Seven Wellness Books for Mind, Body and Soul

 

Hands up if you buy books at a rate you can’t possibly keep up with. We know it’s not just us! Being immersed in a good book is heaven. Diving off into an imaginary world full of fascinating characters offers the chance to escape the everyday stresses of life; while the best non-fiction sparks inspiration and the sense of enrichment that comes from acquiring new wisdom.

Books can feel like the best kind of companion: wise, dependable, entertaining and engaging – something to turn to when we feel stuck, or when we need to feel seen or understood, or when we want to learn and explore more. I see reading as a form of self-care – helping calm my busy mind and create distance from whatever life is throwing at me. It requires focus and stillness, both of which help me to regulate and quietly return to my inner world.  

If you are looking for a new book that will offer insight, inspiration, comfort or connection (even if like me you already have a pile of books next to your bed waiting to be read!), read on to find out which wellness books we recommend for this summer.

 

Enchantment, Katherine May

You may have read the brilliant Wintering by Katherine May, a book which explores the idea that we cannot always be achieving and instead have fallow periods in life when we need to retreat to rest and repair ourselves. This reads like it's perfect sequel. Katherine shares the fear, exhaustion, anxiety, restlessness and overwhelm she feels in a post-pandemic world, and wonders if there is a different way she could relate to the world – one that leaves her feeling at ease and connected, and in touch with the magic of the natural world. This book is full of heart and soul – a gorgeous invitation to step forward and reawaken our innate sense of awe and wonder. We’re sure you will return to it again and again.

 

Four Thousand Weeks, Oliver Burkeman

You may remember Oliver Burkeman as the witty and wise Guardian Weekend columnist responsible for This Column Will Change Your Life, which he wrote for ten years until 2020. And you might be able to guess what the title of his most recent book is about – four thousand weeks is roughly the amount of time we will live for if we reach 80. It doesn’t sound a lot does it? Oliver argues that considering that we only get one short life, we waste a lot of time feeling miserable by mistakenly believing that we should be able to get through all the tasks and chores we think we have to do. He offers strategies to counteract the anxious feelings we have around never being able to do enough, and positions hobbyists – people who happily make space for a whole afternoon of doing something that seemingly has no other purpose – as his heroes. This is one that will really make you reflect on how you want to spend your time.

 

What’s Wrong With Me? 101 Things Midlife Women Need to Know, Lorraine Candy

A former editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan, ELLE and Sunday Times Style, Lorraine Candy is also a mother of four. Her first book Mum What’s Wrong With You? 101 Things Only Mothers of Teenage Girls Will Know explored what she calls the most challenging part of her motherhood journey yet: the teenage years. This next book looks more broadly at all the things women in midlife may face: an empty nest, career reinvention, sex, marriage, brain fog, burnout, perimenopause and menopause. Containing personal stories woven in amongst advice from experts and celebrities, this memoir manages to be laugh-out-loud funny while also tackling the serious issue of a midlife identity crisis.

 

Wise Words for Women, Donna Lancaster

Wise Words for Women is like a long, meaningful hug – you know the ones you only have with the people who love and understand you the most. Coach and therapist Donna brings 25 years of experience helping people to heal pain and find their authentic selves to this collection of honest words, counsel, and self-love. This book is perfect to pick up first thing every morning as you drink your coffee, or to turn to when you are going through something tough. Or, as I did it, equally as perfect to wolf down in one weekend! It is pure comfort – I know I will be dipping back in again and again.

 

Sacred Seasons, Kirsty Gallagher

For those of you who haven’t come across Kirsty before, either having read her first book, Lunar Living, or found her on Instagram or podcasts like Happy Place, Kirsty describes herself as a moon mentor and soul guide. Her latest offering Sacred Seasons is a guide to living in alignment with nature’s cycles and seasonal celebrations, including events like the spring equinox, summer solstice, autumn equinox and Imbolc. Kirsty’s aim is to help us to form a deeper connection to nature, the astrological cycles and lunar phases so that we can find and feel a greater sense of meaning. Packed with nourishing rituals, crystals and altar set-ups, as well as heaps of other practices and wisdom, this book might be just the ticket if you are seeking to rewild yourself and discover the potency of ancient cycles.

 

Tapping In by Poppy Delbridge

In her empowering book Tapping In Poppy Delbridge takes readers on a transformative journey toward self-discovery and personal growth. With a unique blend of storytelling, mindfulness, and practical exercises, Delbridge explores the power of tapping into one's inner wisdom and intuition to unlock one's true potential. Through insightful anecdotes and thought-provoking guidance, the book offers tools for overcoming obstacles, embracing vulnerability, and cultivating resilience.

Delbridge skillfully navigates topics like self-acceptance, mindfulness, and emotional healing, providing readers with actionable steps to navigate life's challenges with grace and authenticity. Tapping In is a captivating roadmap for anyone seeking to unleash their inner strength and lead a more fulfilling life.

 

Restore by Lizzie King

In her transformative book Restore wellness expert Lizzie King presents a comprehensive guide to rejuvenating the body, mind, and soul. Drawing upon her extensive knowledge of nutrition, holistic healing, and self-care practices, King offers a wealth of practical tips and insightful advice for restoring balance and vitality in our modern, fast-paced lives.

From nourishing recipes and meal plans to mindfulness exercises and self-care rituals, Restore provides a roadmap to reclaiming optimal health and well-being. With an emphasis on whole foods, stress reduction, and creating sustainable habits, King empowers readers to prioritise self-care, embrace mindful living, and cultivate a deeper connection with themselves. Restore is a must-read for anyone seeking to revitalise their body, enhance their energy, and create a life of vibrant wellness.