Hayley Hughes' favourite books on slowing down, the simple things, and returning to self

There’s something grounding about reading the contemplations of a self-aware woman talking to herself while imparting truths to us all.

And so, I’ve read this little book twice in 2026, and it’s only June. Solitude, stillness, writing, nature, and wisdom that resonates across generations—that’s the gift. Think profound exhale, paired with escaping the competing tugs of responsibility to honour moments for ourselves. Relevant.

The elegant undulation of thought flowed in rhythm with the ocean swells of the author’s place of retreat (her quiet beach); the shell metaphor providing another gorgeous touch. This sacred read that grapples with the stages and dilemmas of womanhood, motherhood, and life reconfirmed that I’m on the right track—that giving to myself to better give to others isn’t selfish; it’s required.

I picked up this book in 2024 at Denpasar airport with the last of my local currency ahead of my flight home, unaware it would expand my world. It’s my most valuable purchase.

I highlighted, folded corners, re-read, and carried it with me for months. Just weeks prior to discovering my favourite author/sage, whose voice carries the philosophical poise of literature’s greats, I’d walked away from my career, ready for a softer existence.

Deep, conversational, and insightful, a tribute to courage, simple things, and small moments, my heart connected. Brianna’s essays changed the way I think. They also inspired the personal work and self-love required to curate the life I desired. 

This book felt like an immersive adult fairy tale, a tender classic for modern times that transported me to the English countryside. Quite the experience.

I missed this story when I finished it and would happily read Chloe Dalton muse about Hare forever. Moving, descriptive, lyrical writing about the intricacies of nature is always a drawcard for me. I kept running my hand over the illustrations throughout, too exquisite not to touch; the peace and beauty in the prose just as palpable.

This life pivot, where less truly is more, reassured me that we can change and still be successful. The close-to-home themes of slower living, embracing nature while healing, simplicity, and presence have etched this soulful work of art into my memory. I’m grateful.

A smart, strategic way forward—what a relief!

After awaiting its release, I absorbed Slow Productivity at the apex of burnout, overload, and overwhelm, often with tears streaking my cheeks. It had a lasting impact on me. I’d abandoned the art of doing anything slowly, and my life wasn’t working.

This book became my aspirational goalpost for nurturing sustainable productivity while also living. It challenged and changed my perspective and approach to work because it backed everything I craved: focus, reduced noise, protected time, a natural pace, boundaries, quality, and achievement without constant rush or interruption.

The diverse examples within further proved the case for turning away from being eternally busy. Oh, the rewards, validation, and freedoms that ensued as I did fewer things well to achieve more. Transformational.

This soothing invitation to care for my feminine magic read like a meditative affirmation dusted with quiet prayer.

Cosy in bed, I held this gem to my chest on closing the back cover. I often hug and thank books without questioning how ridiculous that is. Resonant and encouraging, it evoked reverent appreciation for the return to self that I’d (somehow) navigated the year prior. The pages echoed a comforting conversation, a soft yet powerful call to arms, an awakening for women.

Perhaps it was the luxurious-red cover and gracefully spaced and paced verse with practices towards the end that compelled me to enjoy slowly. As a woman who has woken up, She Who Remembers stirred my motivation. May we no longer be last on our own lists, consumed by expectation.