stresses from home often walk into the office with us. The bad news is that the office promotes uncomfortable emotions like anxiety, fear and anger. The good news is that these feelings are not liabilities but assets. The path to productivity and success, says Weiss, is to pay attention to how we feel and use mindfulness techniques to find meaning in even the most menial tasks. The book shows us not only how to survive the daily grind, but how to embrace it. Harper Wave. R331

Stress is a given in 21st century urban life, and ongoing stress can have a devastating effect on physical and mental health. In the workplace, it can greatly reduce productivity, thus affecting the economy. According to recent research, in extreme cases, stress can destabilise our DNA and compromise our genetic integrity. However, stress has two faces and short intervals of stress can offer the potential to grow, break personal barriers and excel. Richard Sutton suggests stress resilience rather than avoidance as a solution in The Stress Code. The book offers comprehensive, structured insight along with interventions that help you thrive in adversity. MacMillan, R297.

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