10 Powerful Books On Mindfulness and Kindness That Are Good For Your Health
These are not your usual self-help books. From conquering your confidence to clearing your clutter, creating a mantra to finally trying meditation, these books tackle topics that will help you take care of yourself – mind, body, and spirit.
1. The Confidence Gap: A Guide To Overcoming Fear and Self-Doubt by Russ Harris
There are so many times when we stop ourselves from chasing opportunities because we don’t believe in ourselves, or more accurately, we think we lack confidence to accomplish the task at hand. Russ Harris wants his readers to look at their situation differently, and instead of struggling with their confidence, embrace the fear. A straightforward look at self-confidence and how you can achieve your goals without giving into the fear!
2. One Word That Will Change Your Life by Jon Gordon, Dan Britton, Jimmy Page
Create a catalyst for change in your life with this short read! Authors Jon, Dan, and Jimmy take you through the task of choosing one word that will be your focus for the year. Seem impossible? It’s easier than you think, and the impact of structuring your life around a single word, letting it inspire and challenge you, will be one of the best things you do for yourself all year.
3. The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondō
Despite our best efforts, sometimes we just can’t seem to get a handle on the chaos of our homes. Clothes form piles, spill out of closets and drawers. Paperwork piles up on all available surfaces and shoes get kicked off and left wherever they land. In this book, cleaning consultant Marie Kondō takes you through the strict steps necessary to brining your house, and therefore your life, back under control. A clutter free home makes you feel happier and more relaxed, and Marie Kondō can help you get there, one pile of clothes at a time.
4. Beauty Begins: Making Peace with Your Reflection by Chris Shook & Megan Shook Alpha
What does beautiful mean to you? To me? To society? For anyone who has ever been unhappy with their reflection in the mirror, this book seeks to help readers find peace with how they look and feel, and stop declaring war on themselves. Society has high standards, but these authors want to challenge the status quo and trade the pressure for perfection with self-love. Looking for a feel-good read? This is a great pick!
5. Hand Wash Cold: Care Instructions for an Ordinary Life by Karen Maezen Miller
Karen Maezen Miller doesn’t believe that a person has to look outside of their ordinary, everyday life to find mindfulness. She seeks it in everyday chores, in her interactions with her family, and in the present moment. She wants her readers to make connections with the life they already have, instead of disappearing off on a journey to find themselves. A real look at how little moments in ordinary life can have a big impact on your everyday outlook.
6. 10% Happier: How I Tamed the Voice in My Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing My Edge, and Found Self-Help That Actually Works by Dan Harris
Author Dan Harris had a panic attack on national tv, which was a very public wake-up call about his mental and physical health. This book is his journey into mindfulness, where he takes science and real-life experience to document and explore how meditation changed his life, and how it can change yours too. Not a how-to book, this story will help you realize the importance of looking after yourself and perhaps even persuade you into meditating regularly.
7. The Little Book of Life Hacks: How to Make Your Life Happier, Healthier, and More Beautiful by Yumi Sakugawa
This illustrated wonderland offers a range of unexpected tips and practical advice to help you streamline your life, with everything from how to remove the dark circles under your eyes to how to workout at home without a gym membership! Author Yumi Sakugawa wants her readers to improve their daily lives, and have fun doing it. If you like bite-sized information and want to see results immediately, this book is a good choice for you.
8. A Mindfulness Guide for the Frazzled by Ruby Wax
Author Ruby Wax explores a modern approach to the idea of being mindful, as a way to combat the stress we’ve all invited into our lives. She isn’t preaching the traditional practices of meditation, but instead wants her readers to focus on being aware of their thoughts and feelings so they can truly experience life. If you want a no-nonsense guide to being mindful, this is a good choice for you!
9. Wherever You Go, There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life by Jon Kabat-Zinn
Do you struggle to live in the present moment? Often chastise yourself for letting unhelpful thoughts or daydreams plague your mind? Jon Kabat-Zinn’s book is a great guide to meditation for first-time practitioners, and focuses on the idea of being happy in the present and letting events in your life unfold without worrying about the outcome.
10. Think Happy, Be Happy: Art, Inspiration, Joy by Workman Publishing
The back of this book reads “Boost your mood, feed your passions, and celebrate the power and pleasure of art.” If that doesn’t have you reaching for the book, then hear this: ever page has wonderful illustrations that surround quotes, mantras, feel-good recipes, random facts, and even mini-workouts. Consume a page at a time by randomly flipping to a section, or read front-to-back and mark your favorite pages to revisit later. Either way, you’ll find yourself reaching for this the next time you need some inspiration, a few kind words, or a smile.
