Books To Read Right Now If You're Feeling Anxious Or Stressed

In partnership with the Guille-Allès Library

Anxiety affects each and every one of us at some point in our lives, and we all experience it differently. Sometimes understanding the impact of anxiety from someone else's perspective can help you to see things more clearly, for you and those close to you.

So we reached out to our friends at the library for their recommendations. They delivered. These books include personal reflections of living - sometimes thriving - with anxiety, practical advice and a reminder that there's no such thing as normal. 

 

 

1.  Me Vs Brain: An Overthinker's Guide To Life

Hello there! Hayley Morris here. Or you might know me as the Brain Girl, and don't be fooled - it's not because I'm outrageously smart. Just an avid overthinker. In this book, I've overthought absolutely everything so you don't have to. I'll be talking about dating to discharge, mental health to menstrual cups. I might not be able to banish your anxiety or make you feel 100% comfortable in your skin, but I hope I can at least give you a break from the constant brain chatter and we can rejoice and laugh at how similar we actually all are.

Borrow here 

 

2.  Ikigai: Simple Secrets To A Long And Happy Life

The people of Japan believe that everyone has an ikigai - a reason for being; the thing that gets you out of bed each morning. And according to the residents of the Japanese island of Okinawa - the world's longest-living people - finding it is the key to a longer and more fulfilled life. Inspiring and comforting, this work by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles will bring you closer to these centenarians' secrets: how they leave urgency behind; keep doing what they love for as long as possible; nurture friendships; live in the moment; participate in their communities and throw themselves into their passions

Borrow here 

 

3.  Real Self Care

Self-care has become a staple in women's lives. From juice cleanses to yoga workshops to luxury bamboo sheets, we are sold breezy fixes in pastel-coloured packages, and then made to feel at fault when they don't work, like there is something wrong with us. But we are not broken: the game is rigged against us. And if we set aside those activities that don't serve us, we can all reconnect with ourselves and become agents of change in our lives. In 'Real Self-Care', psychiatrist and women's mental health specialist Dr Pooja Lakshmin will help you understand what a real and sustainable practice of caring for yourself looks like. Using case studies, clinical research and actionable strategies to deal with common problems, this book will help you set boundaries and move past guilt, treat yourself with compassion, live a life aligned with your values and assert your power.

Borrow here 

 

4.  My Mess Is A Bit Of A Life: Adventures In Anxiety

Multi-award-winning television writer and producer Georgia Pritchett knows a thing or two about anxiety. From worrying about the monsters under her bed as a child, to embracing womanhood, to being offered free gifts after an award ceremony, worry has accompanied her at every turn. This memoir is a joyful reflection on just how to live - and sometimes even thrive (sometimes not) - with anxiety.

Borrow here 

 

5.  No Such Thing As Normal

From depression and anxiety to personality disorders, one in four of us experience mental health issues every year and, in these strange and unsettling times, more of us than ever are struggling to cope. Bryony Gordon offers sensible, practical advice, covering subjects such as sleep, addiction, worry, medication, self-image, boundary setting, therapy, learned behaviour, mindfulness and, of course - as the founder of Mental Health Mates - the power of walking and talking.

Borrow here 

 

6.  How To Build A Healthy Brain: Reduce Stress, Anxiety And Depression And Future Proof Your Brain

Whatever your age, having a healthy brain is the key to a happy and fulfilled life. Yet, for both young and old, diseases of the brain and mental health are the biggest killers in the 21st century. We all know how to take care of our physical health, but we often feel powerless as to what we can do to protect our mental well-being too. Written by a passionate advocate for the importance of mental health, Kimberley Wilson draws on the latest research to give practical, holistic advice on how you can protect your brain health by making simple lifestyle choices.

Borrow here