What a year this has been! 2020 will eternally be synonymous with the COVID-19 pandemic that not only brought our lives to a screeching halt, but also taught us invaluable life lessons (read: never take anything for granted). These turbulent times had people practice mindfulness, as anxiety and restlessness crowded minds, and resort to activities that helped calm the mind. And what better way to do so than to explore the world of books.
Here are a few self-help books that you could read to tide over tough times.
1. The Mind Game by Devika Das
The book, published in 2018, tells its readers about the art of controlling emotions--happiness, stress, ecstasy, or even depression. It points out what matters, and gives out real-life examples to establish the connection. It is divided into six sections—Five Ultra Practical Steps to Emotional Mastery, Analysing People, Live Better With Less, Go Happy, Go Lucky! Angry? Don’t Be, and A Happy Workplace.
2. It’s Up To You by Anju Dhawan
Anxiety has been at an all-time high, owing to the uncertainty the pandemic brought along. Dhawan’s self-help book offers simple solutions on how one can take charge of their lives and script their own story. It targets youngsters who are brimming with energy but do not have the guidance on where to focus it.
3. First, We Make The Beast Beautiful by Sarah Wilson
2020 was all about making our lives better and getting our priorities right. Wilson, in her book, has brought together mental health experts, philosophers, and even the Dalai Lama to offer tips on combatting anxiety.
4. Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway by Susan Jeffers
#PostiveVibesOnly. We bet you have come across this hashtag on several posts and articles you might have read during this year. The reason being, mankind needed truckloads of it. Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway is an attempt to inculcate the habit of reducing negative thinking patterns, and re-educate the mind to think more positively.
5. Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself by Kristin Neff
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic was such that millions of jobs were lost around the world. It’s a given—many grappled with feeling of rejection and unjustness. Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself by Kristin Neff is woven around the practice of being kind to yourself. It talks about how each trough is accompanied by a crest.