I recently had my third surgery for endometriosis, which gifted me four days of almost uninterrupted rest, something I haven’t experienced since becoming a mom. I couldn’t bring myself to scroll social media or feed my already-expensive online shopping habits, so instead I leaned into books and shows. Here’s everything I read and watched during recovery, plus my very honest thoughts.
Books I Read During Recovery
The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins — A Self-Help Book Every Mom Should Read
Not going to lie, I looooove a self-help book. I always walk away feeling at least a little more enlightened, and this one absolutely delivered. The Let Them Theory is an easy, empowering read that helps you release the unrealistic standards and opinions of others that tend to have a chokehold on us, especially as moms. It’s freeing, validating, and surprisingly practical. I can’t recommend it enough.
Fair Play by Eve Rodsky — A Book About Sharing the Mental Load in Motherhood
Another self-help book, this one recommended by my therapist, because I’m still trying to figure out how to better divide the mental load of parenthood and adulthood with my husband. I’m only halfway through, and there is a card game that goes along with it, so it’s definitely a commitment that requires buy-in from both partners. That said, it’s been incredibly validating so far, and I’m hopeful it will help restore some balance in my world. I’ll definitely circle back once I finish.
The Good Trade : Wellness Trends for 2026 That Actually Support Long-Term Health
I love anything from The Good Trade (you should absolutely subscribe), but this short read really stood out. It focuses on wellness trends that are long-lasting and holistic rather than quick fixes. The new year can feel overwhelming with all the “fix yourself” messaging, and this piece helped narrow the focus to approaches that actually support sustainable well-being.
Shows I Watched While Recovering
Emily in Paris (Netflix): Easy Background TV for When You Need to Rest
Yes, I caught up on season 4 and finished season 5. This is one of those shows I can keep on in the background while coloring or crocheting, light, pretty, and low-effort. I’ve followed the series since it first came out, but I’ll admit I got pretty bored halfway through season 4. The storyline feels a bit stale at this point, but it was still an easy way to pass time while resting.
Younger (Netflix): A Comfort Show I’ll Always Recommend
If you haven’t picked up on my taste yet, I gravitate toward easy shows where I fall in love with the characters. I watched Younger a couple of years ago and loved revisiting it. It follows a 40-year-old woman pretending to be 26 while working in the NYC publishing world. It’s cute, funny, and genuinely entertaining, perfect comfort TV.
The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City (Peacock): A Reality TV Comfort Watch
I know I’m very behind on this one, and my sister-in-law has been recommending it for over a year. I finally caved because I already love Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, and honestly? I get the hype. I’m starting from the very beginning, so it’ll probably take me a while to work my way through the series, but it’s exactly the kind of low-stakes, dramatic comfort TV that’s easy to watch when your brain needs a break.
Recovery forced me to slow down, but in that stillness I found stories and ideas that felt grounding, validating, and comforting, along with shows that let me turn my brain off entirely, which was exactly what I needed. If you’re in a season of rest (or craving one), I hope this list gives you something gentle to sink into.
Steadily Unbalanced 