8 Books That Will Help You Break Free From A Too-Busy Schedule

{Special Note: This is part 3 of a 4-part series about filling our cups – read part 1 here and part 2 here.}

For nearly two years, crazy busy was my pace. I moved so quickly that it was difficult to really enjoy any moment, because my mind was always rushing ahead to the next thing on the to-do list.

But life isn’t meant to be lived frantically. While there are God-ordained seasons of busyness that we need to work through and embrace, those extremely busy days shouldn’t be the constant and continual long-term beat of our lives.

We need to trust that we’ll have enough time to do the work we were meant to complete.

During my own quest to create more peace and margin in my home, I read several books that helped me tremendously. Please note, this is not a to-do or must-read list. This is simply a list of books I personally found encouraging so I want to share them with you. Choose one or two and skip the rest. Or do what I did and read a couple now then pick up a few more later, when you need solid reminders and fresh tips.

“The Best Yes: Making Wise Decisions in the Midst of Endless Demands” by Lysa TerKeurst of Proverbs 31 Ministries

I’ve been a fan of Lysa since her Unglued days, and I’m telling you, this girl knows her stuff. In The Best Yes, she not only talks about being too busy and offers inspiration for wanting to slow down, but she also gives incredible guidance for helping the reader figure out specific ways we can say no.

Lysa tells her readers, “Whenever you say yes to something, there is less of you for something else. Make sure your yes is worth the less.”

The Best Yes is especially for readers who want to slow down but feel pulled in a dozen different directions and don’t always know which option to choose.

“Hands Free Mama: A Guide to Putting Down the Phone, Burning the To-Do List, and Letting Go of Perfection to Grasp What Really Matters!” by Rachel Macy Stafford

We check our email while cooking dinner, send a text while bathing the kids, and spend more time looking into electronic screens than into the eyes of our loved ones. With our never-ending to-do lists and jam-packed schedules, it’s no wonder we’re distracted.

But this isn’t the way it has to be

Rachel removes the shame that comes from parenting guilt as she offers hope to the mama who’s struggling. This is a must-read for any mother who spends a lot of time on technology or who thinks she’s too busy to spend quality time with her kids.

“Hands Free Life: 9 Habits for Overcoming Distraction, Living Better & Loving More” by Rachel Macy Stafford

I wasn’t sure if Hands Free Life would benefit me very much since I’d already read Hands Free Mama, but I absolutely loved this book just as much as the first! The fresh content was all-new and Rachel encourages readers to live hands free in a way that is so compelling it draws even the most reluctant reader into her story.

Hands Free Life is for the person who wants to reevaluate priorities while receiving genuine hope and gentle guidance about how to be an encouragement to others.

“Rest Assured: A Recovery Plan for Weary Souls” by Vicki Courtney

I picked up a copy of Rest Assured during a time when I felt overwhelmed and too-busy, and I’m so glad I did! I felt great relief in my soul from the first page and immediately began implementing Vicki’s simple tips. With the author’s help, I’m learning to stop feeling guilty for allowing my soul time to breathe, and instead view rest as a vital part of my routine.

I highly recommend this for anyone who’s too busy, running on empty, or feels guilty for resting when the to-do list isn’t complete.

“Undone: A Story of Making Peace with an Unexpected Life” by Michele Cushatt

Michele Cushatt has mastered the art form of weaving story telling with authenticity in a way that captivates her readers. Some of her doctrinal beliefs are not based in scripture, which is the only thing that holds me back from giving her a five-star review.

Overall, this is a motivating, inspiring read that I recommend to anyone who struggles with battling through fear or health problems.

“Breaking Busy: How to Find Peace and Purpose in a World of Crazy” by Alli Worthington

Breaking Busy was nothing I expected it to be but everything I needed it to be. Full of relate-able stories, wise advice, and practical how-to’s, Breaking Busy is a fabulous read for the one who is thirsty for rest and longs to slow down so they can savor life.

“The Time Keeper” by Mitch Albom

The only fiction novel to make the list, and one of my favorite fiction novels of all time, The Time Keeper is a compelling fable about the first man on Earth to count the hours – the man who became Father Time.

Told in Albom’s signature spare, evocative prose, this remarkably original tale will inspire readers everywhere to reconsider their own notions of time, how they spend it, and how precious it truly is.

“Tuesdays with Morrie” by Mitch Albom

A book that will stay with you long after the final page is turned, Tuesdays with Morrie will move you deeply in a way that makes you contemplate time, and how you’re spending yours.

Tuesdays with Morrie was birthed through one-on-one lessons with Mitch’s former college professor, Morrie, as Morrie grew weaker and weaker during his final months.

In this compelling non-fiction work, Mitch reflects on the meaning of Morrie’s life lessons and the gentle, irrevocable impact of their Tuesday sessions all those years ago.

BONUS BOOK! “Real-Life Devotional Bible for Women: Insights for Everyday Life” by the Women at Proverbs 31 Ministries

This is the only book on the list I haven’t personally read, but I love my Homeschool Mom’s Bible so much that I wanted to find one in a similar format for every woman.

The Real-Life Devotional Bible is currently available in Raspberry, Sea Glass, and Hardback.

{NOTE: When you’re looking for a new Bible, please be aware of some of the pros and cons of various versions.}

Other Great Reads

• If you’ve pared down your schedule as much as possible but are still struggling to manage your time wisely, check out these inspiring time-management must-reads.
• If you’re a homeschool mom (or if you’d like to bless a homeschool mama with a little encouragement!), then you absolutely must take a look at the book list I created for you. 5 books every homeschool mom should read.
• You can see all of the books I’ve read so far in 2016 here.

More In This Series

Part 1 (Introduction): Fill Your Cup: Resting When the To-Do List Isn’t Complete
Part 2 (For the Homeschool Moms): 5 Books that Will Help You Slow Down, Savor Your Kids, and Rediscover Your Love of Homeschooling
Part 3 (Today’s Post): 8 Books that Will Help You Break Free from a Too-Busy Schedule
Part 4 (Now Live!): How to Care for Yourself Without Being Selfish

What would you add to this list? What books have helped you slow down and refresh your soul?