Books Allow Us to Take Our Time With Self-Care
Here on my website, you can find all of my Self-Care Resources in one place, but I wanted to put together a (not nearly comprehensive) list of the books that have shaped my self-care journey, and that I recommend over and over again. I love to read, and I think for a lot of us, being able to take the time to read about these big ideas at our own pace on our own time helps us to understand them better. The books I’m sharing here seem to fall easily into 4 different categories, so I’ve split them up that way.
Sometimes I have to read something several times before I recognize it for the game changer it is. Other times, I read something once and it sticks with me permanently. What’s interesting to me about every single book here is that every time I read them, a brand new something sticks with me. I hope that you enjoy these books as much as I have. Happy reading, friends!
Categories:
Organization
Finances
Positivity
Personal Favorites
Organization:
Eat That Frog - Brian Tracy
This book is great for those among us that tend to procrastinate. I use the principles in this book on a daily basis. It is absolutely chock-full of information, and may be one you skim through for ideas rather than read all at once. The ideas are great, and have helped me to end most of my procrastinating tendencies. Go ahead and eat that frog! You’ll be glad you did.
Getting Things Done - David Allen
Just like with Eat That Frog, Getting Things Done is PACKED with info, and is an extremely valuable resource for anyone who is trying to stay on top of all the things, and is under all the stress. That said, it is extremely dense and detailed, and can be overwhelming in the very beginning. I took ideas and snippets from the processes outlined in the book and applied them where they were most helpful.
Your Best Year Ever - Michael Hyatt
MIchael Hyatt was one of the first people that I ever heard talk about taking time away from his office for both personal time and time to refocus on his business. He also talked about how this was a non-negotiable for him because it was valuable. Taking time away from work to help your work? Say what now? I’ve taken that forward throughout my career, and it is so surprising, even now, how much stronger my work is when I’ve allowed myself a break. Michael’s Best Year Ever framework is also what I followed the very first time I put together a whole life plan where self-care was the main focus.
Finances:
It’s Not Your Money - Tosha Silver
Tosha Silver is just such a badass. Her work can seem a little woo-woo, and unattainable, and I get it, BUT, she makes great points about how we as humans aren’t in control like we think we are. We also might just be a whole lot happier if we’d remember that. In It’s Not Your Money, she takes you through a process to heal from money fears and feelings of unworthiness, so that you can learn to feel more prosperous with less.
The Financial Diet - Chelsea Fagan
This book is a great, quick read that has SO MANY practical ways to understand and tackle your finances. Expert interviews, tips, practical exercises. It’s all there. Plus, the partner website is a treasure trove of information and resources. If you’re wanting a (very) beginner take on understanding money that is easy to understand and quick to read, this is it.
Positivity:
G’Morning, G’Night - Lin Manuel Miranda
Lin Manuel Miranda has gathered the best of his short and sweet inspirational tweets all together in one place in this little book with big positive vibes. Need a quick mood boost? Flip to a page. Lin Manuel Miranda has something you need to hear.
What to Say When You Talk To Yourself - Shad Helmstetter
This is another INCREDIBLY dense book, but it is so important and was the game changer of all game changers when I started working on self-care almost a decade ago. Shad Helmstetter lays out how what we say to ourselves makes literal lines in our brains in this book about self-talk and it’s effect on us. The big takeaway for me? We can change what our brain thinks is true! Yep. I said what I said.
Personal Favorites:
The Gifts of Imperfection - Brene Brown
I often refer to this book as my bible. Seeing as I’m a recovering perfectionist, this book hit me square in the feels the first time I read it. I’ve since read it several more times, led a book club on it, recommended it to innumerable clients, friends, and passerby, and bought it for multiple people. This book on embracing yourself wholeheartedly and letting go of unrealistic expectations is my gold standard for anyone who is too hard on themselves.
Outrageous Openness - Tosha Silver
This book is the book that rewired my brain about worry. Again, Tosha makes sure to remind us that we aren’t in control, and that when we remember that and just live our lives, it takes so much pressure off. She’s also hilarious and completely relatable.
Your Grief, Your Way - Shelby Forsythia
For those of us walking through a season of grief, or processing grief of any kind, I cannot recommend Shelby Forsythia enough. Her fresh take on grieving however you want is so helpful, and this devotional for the year is a great way to remind yourself that your grief is personal, and you can grieve in whatever way you need.
There Are a Ton of Self-Care Books Out There - Find The Right Ones for You
Here I have listed a few of my most recommended books, but there are literally thousands out there, all in different categories, all with different messages.
What I want you to know is that you don’t have to read these books to set up a great self-care regimen. You need to read the books that help you understand what will help you the most.
We all have those books that give us the a-ha moments, and when you have an a-ha moment about your self-care, it pays dividends for years to come.
Looking for tips and tricks without the books? Download my free Beginner Self-Care Workshop here!