Here is our list of the top 14 self-care books of 2023
We all need a little self-care in our lives. But, what is self-care?
Self-care refers to any deliberate and intentional action or activity to maintain, improve, or restore physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It involves engaging in activities that promote relaxation, stress reduction, and overall physical and emotional health. Self-care can encompass a wide range of practices, such as exercise, healthy eating, getting enough sleep, engaging in hobbies or activities that bring joy. We pulled together a list of the best self-care books to help you on this journey.
The list includes:
- Books with monthly prompts
- Books focused on health
- Books focused on trauma
- Affirmation tools
- Self-care books for parents
- Books focused on self-compassion
Let’s get into it!
List of Best Self-Care Books of 2023
From daily journal prompt self-care books to books centered around trauma, check out some of the best self-care books of 2023 in the below list.
The Self-Care Solution: A Year of Becoming Happier, Healthier, and Fitter–One Month at a Time by Jennifer Ashton
Dr. Ashton, a board-certified OB/GYN, offers you a year-long roadmap to self-care, covering all aspects of well-being, from physical to emotional and spiritual health. The Self-Care Solution: A Year of Becoming Happier, Healthier, and Fitter–One Month at a Time is divided into 12 chapters, one for each month, with each chapter focusing on a different theme, such as stress reduction, sleep, nutrition, and fitness. Ashton provides you with actionable steps and practical advice for incorporating self-care practices into your daily life.
Learn more about The Self-Care Solution at Amazon.
The Art of Extreme Self-Care: Transform Your Life One Month at a Time by Cheryl Richardson
In The Art of Extreme Self-Care: Transform Your Life One Month at a Time, life coach and best-selling author Cheryl Richardson offers a practical guide to self-care, with a focus on setting boundaries and saying no to things that drain our energy. The Art of Extreme Self-Care is organized into 12 monthly sections, each of which covers a different aspect of self-care, such as prioritizing rest and relaxation, cultivating positive relationships, and practicing gratitude. Richardson offers specific action steps and exercises for readers to implement each month, helping them build a sustainable self-care routine.
Read more about The Art of Extreme Self-Care at Cheryl Richardson’s website.
The Joy of Missing Out: Live More by Doing Less by Tonya Dalton
Tonya Dalton’s The Joy of Missing Out: Live More by Doing Less will help you live a more intentional life and reduce the overwhelm and stress that often accompany modern-day living. Dalton encourages readers to examine their priorities and values and make intentional choices about how they spend their time and energy. The book is organized into three sections, focusing on mindset, habits, and systems. The Joy of Missing Out is a must-read for anyone looking for specific strategies and tools for managing their time, simplifying their lives, and finding more joy in their everyday experiences.
Check out this book at Tonya Dalton’s website.
The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk
In The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma, psychiatrist and trauma expert Bessel van der Kolk explores the connection between trauma and physical and mental health. Using a comprehensive overview of the latest research on trauma, The Body Keeps the Score examines the effects of traumatic experiences on the brain, the body, and behavior. Van der Kolk will provide you with a ton of self-care strategies for healing from trauma, including yoga, mindfulness meditation, and other mind-body approaches.
Learn more about The Body Keeps the Score at Kolk’s website.
Radical Self-Love: A Guide to Loving Yourself and Living Your Dreams by Gala Darling
Gala Darling offers a guide to building self-love and self-acceptance through her book Radical Self-Love: A Guide to Loving Yourself and Living Your Dreams. Drawing on her own experiences, Darling provides you with strategies and exercises for building a positive self-image, overcoming negative self-talk, and cultivating self-care practices that support your overall well-being. Plus, Radical Self-Love includes journal prompts, affirmations, and other tools for building a strong sense of self-love and self-worth.
Check out Radical Self-Love at Darling’s website.
The Little Book of Self-Care by Mel Noakes
The Little Book of Self-Care by Mel Noakes is a compact guide that provides simple and effective practices for self-care. The book covers a wide range of topics related to self-care, such as mindfulness, exercise, and self-compassion, and Noakes provides practical tips and tools for implementing these practices in your daily life. Noakes writes in a clear and concise manner, making it easy to understand and apply the practices even for those who are new to self-care. The practices are designed to be simple and quick, and activities do not require much time or effort, making it a perfect source for anyone who is unsure of how to begin their self-care journey.
Read more about The Little Book of Self-Care at Good Reads.
The Self-Care Project: How to let go of frazzle and make time for you by Jayne Hardy
Jayne Hardy’s The Self-Care Project: How to let go of frazzle and make time for you is a comprehensive guide to self-care that covers everything from building healthy habits to setting boundaries and practicing self-love. Hardy writes in a friendly, conversational tone, and her words are filled with loving advice and actionable steps. If you are looking to make self-care more of a priority in your busy life, then this book is for you.
Learn more about The Self-Care Project at Amazon.
