The 7 Things Career Gals Need to Work Smarter This October

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As the lingering warm weather is wrung out of Summer, brisk October air beckons us to hunker down and focus more intensely on work. For busy career gals with endless to-do lists this month, scroll on to find our top picks for staying productive and creative, finding your zen, and laughing out loud on your commute.

A Podcast That Will Make You LOL During Your Commute

A Podcast That Will Make You LOL During Your Commute

Spent

"Spent claims to be a 'podcast for the financially challenged,' but more than that, it's an examination of the unique money-related issues people face today. Hosted by writer and comedian Lindsay Goldwert, each episode features a new guest with a different take on a financial matter. It's engaging, funny, and — at $0.00 per episode — financially sound." — Kate Emswiler, editor, Career and Finance

A Book For Igniting Your Creative Spark

A Book For Igniting Your Creative Spark

Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert ($16)

"Elizabeth Gilbert knows a thing or two about inspiration and creative work. Just released in paperback, Big Magic has been on my reading list for months, as so many people have said it was like the flint for their creative spark, providing new insights about how to be fearlessly creative." — KE

A Reminder to Breathe Easy and Enjoy the Journey

A Reminder to Breathe Easy and Enjoy the Journey

The More You Gnome Zen Garden ($30)

"This blissed-out little guy in his garden is a peaceful addition to your desk, reminding you to pause and just breathe. Perhaps he'll even serve as a visual invitation to meditate each day (see Headspace below)." — KE

A Cute Place For Writing It Down and Letting It Go

A Cute Place For Writing It Down and Letting It Go

Write It Down, Let It Go: A Worry Relief Journal ($15)

"Speaking of peace: every day brings its own frustrations and problems, which, if left trapped in your mind, will fester and grow, which impedes your attitude and productivity. A pretty little journal like this one urges you to write it down . . . and then just let it go." — KE

An App That Helps Alleviate Anxiety and Increase Productivity

An App That Helps Alleviate Anxiety and Increase Productivity

Headspace Meditation App (free 10-day trial, then $13 per month)

"Meditation is quite the buzzword lately, but in this case, the hype is for real. Practicing meditation for even a few minutes per day can benefit your mental health tremendously, diminishing anxiety, improving concentration, and increasing productivity. Mindspace provides brief guided meditations that you can do virtually anywhere, anytime, so you can start to enjoy the benefits of meditation immediately and without any real interruption to your schedule." — KE

A Stylish Vessel For Your Caffeine Fix

A Stylish Vessel For Your Caffeine Fix

Deluxe Hot Stuff Morning Mug ($18)

"If a tight morning schedule forces you to drink on the go, you might as well do it right. This insulated thermos will hold 16 oz. of home-brewed liquid gold, fueling you with enough caffeine and style to conquer any kind of day." — Angela Elias, director, Living

Power Your Happy: Work Hard, Play Nice & Build Your Dream Life

Power Your Happy: Work Hard, Play Nice & Build Your Dream Life

Power Your Happy: Work Hard, Play Nice & Build Your Dream Life by Lisa Sugar ($20)

"One of the most incredible things about working for POPSUGAR is partnering with (and learning from) incredible women, like our co-founder and President Lisa Sugar. So I was thrilled to get my hands on a copy of Lisa's new book, Power Your Happy, where she pens memories and advice on how she built her dream career by pursuing her passions. Lisa's memoir is more than just a wealth of encouragement for those embarking on entrepreneurship, but it also serves as the ultimate source of inspiration for those trying to find the balance between a fulfilling career and personal life. It's the perfect feel-good book to crack open and cozy up to this Fall." — Aimee Simeon, editorial assistant, Trending and Social

Power Your Happy by Lisa Sugar was hand-selected to be featured in the POPSUGAR Must Have box and is one of our favorite books right now. Subscribe to the Must Have box to receive treats like this monthly!