13 Highly Recommended Books for Strong Mental Health
I have always loved reading but during this season as “mom-to-young-children” it has been difficult to find time to sit down and consume a book. So I have been “reading” audiobooks. Some people say “that’s not really reading” and I used to think that too but a friend of mine casually mentioned that she was reading an audiobook. She had been really enjoying consuming books this way as she just didn’t have the time to really read. Since I was in the same situation I started reading audiobooks! Over the past 2 years I have read around 70 audiobooks! Not impressed by those numbers? Well, I am still a mom, hahah. I have read some really wonderful books about mental health, stress, and anxiety and other educational books on wellbeing that I wanted to share. So here are my 13 highly recommended books for strong mental health.
1. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson
Mark Manson takes a no-nonsense approach to personal development, encouraging readers to prioritize what truly matters. This book is a refreshing take on rejecting societal expectations and embracing authenticity, offering actionable advice for reducing stress and focusing on meaningful goals. I read this book as an audiobook and Manson , the author narrates it himself and it was really enjoyable. His tone and inflections really gave the book personality and made it an enjoyable read.
2. Present Over Perfect by Shauna Niequist
Shauna Niequist’s heartfelt memoir invites readers to slow down and savor the beauty of an imperfect life. Through personal stories and insights, she shares how to let go of perfectionism and embrace connection, grace, and presence in everyday moments. As many mothers should read this as the loss of control is so real in motherhood. I would say that I am not a high strung person. I can be pretty go with the flow , but when I became a mother and with each subsequent child, the loss of control was really hard.
When I loss control, I started cleaning and wanting the home to be “under control”. This took my time away from my children and away from things we could have been doing together. Present Over Perfect was a kind reminder to be present in the moment with them. Their childhood is fleeting and you don’t want to miss it trying to fill the day and trying to get things “under control”. If you like this book, here are some other recommendations for parenthood.
3. Illogical by Emmanuel Acho
This inspiring book challenges conventional thinking and encourages readers to pursue their dreams despite societal norms. Emmanuel Acho shares personal experiences and wisdom to help readers overcome fear and step into their full potential, emphasizing the importance of resilience and belief. Breaking through and moving past societal normals and expectations take a lot of mental grit but I found that Acho’s book really provided tips for strong mental health which is a big part of mental grit.
4. Decluttering at the Speed of Life by Dana K. White
A cluttered environment can often mirror a cluttered mind. Dana White’s practical and humorous guide helps readers tackle clutter effectively, creating physical and mental space for peace and clarity. I found that as a mother of 3, clutter was one of the greatest sources of stress for me. Clutter is also the norm with children but not having the right resources to tackle the clutter made it really hard on my mental health.
Clutter affects women more than men. I thought it was just something I’ve noticed from talking to my married friends but apparently is a scientific fact! So, I strongly believe learning how to properly declutter and keep spaces clean will help you in your journey to building mental strength.
5. How Successful People Think by John C. Maxwell
Maxwell explores the mindset of successful individuals, offering strategies to improve decision-making, focus, and creativity. This book is a valuable resource for anyone looking to cultivate positive thought patterns and achieve personal growth.
What you focus on makes a big difference in the direction your life can go. Have you heard of the “Red Car Theory”? Well, you’re going to hear it now. If I asked you “how many red cars did you see today?” likely you’ll say, “I don’t know, a few?” and if I replied, what if I said, “for every red car you see, I will give you $50”. Do you think you will focus on red cars? Hell yeah you will. You will be counting and searching for red cars. You would be focused on red cars.
People think focus is not always within our control but it can be. Focus on gratitude and witness your life grow with amazing things. Narrow in on financial growth and encounter your win in the finance department. Focus on health and experience your body get healthier. Focus on certain aspects/things and it will direct your decision making and creativity towards these things you’re focused on.
6. 101 Essays That Will Change the Way You Think by Brianna Wiest
Brianna Wiest’s collection of essays covers a wide range of topics, from mindfulness and emotional intelligence to self-awareness and personal transformation. Her thought-provoking writing encourages readers to reflect deeply and adopt healthier perspectives. I really enjoyed Wiest’s way of thinking and sharing her perspective in such a real and relatable way. 101 Essays is definitely a book you could read many times. It brings things into perspective which aids you in building up to strong mental health. She is a New York Times Best Selling Author and for good reason.
