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There are so many books about mental health, mindfulness and mindset. And I am a sucker for them all. I find learning about the mind and mental health so interesting as it’s so different to all of us. Plus, any way to try and calm my mind – I am willing to hear someone out on that.
As a book lover, reading is one of my favourite forms of self care and wellness. Add into that reading books about wellness and self care and I am very happy.
I thought I’d compile a little list of 8 books which I’ve found really helpful over the past few years and read time and time again.
8 books on mental health, wellness and mindset you need to read
Notes on a Nervous Planet by Matt Haig
I’ve just finished reading this and I absolutely adored it.
This is the first non-fiction book by Matt Haig which I’ve read and I was hooked on it. It really is what it says on the cover – small chapters (notes) on different things to do on why we’re so nervous.
Mainly focussing on social media, the news/media and technology – Matt uses his own experiences of mental health to analyse how our mind is effected by the way the world is now.
It is so insightful and a really good read.
A mindfulness guide for the frazzled by Ruby Wax
I’ve had this book for a few years and still love it now.
The book explains the science behind mindfulness as well as practical advice on how to practice mindfulness. It also includes Ruby’s life experiences of using mindfulness and what led her to start practisingit. Of course, as a comedian, there are some very funny bits in the book as well.
There is actually a reliably new book out by Ruby which carries on from this called How to be Human which is on my shelf at the moment waiting to be read!
Happy by Fearne Cotton
I adore Fearne Cotton and have been a fan of her since I was little. Her podcast, Happy Place, is my absolute favourite and I would happily listen to it all day.
The other week I picked up her book Happy and I’ve found it so helpful. Not only does Fearne share her own experiences with anxiety and depression but it also includes tasks and exercises to help you manage your own mental health.
Calm by Michael Acton Smith
I think this was one of the first mindfulness books I picked up, about 5 years ago.
I was initially drawn to it for two reasons; it’s SO visually pleasing with beautiful graphics and I use the calm app for meditation and sleep stories.
It’s a book I come back to time and time again when I’m feeling overwhelmed and just want to have a calm moment.
The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a Fuck by Sarah Night
I think this book is great. It’s such a simple idea – stop caring about what people think and you do you.
I really like how the book is set out and each step builds from the last to make everything a little bit less daunting. It helps you build your self confidence and learn how to prioritise what’s important to you.
Feel Better In 5: Your Daily Plan to Feel Great for Life by Dr Rangan Chatterjee
Okay, so Dr Rangan Chatterjee’s podcast, Feel Better Live More, is brilliant and another one which I listen to a lot.
I’m actually still reading this book, which came out only a few weeks ago. The idea is simple – you choose three things from the book per month to help change your habits and basically help you feel better.
I love the layout of this book, and how visually pleasing it is too. It’s also really simple and makes the idea of changing habits more attainable and easier.
I really recommend this book, and his podcast, as it’s a healthy way to make healthy lifestyle changes rather than following fads.
Sorry I’m Late, I Didn’t Want to Come: An Introvert’s Year of Living Dangerously by Jessica Pan
This book is slightly different to the others I’ve shared on here but I wanted to add it as I loved it and it changed my thoughts on being introverted/extroverted.
The book is all about the year that Jessica decided to stop her introverted ways and push herself to be extroverted for a whole year.
She faced fears and really pushed out of her comfort zone and it’s one of those books which leaves you feeling like “yeah, I want to do that!”.
An Edited Life: Simple Steps to Streamlining your Life, at Work and at Home by Anna Newton
The final book on my list is one which really helped me get my shit together and organise my life more.
Anna Newton’s book, An Edited Life, is all about streamlining your life to help you get the most out of everything and not feel like an overwhelmed mess.
It’s full of practical, realistic advice and I LOVE it.
What books have helped you with your mental health and wellbeing? Have you read a book which has completely changed your life?
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