3 BEST BOOKS TO GUIDE YOU ON THE ROAD TO SELF -CARE.
In an article in New York Times recently it was reported there are 2 million hashtags on self – help and 18 million hashtags on self care. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/10/style/self-care/when-did-self-help-become-self-care.html
Why?
Because practicing self -care is a winning strategy.
Its gentle, its kind and its essential if you want to be successful in every area of your life.
Looking after your wellbeing is the way forward. And for anyone who suffers with mental health issues, it is an absolute must. I am not suggesting anyone who has mental health issues doesn’t have therapy or speak to mental health experts, but I am suggesting these 3 books can be an excellent complementary partner.
Self care is something so many of us overlook which is why I am sharing 3 of my favorite books for a dose of inspiration at the times you feel you really need it to help you to practice self care in every aspect of your life.
SELF CARE FOR THE REAL WORLD: PRACTICAL SELF – CARE ADVICE FOR EVERYDAY LIFE BY KATIA NARAIN PHILLIPS AND NADIA NARAIN.
I loved this because it’s practical and easy to read and most importantly I felt it was authentic. As an author I know straight away when someone is writing from the heart or from text book theories and these girls are definitely writing from their heart. They don’t patronize in any way, they clearly feel passionate about helping people practice self care and want to offer what they have found works. Reading it felt like being hugged. I love the layout and design and also I love being reminded constantly of the importance of self care. I found the host of tips, tricks and recipes helpful ways to up level my self- care game.
THE SELF CARE PROJECT BY JAYNE HARDY
This book is more for anyone who still need to be convinced self care must become a priority and perhaps struggles with making themselves a priority. Jayne explains why it is important and what counts as self care. I like her writing style as I find it relatable, easy to follow and friendly. If you prefer an academic style, this isn’t the book for you, but if like me, you prefer to read a book from someone who shares real life experience and how to overcome challenges in this area, this is the book for you. Like myself; Jayne has overcome anxiety and depression and is comfortable speaking openly about it. She runs a social enterprise helping people who have experienced depression.
SELF COMPASSION: STOP BEATING YOURSELF UP AND LEAVE INSECURITY BEHIND BY KIRSTIN NEFF PhD.
For someone who is so highly academic I was surprised at how highly readable this way. I see self compassion as self care for my mind. It is a groundbreaking book which shows you how to let go of constant self judgment and be kind to yourself. In a world where there are always people who are richer, slimmer, smarter, wittier, taller, or more successful than I am, I spent years being unkind to my mind by beating myself up for not feeling good enough and if you can relate to that, then this book may be something you want to consider reading. Dr Neff explains how people who are more self compassionate lead healthier more productive lives.
I have found that by consistently practicing self care it has raised my confidence and self esteem. I also find it helps with setting boundaries, feeling happier, more productive, more positive and more optimistic; it has helped me respect my time more, my energy more and my talents and abilities more. It has definitely become a way of life for me, but it took some time to change old habits so and learn how to integrate it into my everyday life to become my new normal.
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What’s the biggest challenge you’re struggling with around self care right now that I can help you with?
I’m Annie Ashdown, Author, Success coach, Cognitive Hypnotherapist,Speaker, based in London. I write about everything I’ve done wrong as a woman personally and professionally whilst out there in the trenches.
Clients hire me because they’ve been running so fast, in the fast lane with their GPS on, running on a treadmill expecting to move forward. I help them get their ship pointed in the right direction so all their energy can go towards their bigger future. Fuzzy targets don’t get hit. Clarity equals bigger future. I impact people’s lives by giving them the success tools that tap into their full potential and go to the next level.
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