If you know me personally, likely you know that I’m hopelessly obsessed with self-care and self-improvement books. While I do enjoy a good piece of fiction–you might also be familiar with my Lord of the Rings obsession–inspirational nonfiction is my jam.
But the self-care/improvement section of your library or bookstore can be tricky to navigate. For every good book, there are ten boring, unoriginal collections of clichés. And it’s impossible to tell which are the good ones from the covers. They all claim that they’ll change your life starting on page 1–which definitely isn’t true.
Luckily for you, I read all of the bad books so that you don’t have to. Today, I’m sharing the ultimate self-care reading list with seventeen of my favorite self-care/improvement books. (I tend to group self-care and self-improvement together. Self-improvement can be a form of self-care–it isn’t all chocolate and bubble baths, after all.)
While many of these books are geared towards women, I’ve pointed out which ones are suitable for all. In short, there’s something for everyone on the ultimate list of self-care books!
For general self-care & happiness:
- The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin. When the author realizes that she has all she’s ever wanted in life, yet she still doesn’t feel happy, she sets off on a yearlong journey to be happier. Although the book documents her personal quest for happiness, her research on happiness and reflections are for everyone.
- French Women for All Seasons by Mireille Guiliano. Have you ever wondered how to achieve the effortless style of a French woman? Or how to choose the right wine to pair with dinner? This book is packed with tasty recipes and clever advice for women on how to live a simple, yet glamorous, life to its fullest.
- The Wisdom of Sundays by Oprah Winfrey. If you love Oprah’s “Super Soul Sundays”–or even if you’ve never heard of the show–you’ll love this book. It’s packed with clever tidbits of wisdom from the show’s guests, paired with beautiful imagery. It’s a coffee table gem that all will appreciate.
For creating a nurturing home:
- Happier at Home by Gretchen Rubin. The first follow-up to The Happiness Project, the author realizes that she often feels homesick in her own home. As she embarks on a journey to make her family’s living space feel like home, Rubin offers tips for everyone for nurturing relationships and changing up your physical environment for the homier.
- The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking. This beautiful little book by the CEO of Denmark’s Happiness Research Institute might be half pictures, but it doesn’t skimp on content. Wiking explains why Denmark is consistently ranked among the world’s happiest countries and how to change your environment and habits to be happier.
For physical health:
- French Women Don’t Get Fat by Mireille Guiliano. My least favorite part of this book is its title, because it’s about so much more than weight. Speaking from her own French upbringing, the author offers women an alternative to the diet-obsessed American approach to eating. Learn to enjoy fine cuisine, eat in moderation, and maintain a healthy weight in the process.
- Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler. An odd choice for a self-care reading list? Perhaps, but the alternate title of this book could be: Everything Women Should Have Learned in Health Class. Learning how your body works is critical to taking good care of it.
For mental health:
- The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer. A book written in uniquely concrete, straightforward terms while covering the most abstract of topics. A spiritual teacher explains how anyone can overcome the limitations of their mind and achieve inner freedom, peace, and happiness.
- On Edge by Andrea Peterson. A successful recounts her lifelong struggle with anxiety. Part-autobiography, part-research project, Peterson is real and raw and doesn’t offer a “magic pill.” For those who have struggled with anxiety, this book is relatable and empowering,
- 7 Cups for the Searching Soul by 7Cups. A short, free Amazon e-book that will challenge the way you view yourself and the world around you. It’s geared towards those struggling with mental illness or big life changes.
For relationships:
- Boundaries by Henry Cloud & John Townsend. Are you a people-pleaser? Do you find yourself feeling constantly drained, stressed, and resentful of others’ expectations of you? If you answered yes, then this book is for you. The authors give no-nonsense Christian advice on how to set boundaries in relationships and reclaim your life.
- The Surrendered Wife by Laura Doyle. Let me explain the title before you judge, please! The basis of this book is the idea that married men and women are happier when the wife surrenders her perceived control over her husband and lets him be himself. It’s full of straightforward, effective advice for women at any stage of a romantic relationship.
For Christian women:
- Set Apart Femininity by Leslie Ludy. A short but excellent read on the true meaning of femininity–because it isn’t what you probably think it is. This book is geared towards younger women and covers topics such as discovering your purpose, rethinking beauty, and finding love from a Christian perspective.
- Women Living Well by Courtney Joseph. Advice from a mommy-blogger, for fellow wives and mothers, on how to live more biblical and fulfilling lives. She covers everything from dealing with modern-day digital distractions, to creating household routines, to improving your relationship with your husband.
- Fascinating Womanhood by Helen Andelin. Disclaimer: this book was written in 1963, so the author’s attitudes can be old-fashioned. (Which I actually love, as the history romantic I am!) The author draws on examples from history; literature, including the Bible; and personal stories to advise women on how to improve their marriages.
For finding joy in the everyday:
- Looking for Lovely by Annie Downs. The author reflects on overcoming her own insecurities to live a better, more biblical life (with much help from her friends). You’ll laugh, cry, and cheer along with her as she learns to see God’s grace in the everyday.
- Cold Tangerines by Shauna Niequist. In the same vein as Looking for Lovely. The author recounts her struggles and triumphs in learning to see every moment as God’s gift, even the bad ones. You’ll enjoy her blunt honesty and sense of humor as much as her stories.
Which title from this list of self-care books are you going to pick up next? And what’s your favorite recent read?