Finding time in our busy lives to completely switch off is frustratingly difficult.
There’s always something to plan ahead for in the future, or something to reflect on from the past - living in the moment is never straightforward.
Carving time to simply stop and focus on the present is important for our mental health and can indeed be a great coping mechanism to relieve stress and anxiety. Mindfulness focuses on this very thing and is a free, quick and simple way to keep in control of our lives, with a positive mindset.
What is mindfulness?
Mindfulness involves being in the present, becoming aware of your surroundings and living in the now.
The NHS describes it as ”paying attention to what is going on inside and outside ourselves, moment by moment”. It can be a constructive practice to reconnect with our bodies, allowing us to become more self-aware, and focus on our senses including touch, taste, sight and sound. Many people will use mindfulness as way to remove negative thinking and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety as a result.
There are plenty of books helping to introduce mindfulness into our everyday lives – from extensive research and advice to simple exercises to follow, each one is different and can be used as a useful handbook in times of need.
See our selection below of the best mindfulness books to help you kickstart your wellbeing journey…
Mindfulness: A practical guide to finding peace in a frantic world by Professor Mark Williams and Dr Danny Penman
Take control of your life with simple practises to help reduce stress, anxiety and fatigue. This practical book includes easy-to-follow exercises to add into your daily schedule as well as mindful techniques and meditation to find inner calm and strength. The authors also include the science behind mindfulness and advice to help guide you through life’s uncertainties and turbulent times.
Buy now £11.33, Amazon
A Mindfulness Guide for Survival by Ruby Wax
”This is not just another self-help book. Think of it as an evolve-yourself book” explains comedian, actress, writer and mental health campaigner Ruby Wax. The book is designed to arm you with practical advice and provide step-by-step exercises to get you through day-to-day struggles so you’re prepared for whatever life throws at you.
Addressing the ‘big six’ realities, as she calls them – difficult emotions, uncertainty, loneliness, change, dissatisfaction and death – use her guide to practice mindfulness and help you feel better prepared whenever and wherever you need.
Buy now £10.19, Amazon
Manifest by Roxie Nafousi
In just seven simple steps, discover the true art of manifestation with Roxie Nafousi – self-development coach, manifesting expert and contributor for Kourtney Kardashian’s wellness platform POOSH.
The practical guide kicks off with learnings to encourage you to be clear in your vision and remove any fear and doubt, before moving on to embracing gratitude and trusting in the universe in order to feel empowered and fulfil your potential.
Buy now £10.99, Amazon
The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment by Eckhart Tolle
Selling more than one million copies in the UK alone since it was first published in 2001, Eckhart Tolle’s bestselling self-help book aims to transform your thinking in order to bring peace to the everyday.
He teaches you how to live in the present, focus on the now, and live a happier and healthier life. For anyone who finds themselves constantly looking back on the past or anxious about the future, use this book to help you find joy in the present and embrace your true self.
Buy now £7.69, Amazon
Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before? by Dr Julie Smith
Clinical psychologist Dr Julie Smith has combined her extensive expertise and experience in this helpful handbook that will help you sail through life’s many ups and downs. The book is filled with practical solutions and coping techniques as ”a toolkit for staying resilient in hard times and optimising mental health every day”. It’s divided into sections – managing anxiety, dealing with criticism, battling low mood, building self-confidence, finding motivation and learning to forgive yourself – so you can dive straight into the relevant chapter and be enlightened by Dr Smith’s wisdom and advice.
Buy now £7.49, Amazon
The Comfort Book by Matt Haig
Transform low days and find inner strength in hard times with Matt Haig. The best-selling author of Midnight Library and Reasons To Stay Alive brings a collection of memoirs and inspiration from others to provide a source of comfort to those in need with his latest book. Drawing on hope and survival, use this as the ultimate handbook to help turn your day around and find a more positive outlook.
Buy now £4.99, Amazon
The Little Book of Mindfulness by Patrizia Collard
Keep this by your bedside or carry it around with you all day and dip into short mindful practices to find peace when you need it. From chapters on gratitude and compassion to mindful eating and making up your mind, this little book includes five to 10-minute exercises to fit into your busy schedule, free yourself from stress and focus on being in the moment.
Buy now £6.38, Amazon
Zen: The Art of Simple Living by Shunmyo Masuno
Discover the feeling of Zen with more than 100 tips and activities in this compact little book. Learn to destress with simple breathing exercises, declutter with clearing techniques and push worries aside.
Buddhist monk Shunmyo Masuno will help you simplify your life with his easy-to-follow lessons paired with beautiful illustrations to find calm in modern-day life.
Buy now £9.95, Amazon
Practicing Mindfulness by Matthew Sockolov
This book includes expert advice on dealing with intrusive negative thoughts and features 75 simple exercises to guide you through certain situations. Eliminate stress and anxiety with mindful meditations that will help improve mental wellbeing and keep you grounded in the moment.
Clear and easy to learn and remember, be armed with essential coping mechanisms in times of need and find peace in your everyday life.
Buy now £12.40, Amazon
The Little Book of Hygge: The Danish Way to Live Well by Meik Wiking
The Danish word ‘hygge’ describes a state of cosiness, comfort and contentment. In this book, written by Meik Wiking, CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen, you will be introduced to hygge – the art of living well – with fascinating research, delicious recipes and inspiring ideas in order to help you live with more gratitude, harmony and general happiness.
Buy now £8.49, Amazon
Good Vibes, Good Life: How Self-Love Is the Key to Unlocking Your Greatness by Vex King
Vex King draws on his own personal experiences to encourage readers to overcome their fears in order to reach their goals. He touches on the importance of mastering self-love and prioritising mental wellbeing, how to turn negative emotions into positive ones, and the power of creating affirmative lifestyle habits such as mindfulness and meditation to practice self-care.
Buy now £5.50, Amazon
