One of the most useful skills we can develop in life is learning how to take care of ourselves. This doesn’t just mean the basics, like exercising or drinking enough water (though those things are important, too!)—we’re talking about building a toolkit of self-care priorities and rituals to keep your mental and physical health in check, especially in times when you’re feeling particularly overwhelmed.
With this in mind, we’re offering up a roundup of books focused on just that: overcoming anxiety, finding mindfulness even when you only have five minutes to spare, and treating yourself when you need it most. Read on for our recommendations!
Own It.: Make Your Anxiety Work for You
Caroline Foran
ANXIETY. It’s the worst, isn’t it? Bestselling author Caroline Foran knows it all too well, especially after crippling panic attacks upended her job, her health, and her life. She tried everything—from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to acupuncture, and yoga to medication—until she discovered that there’s no such thing as a stress-free life. Instead, equipped with the right toolkit, she learned to live with anxiety, instead of spending her days running from it.
Armed with her lived experience, spot-on advice from mental health experts, and a number of empowering exercises, Caroline is here to help you transform anxiety from a crutch into an ally!
The More or Less Definitive Guide to Self-Care
Anna Borges
“For most of us,” writes Anna Borges, “self-care is a wide spectrum of decisions and actions that soothe and fortify us against all the shit we deal with.” You may already practice some form of self-care, whether it’s taking an extra-long shower after a stressful day, splurging on a ~fancy~ dinner, or choosing Netflix over that friend-of-a-friend’s birthday party. But when life gets so overwhelming that you want to stay in bed, some more radical care is crucial to maintain your sanity.
The More or Less Definitive Guide to Self-Care is here to help you exist in the world with over 200 tips, activities, and stories (from experts and everyday people alike) into an A-to-Z list. Make any day a little more OK with new skills in your self-care toolkit—and the energy to show up for yourself.
A Handbook for New Stoics: How to Thrive in a World Out of Your Control
Massimo Pigliucci and Gregory Lopez
Stoicism is an ancient pragmatic philosophy that teaches us to step back, gain perspective, and act with intention. In A Handbook for New Stoics, renowned philosopher Massimo Pigliucci and seasoned practitioner Gregory Lopez provide 52 week-by-week lessons to help us apply timeless Stoic teachings to modern life. Stress often comes from situations that are beyond our control—such as preparing for a meeting, waiting for test results, or arguing with a loved one. But we can control our response to these everyday tensions—through the wisdom and practice of Stoicism. This handbook will teach you to embrace the challenges that come your way, and thrive no matter how out-of-control the world gets.
Breathe, Empower, Achieve: 5-Minute Mindfulness for Women Who Do It All—Ditch the Stress Without Losing Your Edge
Shonda Moralis
For so many, “work–life balance” is a myth. And when you’re already juggling a career, personal life, and family—plus your side projects, a smidgen of self-care, and the occasional need to sleep—“mindfulness” can sound like just another thing to do. Add in the scary things we read online or see in the news each night and, well, what can you do to feel better and find your center?
Let psychotherapist Shonda Moralis teach you how to take five minutes (that’s right, just five!) for mindfulness. She teaches how to utilize the “mindful break” in order to collect yourself, promote calm, boost self confidence, and help you set and conquer goals. These techniques could not only save your sanity, but springboard your success.
Awakening Your Ikigai: How the Japanese Wake Up to Joy and Purpose Every Day
Ken Mogi
Ikigai is a Japanese phenomenon commonly understood as “your reason to get up in the morning.” Ikigai can be small moments, like a hot cup of coffee, or something bigger, like a fulfilling career. Even so, when times are stressful, it can be difficult to find that reason.
Weaving together insights from Japanese history, philosophy, and modern culture, plus stories from renowned sushi chef Jiro Ono, anime filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki, and others, author Ken Mogi lays out the five pillars of ikigai to help you make the most of each day and become your most authentic self. With his guidance, you’ll be well on your way to finding your passions and living every day with joy.
The Mindfulness Coloring Book Series: Anti-Stress Art Therapy
Emma Farrarons
In today’s stressful world, finding a moment of peace and calm can be a challenge. Mindful coloring is a simple yet powerful practice that combines the proven, time-honored tradition of thoughtful meditation with the massive popularity of adult coloring books, and shows that any activity, done right, can be an exercise in mindfulness.
Perfectly sized to fit into a pocket or handbag, and printed on high-quality paper to ensure hours of bliss, The Mindfulness Coloring Book is ready to help you de-stress wherever you go! And, once you fill the pages of the first book, don’t miss The Mindfulness Coloring Book – Volume Two and Moments of Mindfulness.
Tweet at us at @experimentbooks to let us know what books you’re excited about. We hope you stay safe and healthy, and that you find some something great to read!
