From breathing exercises to personal stories, inspiring quotes and engaging activities, we put together a list of five of our favourite self-care books to kick start your year.
Take A Moment: Activities to Refocus, Re-centre And Relax Wherever You Are – Mind
Created in partnership with mental health charity Mind, this book describes how we can develop our own methods for managing stress and anxiety. Described as a self-care companion, Take A Moment teaches techniques to help you to find your calm with breathing practices, exercises and creative tasks on each page. Including watercolour illustrations and in a compact size (perfect for taking on the go), this book is both practical and inspiring. Plus, all proceeds from the sale of this book go to the Mind charity. Available at Waterstones.
Our favourite quote:
"Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom."
Good Vibes, Good Life: How Self-Love Is the Key to Unlocking Your Greatness – Vex King
How can you learn to love yourself? How can you transform negative emotions into positive ones? Is it possible to find lasting happiness? In this book, Instagram guru Vex King answers all of these questions and more, using his personal experiences to become a source of hope and inspiration. This book is the perfect guide for those seeking to live a more meaningful life. Available at WH Smith.
Our favourite quote:
"Stop trying to impress people. Impress yourself. Stretch yourself. Test yourself. Be the best version of you that you can be."
Lightly: How To Live a Simple, Serene and Stress-Free Life – Francine Jay
While there is no shortage of decluttering books available (a trend attributed to Marie Kondo), we have to say that this is one of the best! Lightly uplifts your thoughts, your actions and your day. While this book focuses on decluttering, there is equal emphasis on lightening stress, your spirit and your impact on the planet. This book is about adopting a lifestyle centred on one single word with an underlying philosophy: lightly. Available on Amazon.
Our favourite quote:
"Create lightness in your home, and you'll invite more of it into your life."
Madly in Love with Me: The Daring Adventure of Becoming Your Own Best Friend – Christine Arylo
A breakthrough book on self-love, this publication is for the soul. Expertly written with a witty sense of humour, this is a joy to read while teaching us to love ourselves. A soul-warming read with fun and practical ways to explore and embody the ten branches of self-love. Available on Amazon.
Our favourite quote:
"I imagine a world in which each girl grows up believing that, regardless of her accomplishments, she is more than enough, just because she is herself."
Kintsugi Wellness: The Japanese Art of Nourishing Mind, Body, and Spirit – Candice Kumai
Author Candice Kumai shares what she's learned through this Japanese common-sensical and approachable way of living, cultivating inner strength and living life with grace. Drawing from her experiences, this book shows us how Japanese traditions can enhance body, mind and spirit. Interwoven with dozens of healthy Japanese inspired recipes and heart warming stories, Kintsugi Wellness provides the tools we all need to live a healthy and meaningful life and gives us a genuinely delectable book. Available on Amazon.
Our favourite quote:
"We're so busy being hard on ourselves that it's easy to lose sight of the fact that we are also deserving of the self-care it takes to maintain our health and happiness."