7. Everything Is Figureoutable by Marie Forleo
Marie Forleo’s empowering mantra, “everything is figureoutable,” serves as the foundation for this book. With humor and practical advice, Forleo inspires readers to tackle challenges head-on and embrace a problem-solving mindset.
Life is hard and parenthood can get very hard so having a strong mental health helps, part of that is having a problem-solving mindset. You want to be open-minded to the creative ways you can tackle situations that come up when raising children.
8. Atomic Habits by James Clear
This best-seller focuses on the power of small habits and their impact on long-term success. James Clear provides actionable strategies for building positive routines and breaking negative cycles, making it a must-read for mental resilience.
Building small habits to set yourself up for success in the bigger changes you want to make in your life. An example he gave was, you want to eat more fruit and vegetables? Put them out where you can see them, like the counter. This is a great strategy for parents with younger kids. You don’t have to do too much all at once because usually that takes a lot of time which is not a luxury parents have. Check out this book for small changes that can make big differences.
9. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
Stephen R. Covey’s classic offers a comprehensive framework for personal and professional growth. Its principles, such as proactivity and prioritization, empower readers to align their actions with their core values and goals. The building of strong mental health is a building of habits and routines. It builds confidence and stability and something everyone needs in their life.
Add “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” to your list of must reads. It is an oldie but a goodie.
10. The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown
Brené Brown’s groundbreaking work on embracing vulnerability and cultivating self-worth is essential for mental well-being. She provides ten guideposts for wholehearted living, encouraging readers to let go of societal pressures and live authentically.
I really enjoyed “The Gifts of Imperfection”. As a mother it really hit home. Motherhood is wonderful and joy that didn’t know I could feel but at the same time it opened me up to be so vulnerable and, in our society today, left me feeling undervalued. I think mothers would really benefit from this book.
11. Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl
Written by a Holocaust survivor and psychiatrist, this classic explores finding purpose in life even amidst unimaginable suffering. Frankl’s philosophy, rooted in logotherapy, inspires readers to seek meaning and resilience in their own lives.
This book can really put our hardships and difficulties into perspective. This is not mean to diminish your hard but to provide hope that in times of horror there can be strength and resilience. You have the ability to move forward and move past the hard and into light.
12. Lost Connections by Johann Hari
This thought-provoking book delves into the root causes of depression and anxiety, arguing for a more connected, holistic approach to mental health. Hari combines scientific research with personal stories to highlight the importance of relationships, community, and meaningful work.
The science talk might not be for everyone but for someone who comes from a science background I really appreciate when things are backed by scientific evidence. Mental health, and in particular, having strong mental health is multifaceted and to see how different areas of our lives play a role in shaping who we are and how we handle things provides the tools to building safe-guards against depression, anxiety, and even physical ailments.
13. Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself by Dr. Kristin Neff
Dr. Neff’s guide to practicing self-compassion is a game-changer for anyone who struggles with self-criticism or perfectionism. Her evidence-based strategies and exercises help readers develop a kinder, more forgiving relationship with themselves.
Our inner voice and how we speak to ourself is crucial. Words spoken out loud has so much power. I really recommend this book because as mothers we can be our harshest critic. Have you heard of that research that was done on plants?
There were 2 of the same potted plants, in the same size pot, that sat on the same ledge beside each other and were watered at the same time from the same pail and the same amount of water. Pretty much everything was the same. However, the scientist, to plant A, spoke positive, encouraging and life-giving words and plant B got yelled at, called names, and discouraged. Over time plant A flourished and grew while plant B died.
Have you also heard of the research a Japanese scientist did on water? To a small body of water, he praised it, spoke words of encouragement, love, and kindness and to the another body of water, spoke hateful words, sad, and negative things. Then the scientist froze the water and observed the crystals formed in the ice under a scope. He found that the crystals formed by water that was praised were beautiful, much life a snowflake with intricate designs and detail. However, the water that hateful words were spoken to, its crystal was actually dark and actually had horrifying details. Words are powerful and how you speak to yourself can make all the difference. Read this book for that strong mental health.
Final Thought
Mental health is a cornerstone of overall well-being, and the right books can serve as powerful tools to inspire, guide, and transform your mindset. Here is a list of 13 highly recommended books that delve into self-improvement, resilience, and mindfulness to help you build a stronger mental foundation.
Each of these books offers unique insights and strategies for improving mental health. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, practical advice, or a deeper understanding of yourself, these titles provide valuable tools to support your journey. Which one will you start with?