You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jen Sincero
You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jen Sincero is an inspiring and motivational read which encourages you to embrace your inner badass and take control of your life. You Are a Badass is filled with tips for developing self-confidence and taking action towards your goals, making this book a great choice for anyone who needs a boost of motivation or who is looking to make positive changes in their life.
Check out You Are a Badass at Jen Sincero’s website.
The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are by Brené Brown
Brené Brown’s The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are is a powerful reminder that vulnerability, self-compassion, and authenticity are key components of self-care and well-being. In her book, Brown encourages readers to let go of their need for perfection and embrace their true selves. Check out The Gifts of Imperfection if you struggle with self-acceptance or are looking for ways to build more meaningful connections with others.
Read more about this book at Good Reads.
Untamed by Glennon Doyle
Through her journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance, Glennon Doyle explores the power of embracing courage, curiosity, and authenticity in her memoir Untamed. Doyle encourages readers to let go of the expectations placed on them by society, friends, and family, and to instead listen to their inner voice and follow their own path. Doyle’s writing is raw, honest, and relatable, making Untamed a great choice for anyone who feels like they are living a life that isn’t true to themselves. Her message is empowering, reminding readers that they have the power to break free from societal expectations and live a more fulfilling life by being true to themselves.
Learn more about Untamed at Amazon.
The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook: A Proven Way to Accept Yourself, Build Inner Strength, and Thrive by Kristin Neff and Christopher Germer
The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook by Kristin Neff and Christopher Germer is a practical guide for developing self-compassion and mindfulness. The workbook provides exercises and tools that are easy to incorporate into daily life, making it accessible for anyone who wants to improve their mental health and well-being. Neff and Germer’s approach is grounded in research and clinical experience, and the exercises are based on evidence-based practices. By developing self-compassion, you can learn to treat yourself with the same care and concern you would offer to a loved one, which can be a powerful tool for reducing self-criticism and increasing resilience.
Read more about The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook at Guilford Press.
The Art of Possibility: Transforming Professional and Personal Life by Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander
The Art of Possibility is a transformative book that provides a new perspective on life and work, encouraging readers to cultivate a mindset of possibility and growth. The authors, Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander, share their experiences as a therapist and a conductor, respectively, to offer insights on creativity, leadership, and personal development. The Art of Possibility will provide you with strategies for overcoming limiting beliefs, shifting from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset, and fostering creativity and innovation.
Learn more about The Art of Possibility at Good Reads.
The Self-Care Solution: A Modern Mother’s Must-Have Guide to Health and Well-Being by Julie Burton
The Self-Care Solution is a self-care guide for tired and busy parents, offering strategies for managing stress, prioritizing self-care, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Julie Burton uses her experiences as a mother of four to provide insights into the challenges faced by parents. The book covers a range of topics, including self-compassion, mindfulness, time management, and building a support system. If you are a parent struggling with self-care, then this book is for you.
Check out The Self-Care Solution at Barnes & Noble.
Love for Imperfect Things: How to Accept Yourself in a World Striving for Perfection by Haemin Sunim
In Love for Imperfect Things, Haemin Sunim offers a book about self-love and acceptance that is grounded in mindfulness and compassion. Sunim provides insights and practices for embracing imperfection, letting go of self-criticism and self-doubt, and cultivating a sense of peace and contentment. The author draws on his experience as a Buddhist monk and teacher, as well as his training in psychology to offer a unique perspective on the challenges of self-acceptance in a world that values perfectionism.
Learn more about Love for Imperfect Things at Penguin Random House.
Conclusion
The specific self-care practices that work best for an individual may vary depending on their needs, preferences, and circumstances. However, the goal of self-care is always to prioritize your own well-being while promoting a sense of balance and fulfillment in life. The list of books above should help you get started on your self-care journey.
FAQ’s
What are the benefits of practicing self-care?
Practicing self-care has numerous benefits for an individual’s overall well-being. Self-care can help improve physical health by engaging in practices such as exercise, healthy eating, and getting enough sleep, which can reduce the risk of illnesses. Furthermore, self-care can help reduce stress and anxiety levels by taking time to relax, engage in enjoyable activities, and manage stress. Finally, it can lead to increased productivity and better performance by improving focus, energy levels, and motivation.
How often should I practice self-care?
The frequency of self-care practices depends on the individual’s needs and circumstances. It is important to incorporate self-care activities into one’s daily routine, even if it is just a few minutes each day. Additionally, it can be helpful to schedule more extended periods of self-care regularly, such as a day off or a weekend away, to fully recharge and relax.
What are some examples of self-care activities?
Self-care activities can vary based on personal preferences and circumstances, but here are some examples:
- Exercise or physical activity
- Meditation or mindfulness practices
- Reading or engaging in a hobby
- Spending time in nature
- Taking a relaxing bath or shower
- Eating a nutritious meal or cooking a favorite dish
- Getting enough sleep
