How to read your way to a mental reset

Elizabeth Hines shares her best reads for inspiration when you’re in desperate need of a mental health reset

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on Calmer

While there are endless ways to look after your mental health, one simple and effective way is to curl up with a good book. Whether you’re searching for a relaxing read, practical guidance or major motivation, there’s a book out there that can help lift your spirits, relieve stress and motivate you.

Good Vibes, Good Life by Vex King

King’s popular Instagram posts – which routinely go viral because of their meaningful messages and relatable motivation – may be familiar to you, and his book is just as excellent. He draws on his own experience and intuitive wisdom to teach you how to practise self-care, establish positive habits, manifest your objectives using tried-and-tested strategies, conquer fear and find a higher purpose in life so that you can become a shining beacon for others.

Sunday Wisdom: Life-Changing Insights from Super Soul Discussions by Oprah Winfrey 

This extremely encouraging collection of interviews between Oprah and some of the world’s most remarkable people compiles the best ‘Aha’ moments from Super Soul Sunday. This is the book for you if you’ve been searching for a sense of purpose or direction.

You Are Here: An Owner’s Manual for Dangerous Minds by Jenny Lawson

This book is filled with intricate pictures and life advice, combining inspiration, therapy, colouring, humour and guidance. It’s a really good book for when you’re going through a difficult time and can be a great reference book, no matter what you’re going through. You Are Here is both amusing and immensely honest – a tool to help you deal with complex life events in a confident, creative and happy way.

Super Attractor: Methods for Manifesting a Life Beyond Your Wildest Dreams by Gabrielle Bernstein

Super Attractor takes a spiritual approach and provides key recommendations on how to live in accordance with the universe in order to create the life you want. This includes the ‘choose again method’ for reframing negativity and improving your mood.

The Book of Happiness by Desmond Tutu and the Dalai Lama

Despite the difficulties they have experienced throughout their lives, in this book Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the Dalai Lama continue to radiate love, compassion and even humour. In The Book of Happiness the two inspirational icons discuss how to discover joy in the face of adversity, as well as how to preserve it once you’ve found it. If you’re searching for some real motivation, or a little additional fun during a particularly trying period this book is for you.

It’s Okay To Have Strong Feelings by Carissa Potter

This book is full of support when you need a little extra love, along with practical ideas, genuine understanding, useful honesty, lovely pictures and relatable comedy. It’s also a terrific gift for any friend who is going through a difficult moment.

Anxiety Happens: 52 Ways to Find Peace of Mind by Georg H. Eifert PhD And John P. Forsyth PhD

Drawn from evidence-based research, this is a kind and comforting read. “This book does exactly what it says on the tin,” says health writer Nikki Marie. “Written by two authors with PhDs, this is a very simple reference book you can fall back on any time you feel like life is getting away from you, or your day-to-day circumstances are getting a little too much. Flick through however you want, or practise one technique for every week of the year; it’s up to you.”

When it comes to balancing and restoring your mental health, reading is a regular practise we can all tap into. If things are getting a little too much, and you are looking for some initial support I hope you can take inspiration from this list of books.