Hey bookworms, this one’s for you! Self-care is so important for maintaining your mental health, and adding a couple of self-care activities to your routine can really improve your well-being. If you’ve been wondering about the best resources for self-care tips or even just a way to unwind, you’re in for a treat! Below are some of the best self-care books recommended by our therapists that will help you on your self-care journey (you can also click the titles to check out the links and grab them for yourself!):
Jasmine, Our Financial Therapist, Recommends:
“Atomic Habits” by James Clear
“The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho
“The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*CK” by Mark Manson
If you’re looking to build lasting habits—like losing weight or sticking to a bedtime routine—Atomic Habits is a must-read. It uses evidence-based research to help you create habits you can actually stick to.
The Alchemist is another great read with valuable life lessons, including the concept of “Maktub” (you’ll have to read it to understand!). It serves as a reminder that there is something bigger than us always at play.
Lastly, The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*CK is perfect for those who fear making mistakes. This book provides practical tips on how to own your decisions and strive for progress without worrying about what others think.
Sierra, Our Therapist Who Works with Legal Professionals, Recommends:
“More Than Enough” by Elaine Welteroth
“The Value in the Valley” by Iyanla Vanzant
“Words from a Wanderer” by Alexandra Elle
All of these powerful books are written by African American women and encourage self-discovery, understanding, clarity, and inner strength. While looking within can be daunting and the ‘valleys’ of life can feel exhausting, they often contain powerful lessons and truths. These books remind us that it’s essential to hold space for yourself and that self-care means showing up for yourself because you are already enough.
Carla, Our Therapist Who Works with Healthcare Professionals, Recommends:
“One Hundred Years of Solitude” by Gabriel García Márquez
“I Know This Much Is True” by Wally Lamb
“She’s Come Undone” by Wally Lamb
These books focus on self-reflection and the complexities of life. They explore the human experience in various ways and can provide valuable perspectives on our struggles. Each of these reads teaches you about delving deeper into your emotions and understanding the intricacies of our existence.
Books can provide a unique form of self-care by offering an escape from everyday life. When we immerse ourselves in a story, we can venture into another world and explore new aspects of ourselves. Reading allows us to take time for ourselves and step back from the chaos surrounding us.
Remember, self-care through reading doesn’t have to look one way. There are countless ways to enhance our mental health through literature. What’s your favorite way for self-care reads? Do you prefer self-help books, self-exploration reads, or stories that whisk you away from your current life?
And if reading alone isn’t enough, Honest Hour offers authenticity-focused virtual therapy for healthcare & legal professionals. While we serve all individuals, we are particularly dedicated to supporting communities of color through our diverse team of therapists. All of our therapists take insurance and if you would like to learn more about our therapists who serve New York, New Jersey, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., click here.
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