Looking for some self-care books for your team?
This list contains the perfect list of self-care books every workplace library needs. If you haven’t started a workplace library, it may be time to consider one. After all, research shows reading is a healthy activity that benefits both the mind and body.
A few reasons to encourage your team to read:
Plus, reading itself can be considered a self-care activity that’s a healthy, relaxing way to unwind. It’s important to build-in self-care activities daily to keep stress levels low and create a life balance. Self-care books are one way to help your employees learn how to do just that.
Read on to see our reading list full of book choices to keep your employees reading all year long.
Whether it’s for an employee book club or to share general reading suggestions with your team, we’ve saved you some time when it comes to picking the perfect title.
Below, we’ve rounded up 15 self-care books that will benefit your employees when it comes to positive psychology, developing habits, and general life improvement.
Note: These are in no particular order of preference or favorites. We selected a variety of options within the self-care genre that were highly rated and seemed to benefit readers the most.
By Dr. Edith Eger
From Holocaust survivor Dr. Eger, this book expands on her first book The Choice, on how self-propelled healing can move individuals beyond painful pasts and memories. In 208 pages, readers will find the answers to stopping their most destructive patterns and negative thinking to uncover ways to fully enjoy life. Throughout it, Dr. Eger explains how the Nazis weren’t the ones who put her in the worst prison, but how she did it with her own mind. The book details how she found tools during her time in the camp to continue to deal with life’s challenges long after her captivity.
By Brené Brown, PdD, LMSW
America’s favorite professor, lecturer, researcher, author, and podcast host shares her thoughts throughout this book on true courage. Throughout the #1 New York Times bestseller, she shares insights on true belonging and being who we are even in moments of shame and vulnerability. Brown writes, “The wilderness is an untamed, unpredictable place of solitude and searching. It is a place as dangerous as it is breathtaking, a place as sought after as it is feared. But it turns out to be the place of true belonging, and it’s the bravest and most sacred place you will ever stand.”
By Jane Hardy
Founder and CEO of The Blurt Foundation Jane Hardy makes her case in this book on why self-care is far from selfish. For anyone who hasn’t found the time to invest in self-care, this book may be the source that changes their mind. In it, Hardy shares ideas on how to create time for self-care in practical and realistic ways — every day.
By Stephen R. Covey
For individuals looking to make massive personal change, this book is an ideal guidebook. In its 384 pages, Covey shares step-by-step guidance for solving personal and professional problems while living in integrity and fairness. The late Skip LeFauve, president of Saturn Corporation/General Motors, said the book played a large role in the establishment of Saturn's operating systems and philosophy.
By BJ Fogg, PhD
Every day, habits form our routines, experiences, and, ultimately, the outcome of our lives. This book by a Stanford University habit expert shares breakthrough methods of building habits with ease. Those looking to increase their potential and productivity will find practical methods for doing so within this book — all with tiny steps.
By Dr. Zoe Shaw
Sometimes it’s worth it to have a little reminder that the daily practices put in place are ones that should inspire. This book by Dr. Shaw helps individuals make it a daily opportunity to establish a self-care routine. Inside, 365 different prompts, quotes, and affirmations await readers looking to get started on their self-care journey.
By Nora Day
Meditation is proven to offer clarity and inner peace. For those looking to reflect and grow with daily meditation, this book can keep you on the right path. It shakes up meditation routines, too. Some meditations will include sitting, walking, or even activities as relaxing as watching the sunset. With exercises that take less than 15 minutes daily, this book proves anyone can try meditation at least once a day.
By Oprah Winfrey
Ever the inspiration, Oprah invites readers on their own journey to discover what their purpose is. In ten chapters, uncover the milestones along the self-discovery road to fall into personal contentment. Readers will also find insight from others like Elizabeth Gilbert, Jay-Z, and Brené Brown throughout the book, along with 100 beautiful photographs to illustrate messages of inspiration.
By Elaine Welteroth
For those looking to be a little kinder to themselves, this memoir/self-help book is a must-read. Refinery29 called it, “An essential read for women in the workplace today.” For those in need of a book that is filled with a message of empowerment, positivity, and breaking the mold on their own terms, Welteroth’s journey is worth reading and taking note from when it comes to knowing one’s worth. The book is also now optioned for development as a television series, too, so readers can soon enjoy it in a new medium as well.
By Vex King
With over 16,000 Amazon reviews, this book by mind coach Vex King is a favorite. The limited-edition hardback version contains inspirational messages along with illustrations focused on manifesting positive vibes. Drawing on his personal experience, King pens wisdom on the importance of prioritizing well-being, practicing self-care, and having positive lifestyle habits to create a good life.
By David Goggins
For anyone in search of inspiration to achieve personal greatness, Goggins’ story is one that can’t be missed. Throughout his book, he dives into how prejudice, poverty, and abuse were key elements in his childhood that later inspired him to never give up in the face of adversity. Through hard work and self-discipline, he went from being overweight and depressed to a respected Navy SEAL and one of the world’s top endurance athletes.
Note: This book does contain large amounts of profanity.
By James Clear
All of us could use a reminder about how our habits make a difference in our overall lives. As one of the leading experts on habit formation, Clear shares his expertise on breaking bad habits, forming good ones, and the small behaviors that make all the difference. This book is ideal for anyone who is looking to get back on track with good habits and find the motivation to stay on the course to personal life achievement and fulfillment.
By Fearne Cotton
There’s something about that inner voice that leads many individuals down one of two paths — either positive self-talk or negative self-criticism. This book helps readers learn how to avoid that antagonizing inner voice and allows positive thoughts to guide us to what we really want. Sometimes, it takes some quiet time to notice what’s hidden within our own minds to take the next step in life. Readers will find expert advice and ideas to put into practice throughout the book.
By Donald Sull and Kathleen M. Eisenhardt
Life is full of complexities, but the authors of Simple Rules: How to Thrive in a Complex World say that complexity isn’t destiny. Readers will find the authors offer a new way of looking at life and the six rules that create a life that keeps people going, thriving, and doing their best work. The book is compiled with research on ways to make better decisions and do things better all with a little bit of simplicity.
By Amy Newmark
For anyone who has read a book from the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, it’s common knowledge how powerful the stories within can be. Compiled from true stories from people who turned their lives around, this collection of 101 short stories is bound to inspire a real-life self-care routine. Discover ways to enjoy your own “me time” and the variety of approaches that can be taken when it comes to self-care activities.
If your company hasn’t started a wellness library, now is the perfect time.
More individuals are interested in self-care and ways to manage stress better. Combining an opportunity for reading and self-improvement is a great way to encourage employees to learn more about well-being habits. Plus, reading is a great stress reliever in and of itself.
With so many book options at your disposal (just check out your local bookstore or favorite online retailer), there’s no need to hold off on creating a company library. Stock up on the above titles to round out your current selections if your company has a library or consider selecting a single title to kick-off a wellness book club.
Get ready to have the bookworms in your company get very excited.
What’s the best self-help book you’ve read in the last few years? Share your thoughts in the comments below! You can also check out our recommendations for 10 Must-Read Wellness & Health Books here!