Wellness is often discussed in casual conversations, but what exactly does it entail? According to the National Library of Medicine, wellness comprises eight distinct dimensions that are interconnected.
These dimensions include physical health and self-care, intellectual curiosity and skill-building, emotional intelligence and empathy, social connections and community engagement, spiritual growth and alignment with values, vocational fulfillment through meaningful work, financial security and planning, and environmental awareness and stewardship. As we navigate our individual wellness journeys, it’s essential to consider each of these dimensions and how they intersect.
This diverse list of books explores many of these themes, offering unique perspectives and guidance that can help readers cultivate a holistic approach to their well-being. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, motivation, or practical advice, there’s something on this list for everyone.
Some Background On Wellness Books
Who Is Wellness For?: An Examination of Wellness Culture and Who It Leaves Behind by Fariha Róisín
Fariha Róisín’s personal experience as a Bangladeshi Muslim living in Australia highlights the disconnect between wellness culture and its roots in the wisdom of Black, brown, and Indigenous communities. Despite being built upon their knowledge, this movement often ignores and excludes these groups. By reading her book, you can gain a deeper understanding of your own privilege (or lack thereof) within the conversation surrounding wellness and its commercialization.
Wellness Books About The Body
Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams By Matthew Walker
Having always prioritized a good night’s sleep, my dedication has only intensified after discovering the significance of sleep through ‘Why We Sleep’. The book is thoughtfully structured into four distinct sections. The first two parts delve into the essential questions: what is sleep and why do we need it? In contrast, part three delves into the mysteries of dreaming, offering valuable insights into this often misunderstood aspect of our nocturnal experiences.
The final section provides a comprehensive examination of common sleep disruptors, as well as proposals for societal transformations that prioritize individual rest and rejuvenation.
Intuitive Eating: A Revolutionary Program that Works by Evelyn Tribole MS, RD and Elyse Resch MS, RD, FADA
Two leading nutritionists offer a game-changing approach to tackle overeating or undereating in their book – the concept of intuitive eating. At its core, this method encourages us to tune into our bodily cues, respecting and acknowledging our physical needs. It’s an art that involves recognizing and honoring hunger, as well as intuitively sensing when we’ve had enough.
Moreover, this approach helps us develop a healthier relationship with food by allowing ourselves to feel emotions without relying on it as a coping mechanism. Perhaps most importantly, intuitive eating challenges the notion of an ‘ideal body type,’ instead empowering individuals to find their own natural weight and body composition.
Yoke: My Yoga of Self-Acceptance by Jessamyn Stanley
This thought-provoking book offers a unique perspective for yogis and non-yogis alike. Through her personal essays on her relationship with yoga, Jessamyn sheds light on pressing issues like cultural appropriation, capitalism, and racism. She skillfully weaves together the lessons learned from her yoga practice to demonstrate how these same principles can be applied to everyday life.
By embracing the flexibility, strength, and awareness cultivated on the mat, readers are encouraged to approach the world with a newfound sense of resilience and compassion.
Part of You, Not All of You: Shared Wisdom and Guided Journaling for Life with Chronic Illness by Jenneh Rishe
As a seasoned registered nurse with experience in surgical trauma, oncology, and internal medicine, Jennenh Rishe brings a unique perspective to this journal. Founder of The Endometriosis Coalition, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting awareness and driving research funding for endometriosis, she has leveraged her expertise to create a valuable resource that can bring comfort, acceptance, relief, and hope to individuals grappling with chronic illnesses.
For further insights on physical wellness, explore the comprehensive list of books featured in Books Fitness Professionals Should Read.
Wellness Books About Lifestyle
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo
For those intrigued by the concept of minimalism and decluttering, Marie Kondo’s approach offers valuable insights into streamlining our surroundings. By implementing her strategies for tidying up, we can not only purge unwanted items from our physical spaces but also potentially experience a corresponding mental clarity. In essence, this book provides a framework for creating order in our lives and freeing ourselves from the burdens of excess.
Pleasure Activism: The Politics of Feeling Good by adrienne maree brown
The core message of the book is to reframe activism and social justice as a source of joy and fulfillment. Brown encourages us to abandon the notion that activism must be a burdensome task, instead urging us to strive for a life that is both meaningful and pleasurable. She provides practical guidance on how to make this vision a reality not just for ourselves, but also for those around us.
To gauge whether this book aligns with your personal tastes, consider Brown’s own perspective on her work, which can be found below.
There is No Right Way To Meditate: And Other Lessons by Yumi Sakugawa
As I delved into Yumi Sakugawa’s book, the experience felt akin to embarking on a calming journey. She masterfully redefines meditation as an accessible and adaptable practice that transcends rigid notions of absolute focus and mental quietude. Instead, she presents it as a flexible and forgiving path towards relaxation, freedom, and rejuvenation, beautifully illustrated through thought-provoking metaphors.
The Big Activity Book for Digital Detox by Jordan Reid And Erin Williams
If you’re feeling mentally drained from excessive screen time, this book is just what the doctor ordered! It’s a unique blend of personal reflection, artistic expression, and practical guidance on how to disconnect from your devices. By reading this guide, you’ll gain access to a treasure trove of creative activities and expert advice on how to prioritize self-care and digital detox – a true gift to yourself.
