Self-care is more than just a buzzword; it’s a lifestyle! It also goes way deeper than a warm bath or a massage—though those things are nice. For those ready to get serious about thoughtful, meaningful self-care, we’ve got some excellent resources.

Below are the six best self-care books to improve wellness: mind, body, and soul!

Braving the Wilderness: The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand 

By Brené Brown

While the words of a “shame researcher” might not sound like a riot, we assure you—curling up with a Brené Brown book is like relaxing with a dear, sweet, hilarious friend.

 

In Braving the Wilderness, Brown blends scientific research, personal anecdotes, and real-life tips to teach us about caring for ourselves and others, to the benefit of all.

Braving the Wilderness book cover

The Power of Meaning: Finding Fulfillment in a World Obsessed with Happiness

By Emily Esfahani Smith

Momentary happiness is one thing, but deep, meaningful connection and satisfaction are something else entirely. Emily Estefani draws from sources from all walks of life: from Viktor Frankl to the Buddha to George Eliot.

 

She probes deep to challenge our perceptions on the value of introspection and awe, what it means to live in a community, and how to prioritize meaning over feeling.

The Power of Meaning book cover

The Little Book of Self-Care: The Tiny Everyday Habits that Will Transform Your Life

By Mel Noakes

This little book of helpful yet straightforward self-care reminders makes an excellent gift for yourself or someone you love. Mel Noakes reminds us that it really is the little things that make all the difference. For anyone feeling anxious or overwhelmed, this book offers practical encouragement that supports meaningful self-care.

The Little Book of Self-Care book cover

Self-Care for the Real World: Practical self-care advice for everyday life

By Nadia Narain & Katia Narain Phillips

If you want a guide written by wellness pioneers, you’ve arrived at the right place. This pretty book is endorsed by Reese Witherspoon, who called it, “A manual for everyone about real health from the inside out.”

 

It covers a lot of ground, serving as part tip-giver, part recipe book, part self-care manual. As such, it reminds us that self-care is more than skin deep, and wellness comes from the inside out.

Self-Care for the Real World book cover

The Highly Sensitive Person

By Elaine N. Aron

What is a highly sensitive person? According to decades of research by the illuminating Elaine Aron, a highly sensitive person—or HSP—has an acutely sensitive central nervous system. This makes them unique, not weak.

 

But HSPs require a specific brand of self-care specially tailored to their unique needs. If you suspect you might be highly sensitive, take the quiz on Aron’s site, then snag this book and transform your life.

The Highly Sensitive Person book cover

The Anxiety Journal: Exercises to soothe stress and eliminate anxiety wherever you are

By Corinne Sweet

This journal gives you thoughtful exercises to turn to in moments of stress by blending practicality with ingenuity. Good self-care involves having a plan, and this book helps you form healthy habits in moments of anxiety.

The Anxiety Journal book cover

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