These books have literally changed my life. They’ve expanded my worldview, taught me new ways to think, and helped me improve my mental health in more ways than one. I highly recommend each of these books and they’re all rated a 5/5 over on my bookstagram. Enjoy!

Detox Your Thoughts by Andrea Bonoir, PHD

Why I love this book: When I hear of someone struggling with their thoughts, this is the first book I recommend to them. It helped me immensely. We all struggle with negative self-taught and rationalize it so that we stay in our comfort zone, even if it’s hurting us. This books helps point out negative thought patterns and how to disrupt them so you can finally regain control of the bully in your head.

101 Essays That Will Change The Way You Think by Brianna Wiest

Why I love this book: This book is broken into 101 short essays on everything from mental health, to belonging, relationships, work, heartbreak, loss, and more. It felt like reading a devotional every morning. Brianna Wiest is truly a gifted writer with so much insight and wisdom. I learned a lot from this book and it’s definitely one I’m going to read again.

Untamed by Glennon Doyle

Why I love this book: Glennon Doyle’s work has saved my life time and time again. This book made me feel seen in a way I’ve never felt before. Glennon’s story of going from a good Christian wife to a queer queen resonates with me in ways I didn’t know I needed. This is a book I’ll read on repeat.

Think Like A Monk by Jay Shetty

Why I love this book: You don’t need to be an aspiring monk to read this book. In fact, it’s not even targeted that way. Jay Shetty spent a few years in a monastery and walked away with some incredible spiritual insight and wisdom that he shares in this book. It’s calm, insightful, encouraging, and packed with wisdom that will help you look at life a little differently and walk away with some coping skills you never had. I learned about box breathing from this book and find it helpful in stressful times.

The Mountain Is You by Brianna Wiest

Why I love this book: This book is all about why we stand in our own way and how to get past self-sabotage. I had to read it one chapter at a time because each one was so impactful and transformative.

Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before?

Why I love this book: If you’re looking for a metal health primer, this is a great book to start with. It is full of practical self-help tips that are backed by science and experience that truly work. The chapters are short and punchy and provide practical step-by-step coping skills that they don’t teach you in grade school. I highly recommend this book for someone looking for some help and relief asap.

The Body Keeps The Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk, M.D.

Why I love this book: If you’ve ever wondered about trauma and how it lives on in our bodies and affects us both physically and mentally, this is THE book to read. I can’t even begin to describe how life-changing this book has been for me. It’s definitely one I had to pace myself to read because each chapter had so many truth bombs that I needed time to process what I was learning as I was reading the book.

The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown, PHD, LMSW

Why I love this book: This list wouldn’t be complete without at least one book from The Brené Brown. If you haven’t read her work but have been curious about her teachings, this is a great book to start out with. It’s a short book, only 126 pages long, but super impactful. The premise of the book is right there in the title – let go of who you think you’re supposed to be and embrace who you are. A guide to wholehearted living.

Not Drinking Tonight: A Guide to Creating. a Sober Life You Love by Amanda E. White, LPC

Why I love this book: You may be familiar with Amanda’s work on Instagram. If so, you’ll love this book. It’s all about reevaluating your relationship with alcohol, exploring shame, trauma, reporting yourself, self-care, emotions, boundaries, and more. It’s a primer for learning how to care for your mental health so you don’t reach for unhealthy coping strategies you’re wanting to break away from.