A Soulful Mom's Wisdom
With wisdom that nourishes both body and soul, your host and wellness coach, Africa O., shares how quotes have played a significant role in prioritizing her mental wellness throughout her life journey, and how they can do the same for you.
Whether you’re commuting to work, taking a breather during nap time, or unwinding after a long day, our discussions will uplift, empower, and ignite your passion for living your best life.
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A Soulful Mom's Wisdom
Episode #41: Self Care - Books as Your Mental Reset
Episode 41: Books as Your Mental Reset
This month on A Soulful Mom’s Wisdom podcast, we’re diving into the theme of Self Care — tending to the mind, body, and spirit while juggling the beautiful, demanding layers of motherhood. In this episode, I’m exploring how reading can serve as a grounding ritual, a soulful breather that pulls you back into yourself when the world is loud and demanding.
Reading has always been more than words on a page for me — it’s perspective, peace, and possibility. It calms my stress, helps me navigate nutrition and fitness with more intention, and strengthens my mental wellness in ways that feel subtle but powerful. Research backs this up too: improved cognitive function, reduced dementia risk, deeper empathy, softer stress levels. All from simply opening a book.
Whether it’s a short blog post, a slim paperback, or a nourishing article over your lunch break, reading can be a reset — a moment that reminds you of who you are beneath the responsibilities.
Let’s lean into that together.
Theme: Self Care
Quote: “Reading lifts you up out of the world that other people are imposing on you.” —Bell Hooks
Episode Highlights
• How reading offers perspective, reduces stress, and supports mental and emotional wellness
• Evidence-backed benefits: improved cognitive function, reduced dementia risk, enhanced empathy, stress reduction
• Practical recommendations: 1–3 short books, blogs, or articles to fit into a busy day
• Simple strategies for carving out 10–15 minutes to read (Habit Stacking, daily anchors)
• A mindful reading ritual: lunch-break reflection, bedtime unwind, or a coffee-shop pause
• Closing reflection + CTA: “What’s one book or article that helped you this week?”
• Bonus insight from Dr. Rheeda Walker on identity, belonging, and the cost of assimilation
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