Wendy Mass once said, “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.” How true are her words! In the past couple of years, the world has changed its perception of mental health. It’s no longer taboo to be transparent and vocal about your mental health struggles. I strongly believe that mental illness deserves the same amount of attention and aid as a physical injury. Just because it’s not visible to the naked eye, it doesn’t mean that it doesn’t exist. In fact, back in 2014, one of our own Bollywood celebs, Deepika Padukone, was diagnosed with clinical depression. She even took to Instagram to talk about the issue and made an interesting point. She wrote, “90% of India’s population is unaware of what they’re experiencing mentally & emotionally. There are others who refuse to seek help due to the stigma attached to mental illnesses. In 2014, I shared my story. Today I urge you to share yours too using the hashtag #NotAshamed @tlllfoundation”
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She rightfully pointed out that most people don’t seek help due to the stigma attached to mental illness. People are worried about how others would think of them. It’s about time we change our approach to mental health. It’s something you can’t just snap out of as and when you please. Just like a wound, it takes time to heal. You could get yourself into a better space when you’re surrounded by people who love and support you. Look at a therapist as a friend and not a foe. Meditate, practise yoga, talk to a close friend – do whatever it takes to make you feel better!
I’m no pro, but I can recommend a few popular self-help books which have personally helped me find my zen.
15 Self-Help Books To Make You Feel Better!
There are plenty of self-help books out there. Whether you’re on a quest to find happiness or find your centre, I bet you’ll find something that interests you from our top self-help books must-read list.
Self Help Books On Happiness
Happiness comes to those who are willing to appreciate the simple things in life. The sound of rain, the smell of fried onions, a cup of warm tea on a cold winter afternoon, cuddling with your partner in bed – you get the flow. These self help books have ‘happiness’ labelled all over them.
A Book of Simple Living By Ruskin Bond
This book is my escape from reality. It’s so pure and beautifully written that I find it hard to put it down whenever I read it. I consider it to be my recipe for happiness. It keeps me grounded and leaves me feeling grateful for the gifts the universe has blessed me with. It’s a light read and can be wrapped up in a couple of hours.
Spark Joy By Marie Kondo
This was one of the Marie Kondo books I picked up before watching the series on Netflix. The series is good, but the book has my heart. I love that it’s easy and light to read. Just like Marie Kondo’s beliefs, I too believe that clutter has trapped energy in it. In order to feel happy, one must keep items that ‘spark joy’ and discard the ones that don’t. If you need help with organising and learning to detach from items of sentimental value, you will find a friend in this book.
The Algebra of Happiness By Scott Galloway
Scott Galloway speaks from experience here. I like how it’s written in the first person and it’s not the kind book that tells you that you need to do something in order to be happy. He wants you to take that decision for yourself. He urges his readers to take more risks, smile at rejection, appreciate their loved ones and invest in experiences over things. The book isn’t earth-shattering but is a tiny reminder of how we can become a better person every day.
Self Help Books On Anxiety
Having lived with anxiety, I can tell you that it’s a guest that pays a visit without an invitation. If at all you encounter it, you shouldn’t give in to panic. For your own sanity and safety, you must remain calm at all times. Breathe, breathe again and read these self help books on anxiety
Love for Imperfect Things By Haemin Sunim
I strongly recommend that you pick up this book. I wouldn’t trade it for the world! Each page is a visual treat and has taught me important life lessons on how to make peace with my shortcomings. I like this one part where the author suggests that in order to make peace with the world around us, we must learn to make peace within. Avoid being too hard on yourself and stop controlling things you have no power over. Go with the flow and relish every bit of life!
The Little Book of Sloth By Jennifer McCartney
Have you wondered how do sloths see the world? What do they do apart from eat, sleep and repeat? Us humans can learn a thing or two from the sloths too. We can learn to slow down a bit, breathe and take one day at a time. The wisdom inspired-by-sloths will help you to sleep better, be mindful of your eating habits and learn how to balance between work and your personal life.
How to Stop Worrying and Start Living By Dale Carnagie
The day you stop worrying is the day you start living. This book is divided into 8 sections. It’s all about helping the reader find the reason for their anxiety, analysing it, accepting it and then training your mind to overcome it. The book has helped me come to terms with my anxiety, I wish it does the same for you too.
Self Help Spirituality Books
Is there a God? What is our purpose here on earth? Is there life after death? What are chakras? Do vibes actually exist? You will find your answers if pick up any of the spiritual self help books mentioned below.
Conversations With God By Neale Donald Walsch
This book does not describe God as someone who should be feared. On the contrary, it asks you to take God as your friend. Someone who you can have conversations with love, life and purpose. The book teaches one how to listen to their inner voice rather than listening to someone else’s. It’s magic!
You Are the Universe By Deepak Chopra
If you like reading books written by Deepak Chopra, then this book is something you must add to your reading list asap. This book is pretty heavy to absorb. You might need more than a few days to finish it. Take your time when reading this book and meditate whenever you feel like you need to take a break.
Intuition By Osho
It’s all about learning to follow your intuition instead of suppressing them. This book will give you insight into your subconscious mind and how you can use it to improve your personal growth. It is one of the best self improvement books out there. It’s a classic book that you’ll never want to part with.
Self Help Books For Confidence
You can’t build confidence overnight. It takes time, patience and a whole new level of guts! I hope you find your voice through these self help books to boost confidence.
The Courage To Be Disliked By Ichiro Kishimi & Fumitake Koga
You can’t live a happy life if you’re a people-pleaser. This book will teach you how to rely on yourself and become you’re own best friend. In fact, this was my first self-help book. I picked it up a few years ago and I still refer to it from time to time. It’s like my moral compass.
You Are a Badass By Jen Sincero
The title of the book says it ALL. It’s a positive book to carry with you on your way to work. This book will help you learn how to chase your dreams and goals. Those looking for a bit of a confidence boost, this baby will help you stop doubting yourself and start living an awesome life!
13 Steps To Bloody Good Luck By Ashwin Sanghi
Not everyone is born lucky, but if you play your cards well, you might just end up being the luckiest person alive! The author states that people are unlucky because of their own mistakes. They should not blame others, because they did not grab the opportunities on time. You’ve got to read the whole book to fall in love with it.
Self Help Books For Depression
We can’t run away from depression, but we can learn how to deal with it better. These books will be your guides.
Zen: The Art of Simple Living By Shunmyo Masuno
Whenever I feel low, this book helps me feel safe and loved. Every page is a visual treat, thanks to the detailing that goes into each illustration. According to me, it’s better than the ‘Ikigai’ book and it will teach you everything you need to know about Japanese living.
How to Love the Shit Out of Life By Sally-Anne Hurley
This is the latest book I’ve read. The writing style is casual, fun and light. A book that can be read in just a day. I recommend millennials to pick this one up only because of its tone and modern philosophy.
Who Will Cry When You Die By Robin Sharma
This book is as real as it gets. It will open your eyes and encourage you to give your life a second shot. Whenever you feel that your sinking, open this book and read a chapter, it will soothe your pain and comfort you.
I hope you find your way, your happiness and your confidence again. There’s so much love in the world and you deserve a slice as well. If at all, you don’t feel like yourself, seek help from family, friends and therapists. All of them have your best interest in mind. Don’t you ever give up! I’m rooting for you.
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