Welcome to our August Highlights! Discover a compilation of inspiring favorites as you say goodbye to Summer.
Books: Must Reads
Just For The Summer
by Abby Jimenez
Justin has a curse, and thanks to a Reddit thread, it’s now all over the internet. Every woman he dates goes on to find their soul mate the second they break up. When a woman slides into his DMs with the same problem, they come up with a plan: They’ll date each other and break up. Their curses will cancel each other’s out, and they’ll both go on to find the love of their lives. It’s a bonkers idea… and it just might work.
It’s supposed to be a quick fling, just for the summer. But when Emma’s toxic mother shows up and Justin has to assume guardianship of his three siblings, they’re suddenly navigating a lot more than they expected–including catching real feelings for each other. What if this time Fate has actually brought the perfect pair together?
Books: Insightful Reads for Personal Wellness
Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before?
by Dr. Julie Smith
Filled with secrets from a therapist’s toolkit, Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before teaches you how to fortify and maintain your mental health, even in the most trying of times. Dr Julie Smith’s expert advice and powerful coping techniques will help you stay resilient, whether you want to manage anxiety, deal with criticism, cope with depression, build self-confidence, find motivation, or learn to forgive yourself. Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before tackles everyday issues and offers practical solutions in bite-sized, easy-to-digest entries which make it easy to quickly find specific information and guidance.
Your mental well-being is just as important as your physical well-being. Packed with proven strategies, Dr. Julie’s empathetic guide offers a deeper understanding of how your mind works and gives you the insights and help you need to nurture your mental health every day. Wise and practical, Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before might just change your life.
Books: Books That Will Inspire You
Catherine, the Princess of Wales: A Biography of the Future Queen
by Robert Jobson
Following Kate Middleton’s shocking announcement in March that she is undergoing treatment for cancer, the Princess of Wales has largely remained out of the public eye. But despite a lack of appearances, interest in the royal remains piqued. Fortunately, a new biography of the future queen by British journalist Robert Jobson offers insights into Kate’s childhood, her relationship with Prince William, and her life in the public eye—as well as context for how she’s choosing to share her current health struggles.
Documentary
Simone Biles Rising (2024)
Gymnast Simone Biles returned to the international stage at the Paris 2024 Olympic. On July 30, Biles and the U.S. gymnastics team won gold, putting Biles back on top — but before the top, there was Simone Biles Rising.
The world was shocked when Biles withdrew from numerous events during the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics — especially considering the fact that she was the clear front-runner for several gold medals. However, at the same time, Biles was struggling with her mental health. Rather than push herself to the brink, she decided to withdraw from the competition. Four years later, Biles has unfinished business, and Netflix documentary Simone Biles Rising captures here journey back to the Olympic stage
Movies: July 2024 Fiction Must See
Fly Me To The Moon (2024)
Fly Me to the Moon” (2024) is a romantic comedy-drama directed by Greg Berlanti, starring Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum. The film, written by Rose Gilroy and based on a story by Bill Kirstein and Keenan Flynn, follows marketing specialist Kelly Jones and NASA launch director Cole Davis as they create a fictional Apollo 11 mission backup plan.
Movies: Based on Positively True Stories
Shirley (2024)
The eponymous trailblazer of the film is Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman to run for president. As Chisholm, Regina King masterfully depicts her history-making campaign. This is a story of endurance, triumph, and immense courage.
TV: Shows to Lift Your Spirits
Abbott Elementary
A workplace comedy centered around a group of dedicated teachers – and an oblivious principal – in a Philadelphia public school where, despite the odds stacked against them, they are determined to help their students succeed in life.
TV: Shows that Go Head to Head
MasterChef Junior
Masterchef Junior reveals a completely new side of chef Gordon Ramsey, perhaps even an alter ego. His signature yelling and screaming, which we all know and love from the original Masterchef, dissolve into a gentle fatherly figure as young contestants, sometimes as little as 8 years old, battle it out.
Podcasts to Keep You Positive
The #1 bestselling author of The Happiness Project and Better Than Before brings her practical, thought-provoking insights into happiness and good habits to this lively podcast. Her co-host and guinea pig is her younger sister, the Hollywood show-runner Elizabeth Craft, who (lovingly) refers to Gretchen as her “happiness bully.”
Each week, listen to episodes packed with helpful ideas, suggestions, interviews, and research-based strategies; enjoy laid-back “More Happier” episodes; and get a quick boost of happiness from the “Little Happiers.” Part of the Audacy Network.
Nutrition: Protein Packed Breakfast On The Go!
These Cottage Cheese Egg Bites are easy, high-protein breakfast bites perfect for meal prep days of healthy breakfast.
They are made with only a few ingredients and are easy to prepare in less than 10 minutes.
Nutrition: Mid-Day Power Ups!
Classic chicken salad is a delicious lunch staple that expertly combines well-seasoned chicken, a rich mayo dressing, plenty of fresh celery, and a touch of acid. It’s then chilled until cold, giving the flavors time to meld and saturate the chicken, resulting in a refreshing, creamy, and super-satisfying healthy snack or meal. Make it as-is for a classic, reliable version, or use it as a jumping off point to create your own perfect chicken salad.
Nutrition: Dinners that Deliver!
Skip the salad—make these Mediterranean-inspired stuffed peppers instead. Filled with zucchini, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and sharp crumbled feta, these tender stuffed peppers have all the flavors you love from a Greek salad, plus a hearty addition from herby chicken breast and couscous. Perfect for a filling weeknight dinner or served alongside your favorite Greek-inspired dishes (we’re looking at you, Mediterranean grilled eggplant and Greek lemon potatoes), these peppers will be the most satisfying (and most colorful) dish you’ll eat all week.
Rate Wellness: Positively Good for Your Heart
Olympic athletes share essential exercise tips and healthy lifestyle recommendations for all
In honor of the Olympics, hear from the world’s best athletes. Yoga, skipping, squats, mid-day naps, and ancient herbal remedies – whatever your fitness level or tastes, elite athletes have plenty of recommendations to get you into top form.
Rate Wellness: Stretch, Relax, & Re-Power
Elements of Summer: 30 Day Mindful Movement
Finish off the summer strong and challenge yourself to 30 days of movement. Completely free and inspired by the four elements: Earth, Fire, Water and Air.
Rate Wellness: Positively Omm
Mindfulness Breathing Exercises: Guide to Techniques and Benefits
In this comprehensive guide to mindfulness breathing, we will explore:
- What is Mindful Breathing?
- A Brief History of Mindful Breathing
- How to Practice Mindful Breathing
- Benefits of Mindfulness Breathing Exercises
- Mindfulness Breathing Techniques
- 10 Mindful Breathing Exercises