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Labor Day is about celebrating the work we do every day, but not all worthwhile work happens on the clock. As the long weekend comes to a close, we’re turning some of that energy inward with picks that make working on yourself actually feel fun. Think smart, joyful stories about growth, movement, fresh starts, and making more room for whatever makes you feel your best.
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Put Joy on the To-Do List
The Fun Habit
by Mike Rucker
Behavioral scientist Mike Rucker makes the case that we should actively build fun into our days instead of reserving it for special occasions and rewards. Using research on happiness and human behavior, Rucker offers practical ways to spot what genuinely delights you, protect time for it, and bring more play into your overly scheduled life.
The Joy of Movement
by Kelly McGonigal
Don’t worry, this isn’t a workout plan or a lecture about hitting the gym. In this fascinating book, psychologist Kelly McGonigal explores how dancing, walking, lifting, stretching, and moving alongside other people can create feelings of joy, hope, connection, and confidence. Think of this as an encouraging look at how to transform movement from feeling like an obligation to feeling like fun.
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Documentary Spotlight
The Biggest Little Farm
When John and Molly Chester leave Los Angeles to build a diverse farm on depleted land, nearly everything refuses to follow their carefully drawn plans. Over the course of eight years, they learn to observe, adapt, and work with nature as the soil recovers and the farm begins to flourish. Filled with curious animals and hard-won breakthroughs, this uplifting documentary shows what patient care can help bring back to life.
Hotel Spotlight
Together with Inside Hotels
The Parkside Hotel & Spa
The Vibe: Cozy coastal escape
The Location: Victoria, Canada
Instaworthy Accommodations:
Each of The Parkside Hotel & Spa’s 126 one- and two-bedroom suites includes a fully equipped and full-size kitchen, a washer and dryer, and a cozy fireplace, so you’ll never miss the comforts of home. After a day of exploring the stunning coastal city of Victoria, head back to the hotel for a relaxing evening, taking in the iconic atrium koi pond and the rooftop gardens, or a rejuvenating treatment at the spa! Gather around one of the rooftop fire pits and enjoy locally made marshmallows with all the s’more trimmings–including Victoria’s own chocolatier, Rogers Chocolates.
Fresh Starts, Real Life
Rainn Wilson and the Geography of Bliss
Streaming on Peacock
Actor and self-described grump Rainn Wilson travels from Iceland and Bulgaria to Ghana and Thailand to investigate what makes people happy. Along the way, he tries local traditions, talks with researchers and residents, and puts a few unfamiliar ideas to the test. The result is a funny, thoughtful exploration of failure, connection, community, and the many forms a satisfying life can take.
Hack My Home
Streaming on Netflix
Four renovation experts help families transform cramped, frustrating rooms through inventive design and engineering. It’s a lively, optimistic choice about repairing your surroundings so they better support everyday life.
Hotel Spotlight
Together with Inside Hotels
Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel
The Vibe: Oceanfront Art Deco boutique
The Location: Miami Beach, FL
Instaworthy Activities:
Resting on the most photographed stretch of South Beach, Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel is a trendy coastal resort with walking access to Española Way, the Bass Museum, and the Fillmore theater. The newly renovated rooms feel like they were pulled straight from the surrounding Art Deco district. The Social Club mixes craft cocktails, High Tide Beach Bar serves dinner under the stars, and DAYLIFE programming runs the days for grown-ups and kids alike—beach yoga, social hours, family activities, and cabana time. It’s a rare South Beach hotel that works for both date nights and family getaways.
9 Podcasts That Are Sneakily Self-Care in Disguise
