Books
Take charge of your mental health with Sarva Health's recommended reads. Discover powerful tools to manage stress, build resilience, and create a happier, healthier you.
Mindset
Feeling Good - David D. Burns:
A seminal work in cognitive therapy, "Feeling Good" by David D. Burns explores practical techniques to overcome depression and improve mental well-being through cognitive restructuring and positive behavioural changes. A more in-depth review of the cognitive distortions identified by Dr. Burns can be found here.
Feeling Great - David D. Burns:
Building upon his earlier work, "Feeling Great" by David D. Burns introduces additional strategies and exercises to help individuals combat negative thoughts, develop resilience, and enhance emotional health.
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Learned Optimism - Martin E.P. Seligman:
In "Learned Optimism," psychologist Martin E.P. Seligman explores the science of optimism and provides tools to cultivate a positive mindset, offering insights on how optimism can lead to better mental and physical health.
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Mindset - Carol S. Dweck:
In "Mindset," psychologist Carol S. Dweck explores the concept of fixed and growth mindsets, revealing how one's beliefs about their abilities profoundly influence success, resilience, and the willingness to embrace challenges.
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The Choice - Edith Eva Eger:
Holocaust survivor Edith Eva Eger shares her remarkable story of survival and resilience in "The Choice," intertwining her personal experiences with lessons on finding freedom from self-imposed limitations and embracing the power of choice.
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Man’s Search for Meaning - Viktor Frankl:
"Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor E. Frankl is a profound exploration of human resilience and the pursuit of purpose in the face of extreme suffering. Based on his experiences as a Holocaust survivor, Frankl discusses how finding meaning in life, even in the most challenging circumstances, is crucial for mental and emotional well-being. The book emphasizes the power of inner strength and the ability to choose one's attitude in any given situation.
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Loving What Is - Byron Katie:
In "Loving What Is," Byron Katie presents the transformative practice of "The Work," a method for questioning and challenging our thoughts to achieve emotional freedom and a deeper understanding of ourselves and others. See my blog post on Byron Katie's work here.
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Don’t Believe Everything You Think - Joseph Nguyen:
"Don’t Believe Everything You Think" by Joseph Nguyen explores the cognitive biases that influence our thinking and decision-making, offering insights into how to overcome irrational thoughts and make more informed choices.
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No Bad Parts - Richard Schwartz:
"No Bad Parts" by Richard Schwartz introduces the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model, exploring the idea that the mind is composed of various sub-personalities and offering a framework for understanding and integrating these different aspects for improved mental health.
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Behaviour Change
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Atomic Habits - James Clear:
"Atomic Habits" by James Clear offers a practical guide to building good habits, breaking bad ones, and mastering the tiny behaviors that lead to remarkable results, emphasizing the transformative power of small changes over time.
The Kindness Method - Shahroo Izadi:
Shahroo Izadi's "The Kindness Method" introduces a compassionate approach to making positive life changes by focusing on self-compassion and kindness, providing practical tools to break unhelpful habits and foster personal growth.
More exploration of the concepts within these books can be found here.
Mind-Body Connection
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Own Yourself - Kelly Brogan:
"Own Yourself" by Kelly Brogan challenges conventional views on mental health, offering a holistic approach that integrates nutrition, lifestyle, and mindset to empower individuals to take control of their mental well-being.
A Mind of Your Own - Kelly Brogan:
Kelly Brogan's "A Mind of Your Own" explores the connections between mental health and physical health, advocating for a comprehensive and integrative approach to treating mental illness that goes beyond pharmaceutical interventions.
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The Body Keeps the Score - Bessel van der Kolk:
Bessel van der Kolk's "The Body Keeps the Score" examines the impact of trauma on the body and mind, exploring innovative therapies and approaches to healing and understanding how the body stores and responds to traumatic experiences.
When the Body Says No - Gabor Maté:
Gabor Maté's "When the Body Says No" explores the intricate connections between emotional stress, repressed emotions, and physical health, emphasizing the importance of understanding the mind-body relationship for overall well-being.
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Biology of Belief - Bruce Lipton:
"Biology of Belief" by Bruce Lipton presents a groundbreaking exploration of how our thoughts and beliefs influence our physical health. Lipton argues that our perceptions can directly impact our cells and genes, offering insights into the potential for self-healing and personal transformation through the power of positive belief systems.
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The Tapping Effect - Nick Ortner
"The Tapping Effect" explores the power of the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), also known as tapping. It argues that tapping, which involves gently tapping on specific acupressure points on the body while focusing on your emotions, can effectively manage stress, anxiety, pain, and even past traumas. The book explains the science behind EFT and provides practical guidance for using it to improve your mental and physical well-being. You can learn more in my blog post about EFT, by clicking here.
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Philosophy and Spirituality
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The Power of Now - Eckhart Tolle:
In "The Power of Now," Eckhart Tolle explores the concept of living in the present moment, offering insights and practical guidance on how to free oneself from the burden of past regrets and future anxieties to find peace and fulfillment.
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The Surrender Experiment - Michael A. Singer:
Michael A. Singer shares his journey of surrendering to life's flow in "The Surrender Experiment," illustrating the transformative power of letting go of resistance and embracing the opportunities that arise.
The Alchemist - Paulo Coelho:
Paulo Coelho's "The Alchemist" is a philosophical novel that follows the journey of Santiago, a shepherd, as he embarks on a quest for his personal legend, exploring themes of destiny, purpose, and the pursuit of one's dreams.
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Perception and Reality
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The Case Against Reality - Donald D. Hoffman:
"The Case Against Reality" by Donald D. Hoffman challenges conventional notions of reality, arguing that our perceptions may not accurately represent the true nature of the world and exploring the implications of this perspective on consciousness and existence.
The Emotion Code - Bradley Nelson:
Bradley Nelson's "The Emotion Code" introduces a method for identifying and releasing trapped emotions, offering insights into how emotional imbalances can impact physical health and providing a framework for achieving emotional well-being.
The Source - Tara Swart:
Neuroscientist Tara Swart explores the intersection of neuroscience and spirituality in "The Source," providing practical tools and exercises to harness the power of the mind for personal growth, resilience, and success.
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Misc.
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Lost Connections - Johann Hari:
Johann Hari's "Lost Connections" delves into the societal and environmental factors contributing to the rise of depression and anxiety, challenging conventional views on mental health and suggesting a broader perspective for understanding and addressing these issues.
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Maybe You Should Talk to Someone - Lori Gottlieb:
In "Maybe You Should Talk to Someone," therapist Lori Gottlieb provides a candid and insightful look into therapy, weaving together her own experiences as a therapist with the stories of her clients, exploring the complexities of human relationships and the pursuit of happiness.
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