Because sometimes a book can change your life…
By Helen Walsh (Life and Health Coach)
There have been many times in my life where I needed to make an important decision or I was worried or stressed about situations I was going through at the time, and at those times I would have a default mode and without even realising it, I would find myself standing in a book shop.
I wanted to put a collection of book suggestions together that you could try if you were at a time in your life where you needed a little voice in your head to help you get through.
Our mental health and wellness can get a great little boost if we read something that we can relate to and in the moment can help to keep us looking and moving forward.
One of my favourite sayings is ‘We don’t know what we don’t know.’ We try to solve our situations and problems using our own experience and the information we have and sometimes that can keep us stuck. Reading the story or advice from someone else can give us a different way to see things or even find a solution.
The books I have chosen are based around mental wellness and are practical guides, but immersing yourself in any book so you stop the repetitive thoughts in your head that may be negative or stress related is always worth doing.
I know we are in a digital age and it is quicker and easier to listen to something instead of reading but even taking the time out with a book can relax our bodies in a very short period of time.
Here are a few books to get you started:
I May Be Wrong And Other Wisdoms From Life as a Forest Monk – Bjorn Natthiko Lindeblad
This is a lovely little easy read. Bjorn takes us on his self-discovery journey and how he learned to let go of the small stuff, accept things he could not control, manage difficult emotions and he talks about facing yourself without judgement.
This book was endorsed by the Dalai Lama.
Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself – Dr Joe Dispenzas
Any of Joe Dispenza’s books are a powerful read, his focus is on changing your outlook and life by learning to control your thoughts.
His teachings are a mix of science and spirituality and he has helped thousands of people get well both mentally and physically. It is a heavier read than I MAY BE WRONG but worth a look.
Atomic Habits – James Clear
This book is a great read for anyone wanting to change something in their life that is holding them back but they keep getting stuck. James breaks down in detail why this happens and how to fix it.
Small changes, big outcomes.
This is a bestseller for the last few years and has sold over a million copies.
The Myth of Normal – Gabor Maté
This man is a leading expert in trauma and how it plays out in our life physically and mentally. This was a heavy read and I picked it up and put it down lots of times but the information in it is incredible. His research and extensive experience make any of his books worth a read if you have gone through a hard time in your life, his work and writing will really help anyone going through therapy or recovery.
Manifest – Roxie Nafousi
This is a bit more light-hearted but will help you set your intentions on positive possibilities and keep you focused on moving forward and staying hopeful.
As with any books around ‘Manifesting’ and the ‘law of attraction’ practices, it is great to plan, visualise, and work towards what you want in this life and sometimes you have looked back enough and it is time to move forward.
All of the above are available to order from your local bookshop, or online, or don’t forget to check out your local library for copies.
My spring challenge for you is to pick up a book and just read for 10 mins a day, it will really help you in ways you are not expecting!