The Lost Art of Doing Nothing: How the Dutch Unwind with Niksen by Maartje Willems and Lona Aalders
This thought-provoking book encourages readers to adopt the Dutch approach to doing nothing, which may seem paradoxically straightforward yet surprisingly demanding in today’s fast-paced world. The author cleverly constructs a compelling argument for embracing the art of idleness, accompanied by serene illustrations that promote relaxation and serenity.
Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself by Nedra Glover Tawwab
I was surprised to discover that I’m not alone in my struggle with setting healthy boundaries. The fact that someone has written an entire book on the topic suggests there are many others who share my concern. Nedra Glover Tawwab’s book offers practical guidance on establishing and maintaining boundaries in our personal and professional lives, tackling complex issues like co-dependency, power struggles, anxiety, depression, and burnout along the way.
Her approach provides a roadmap for navigating these challenges and cultivating healthier relationships as a result.
When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times by Pema Chödrön
When faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed and wonder why things are spiraling out of control. However, having a dose of perspective can be the catalyst for navigating these difficult times. In his book, Pema Chödrön draws upon ancient Buddhist wisdom to offer timeless insights that remain as relevant today as they were when the book was first published in 1996.
The Little Book of Hygge: The Danish Way to Live Well by Meik Wiking
In the thought-provoking book by Meik Wiking, the concept of Hygge is delved into, a term that embodies a sense of coziness, familiarity, and inner peace. The pages are adorned with calming illustrations, serving as gentle reminders to cultivate self-compassion.
While not all methods for cultivating this Danish delight may resonate with every individual, the book encourages readers to seek out their own unique interpretation of Hygge in today’s fast-paced world, where stress and anxiety often take center stage.
Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art by James Nestor
We’re constantly reminded of the importance of breathing, yet our very own James Nestor suggests that we’ve been doing it incorrectly for quite some time now. In his exploration of this topic, he delves into the mistakes we’ve made and provides actionable advice on how to correct them. By learning from these errors, we can breathe more efficiently and reap the benefits that come with it.
Do Nothing: How to Break Away from Overworking, Overdoing, and Underliving by Celeste Headlee
Celeste Headlee’s journey with writing ‘Do Nothing’ began with a personal epiphany. She was a high achiever, dedicating herself to her work and deriving great joy from it. Yet, despite her numerous accomplishments, she felt drained and unhappy. This paradox sparked her curiosity, prompting her to re-examine the very fabric of her existence. The book’s core message is a gentle yet powerful reminder: our lives are not solely defined by productivity or efficiency.
Rather, they require balance and space for leisure, allowing us to truly thrive.
Mental Wellness Books
Stumbling on Happiness: Think You Know What Makes You Happy? by Daniel Gilbert
In its pages, this book dismantles the conventional wisdom on what brings happiness, instead weaving together cutting-edge research from psychology, cognitive neuroscience, philosophy, and behavioral economics into a witty narrative that pokes fun at our own misconceptions about joy. The author’s ultimate goal is to guide readers towards a deeper understanding of what truly drives their happiness, all while acknowledging the absurdity of seeking happiness in the first place.
The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk, M.D.
For over three decades, Dr. Bessel van der Kolk has dedicated his work to understanding the complexities of trauma. A renowned expert in the field, he has spent years studying how traumatic experiences can fundamentally reshape an individual’s physical and mental well-being. According to recent research, trauma can significantly impact one’s capacity for pleasure, engagement, self-control, and trust.
What’s more, it’s not limited to specific populations like veterans or abuse survivors – it’s a widespread issue that affects many more people than we often realize. This book delves into the profound ways in which our relationships can both inflict harm and foster healing.
My Friend Fear: Finding Magic in the Unknown by Meera Lee Patel
Immersed in the world of watercolor art, Meera Lee Patel’s soothing yet thought-provoking illustrations create a sanctuary for confronting our deepest fears. This illustrated guide invites readers to step into a safe space, where they can confront and make sense of their most daunting emotions. As we delve into this journey, we find solace in the comfort and profound insights that Patel so masterfully conveys, making it an indispensable companion to revisit again and again.
It Didn’t Start with You: How Inherited Family Trauma Shapes Who We Are and How to End the Cycle by Mark Wolynn
While exploring the concept of generational trauma, this book delves into the profound effects it has on individuals and communities. Moreover, it challenges the notion that ‘hurt people hurt people’ by offering practical solutions to break free from this cycle. By adopting a self-healing approach, we can create a ripple effect of positivity, ensuring that future generations are not perpetually scarred in the same way.
Emotional First Aid: Healing Rejection, Guilt, Failure, and Other Everyday Hurts by Guy Winch, Ph.D.
As children, we’re often taught to treat physical wounds with basic first aid techniques. We learn to clean the affected area, apply a bandage, and seek professional help when needed. But what if we could extend this same concept to our emotional well-being? This is precisely the approach taken by Guy Winch in his book, where he delves into the realm of emotional first aid. If you’re still undecided about reading it, take a look at his thought-provoking Ted Talk on the subject below.
For further recommendations on mental wellness books, explore Mental Health Nonfiction for Teen Readers and Comics About Mental Health, which offer valuable insights and perspectives.