Sneaking some self-care into your life is easier said than done, especially when there’s a pile dishes to do, your kid’s volcano project to help with and a stack of unopened bills on the dining room table. But take it from these amazing female authors—self-care isn’t just beneficial; it’s a damn necessity. So if you haven’t gotten a hug today, here are five, in book form.
5 Self-Care Books That Are Like Getting a Big, Warm Hug
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Published Mar 5, 2018
Cover: Running Press Adult / Background: anttoniu/Getty Images
you Are A Badass By Jen Sincero
Self-doubt isn’t a good look for you. Instead of being resigned that you’re feeling stressed, underappreciated and didn’t get that promotion, pick up this book—in its pages, Sincero acts as your personal life coach, teaching you (irreverently and hilariously, we might add) how to hone in on what truly makes you happy and tap into your most awesome self.
Cover: Flatiron Books / Background: anttoniu/Getty Images
drop The Ball By Tiffany Dufu
Do you ever feel so overwhelmed with day-to-day tasks that you’re tempted to just say “screw it” and take a sick day? Tiffany Dufu has been there—and she maintains women truly can have it all (a loving family, a high-power job, a gorgeous wardrobe and relaxing downtime included) by “dropping the ball” on things they don’t find enjoyable or don’t contribute to their larger purpose. So go ahead, let that laundry pile up on the bedroom floor. You have some very important yoga to do.
Cover: Sterling Ethos / Background: anttoniu/Getty Images
the Book Of Self-care: Remedies For Healing Mind, Body And Soul By Mary Beth Janssen
You know you should take better care of yourself, but you don’t know where to begin. (Bath bombs? Bullet journaling? Saying “no” to that toxic friend?) This book is a comprehensive guide to all things self-care, from tips on how to clean out emotional clutter to techniques to get more restful sleep. And side note, the book itself is gorgeous. We dare you to flip through this thing without feeling instantly calmer.
Cover: TarcherPerigee / Background: anttoniu/Getty Images
the Self-love Experiment By Shannon Kaiser
OK, you’re trying to do the things you’re supposed to be doing to be a happier, healthier person (Yoga! Meditation! Eating healthy!) and then the guilt of spending so much time on yourself creeps in. Kaiser is here to show us 15 principles to clear away the clutter and simplify your path to happiness and fulfillment without the self-reproach. (Now go take a bubble bath and enjoy it, dammit.)
Cover: Shambhala / Background: anttoniu/Getty Images
living Beautifully With Uncertainty And Change By Pema Chodron
It’s easy to stay happy and calm when everything’s going your way. The real challenge? Upholding those same principles when you’re having the worst, most chaotic day ever. Buddhist monk Pema Chodron’s loving, poetic teachings about being comfortable with uncertainty are the key—plus, she has Oprah’s seal of approval, so you know she’s good.
