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Have you ever read a book that changed your entire perspective on life? How about one that healed you? Reading is proven to be therapeutic and beneficial in many ways. According to the University of Sussex research, reading can reduce stress by up to 68%. Here are six life-changing books focused on mental wellbeing and professional growth.
Rising Strong
Brené Brown
“Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing we’ll ever do.”
Courage. Vulnerability. Shame. Guilt. Worthiness. Wholehearted Living. I love the topics social scientist Brené Brown covers in her books. ‘Rising Strong’ gave me so much perspective during one of the most vulnerable moments in my life. It’s about being brave, having fallen, and doing what it takes to get back up. To rise stronger than ever before.
Ted Talk: The Power of Vulnerabiilty
Netflix Series: The Call to Courage
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear
Elizabeth Gilbert
Uplifting and inspiring, this isn’t just the perfect book for writers and other creatives. I highly recommend it for anyone who wants to be more brave and live with passion. ‘Big Magic’ is filled with so much wisdom, compassion, and insightful stories and lessons we can all draw from. Gilbert’s profound and unique perspective is truly transformational for my own creative journey!
Podcast: Magic Lessons
Bloom for Yourself I & II: Let Go and Grow
April Green
It’s a poetry book that heals you. I love this collection because every single piece speaks to me. It touches upon topics of growth, healing, letting go, living your truth, and learning the language of self-love. I re-read the books multiple times (it’s literally filled with sticky notes), and I go back to it every time I feel ‘less than’. It gives me faith and helps me feel less alone through the pain and confusion of life.
The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter and How to Make the Most of Them Now
Meg Jay
Every twentysomething needs to read this book. But, I highly recommend it to everyone regardless of age (because you’ll want to make immediate changes right after, and it’s never too late!) This thought-provoking book is based on tons of research from psychologists, sociologists, neurologists, and reproductive specialists, combined with real-life stories everyone can relate to. ‘The Defining Decade’ provides concrete advice and tips on making empowering and informed decisions to live your best life.
Ted Talk: Why 30 is not the new 20
How to Be Everything: A Guide For Those Who (Still) Don’t Know What They Want to Be When They Grow Up
Emilie Wapnick
Are you the kind of person who has a lot of different passions and curiosities? Often referred to as the jack-of-all-trades or generalists? It’s okay if you don’t fit perfectly in a box when you were born to stand out and design a life doing what you love. You’re a multipotentialite - someone with many interests and creative pursuits. Can I say this book is 100% relatable? Where’s my tribe at?
Ted Talk: Why Some of Us Don’t Have One True Calling
Careergasm: Find Your Way to Feel-Good Work
Sarah Vermunt
Sarah Vermunt is so badass. She helps people figure out what the hell they want so they can quit their job and do what they love. I mean, she was a business professor, and now, she gives bullsh*t-free career advice as a writer, career coach, and founder of Careergasm. She’s my biggest inspiration, and I’m proud to say that working with her helped me improve my writing tremendously. ‘Careergasm’ is a witty and humorous how-to book, filled with relatable stories, practical advice, and reflective exercises for aspiring career changers.
Which books have you read? What’s on your list?
Published at Thrive Global