This is Downtime Recs, my weekly diary for paid subscribers where I round up the reading, watching, wearing, and eating that filled my downtime that week.
Happy Friday, readers! It's the July 4th long weekend here, and between the football (still buzzing off USA vs Bosnia & Herzegovina, counting down to Monday's Belgium match) and general holiday chaos, today's a short and sweet one. If you’d like, pop into the subscriber chat—we're all sharing what we're reading this weekend and I want in on your picks.
Reminder:This is the last weekend to enjoy the 30% off subscription sale. Become a paid subscriber for less than $1 (!!) a week. This is one of the best discounts of the year, and I’d love your support if you’ve been loving the letter.
Coming up next at Downtime: A June reading recap, the new book releases I’m most excited for in July, an interview with a creative I admire, and a post with my best newsletter-writing tips to celebrate three years on Substack. If you’ve got any newsletter-specific questions for me to answer, please reply to this email or leave a comment.
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Hello, friends! Tomorrow is a big day in the United States — not only is it July 4th, but it’s America’s 250th birthday. 🎉
We’ve got a lighter newsletter planned for you today. But as always, we’ve got some great health stories that you won’t want to miss. Keep scrolling to read what we have in store, then feel free to email us to share what you’ve got going on this weekend.
I’m not a fan of fireworks (too loud), partying (too tiring), or heat (too sweaty), so I tend to stay indoors and find a cozy activity on July 4th. I know — boring. But I’m OK with it. My cat and I will be cuddling up on the couch as I eat snacks and relax in the air conditioning, just like we’ve done for the last few years. I’m meeting up with a friend on Sunday, though, so at least I have one social interaction to look forward to.
Call me nosy or chatty, but I want to know what you’re doing this weekend! Are you going to any parties? Will you be heading to the beach? Do you have a pool or a local lake to swim in? Or are you also trying to avoid festivities? Email wellnesswire@healthline.com to share your plans. 💌
Whatever you do, I hope you stay safe and cool out there. Before you go, here are some good reads to take with you into this weekend:
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