Books for wellbeing: Staff picks
Whether it’s non-fiction to guide us or stories to help us escape, words often support us through tough times. We asked for your very favourite wellbeing-themed books - the ones that have helped to keep you afloat, inspired you, or supported you at a time when you really needed it - and here's what you said.
For when you need to be inspired, encouraged or motivated
Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway
by Susan Jeffers
“This book inspired me (as someone from a widening participation background) to apply to Warwick to study a degree as a mature student. I persevered and succeeded, and now I work in the Student Opportunity - Careers team, supporting and advising students with their applications and interviews.”
“If you need inspiration to get something done or stop doubting yourself, I'd recommend this a lot.”
How to Keep House While Drowning
by KC Davis
“Changed my life. I bought it when I first moved into my own maisonette and it helped me reframe my mental state around my house and chore-like tasks. It’s an excellent book for neurodivergent and anxious people and written in a very accessible format.
The book shares tips and tricks to save yourself mental and physical work, not only in the house but in life. I constantly re-read this book and find huge comfort in it.”
Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals
by Oliver Burkeman
“This book unpicks how short life is and helps the reader to recognise how when we delay making choices and don't get round to things, that is a choice in itself.
After I finished it, I immediately reread it and made notes - something I've not done in years!”
For when you’re wanting to make healthy changes
Ultra-Processed People
by Chris van Tulleken
“It's transformed my eating - which will improve my health!”
Jog On
by Bella Mackie
“When going through some dark times mentally, it inspired me to just get my trainers on and get out the door and run, without fear or expectations.
It's kept me going ever since reading it.”
For when you need to switch off
The Meditation Yearbook
by Joey Hulin
“A relaxing book with friendly information - it's easy to pick and put down.”
For when you want to get to know yourself - or someone else - a little better
Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before?
by Dr Julie Smith
“Lots of tips and tricks that you might pick up in a therapy session - really eye-opening.”
Status Anxiety
by Alain de Botton
Unmasked
by Ellie Middleton
The Book of Awakening: Having the Life You Want by Being Present to the Life You Have
by Mark Nepo
“Daily stories, quotes, guided meditation and reflection that stem from the author's personal challenging journey help with healing and overcoming challenges of our own.”
The Positive Habit
by Fiona Brennan
“This book and accompanying audios helped me immensely during the COVID-19 pandemic. I cannot recommend it enough - very clear and well written.”
For when you want to learn from others
I Haven't Been Entirely Honest With You
by Miranda Hart
“Miranda Hart explains her own journey through navigating some intense challenges with her health. It's funny and poignant and has some really valuable advice and insights.”
Pet Sematary
by Stephen King
“A left-field answer, but if you see past the horror and the zombies this is genuinely one of the most powerful musings on grief I've ever read, and a cathartic story about the power of love and family.”
The Poetry Pharmacy books
by William Sieghart
“Self-help books aren't really my thing, and I'm not religious, and so the kind wisdom from the poets in these collections soothes and guides when I need it the most.”
How the Light Gets In
by Clare Fisher
“A beautiful, funny, and moving collection of very short stories that brilliantly capture random moments of modern life - it never fails to lift my spirits!”
The Alchemist
by Paulo Coelho
“Such an inspiring book about life, following our calling and the choices we face (and make) when coming to a fork in the road. Full of spiritual positivity - written as a fable, very easy to read!”
“It's one to come back to again and again and makes you feel a bit more connected to the universe and positive about shaping your own destiny.”
The Starless Sea
by Erin Morganstern
“The perfect bookish escape, with a descriptive writing style, intricate world building, and characters you can't help but love!”
For when you need hope
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse
by Charlie Mackesy
The Midnight Library
by Matt Haig
The Snow Goose
by Paul Gallico
The Lord of the Rings
by J R R Tolkien
“Through moments of despair and darkness, Tolkien’s world brims with an unyielding sense of hope that shines brightly, inspiring readers to believe in the triumph of good over evil. This timeless tale is not just a journey through Middle-earth but a profound exploration of loyalty, sacrifice, and the unbreakable human spirit.”
If any of these books have grabbed your interest, why not visit our campus Library, where the team has set up a special display case featuring these brilliant titles...