Whenever I visit the bookstore, the “Self-Help” section is my go-to area. I love the idea of constantly growing and improving myself, one step at a time. It’s important to me that I take great care of my health, not just physically but also mentally and emotionally.
After all, you can’t pour from an empty cup. If I can’t care for myself, I won’t be able to support others and care for them truly. That’s why I must take the first step to help myself and love myself before I help others. I do so by reading self-help books in the evening and different self-care practices.
Here is the list of self-help books I’ve read and I will continue to update it with other lovely books I come across in the future.
- Zen: The Art of Simple Living by Shunmyo Masuno
- Japonisme: Ikigai, forest bathing, wabi-sabi and more by Erin Niimi Longhurst
- Kaizen: The Japanese Method for Transforming Habits One Small Step at a Time by Sarah Harvey
- Lagom: The Swedish Art of Living a Balanced, Happy Life by Niki Brantmark
- L’art de la Simplicité: How to Live More with Less by Dominique Loreau
- The Miracle Morning: The 6 habits that will transform your life before 8AM by Hal Elrod
- Goodbye, things: On minimalist living by Fumio Sasaki
Zen: The Art of Simple Living
by Shunmyo Masuno
Written by the head priest of a 450-year-old Zen Buddhist temple in Japan, these 100 Daily Zen Practices will help bring the beauty of simplicity into your life.
From energizing your present self to inspiring confidence and courage, these practices will invite more calmness and joy to your everyday life.
Japonisme
by Erin Niimi Longhurst
A beautiful book about Japanese culture and traditions with vivid illustrations and photographs. Topics range from Kintsugi, Shinrin-yoku, and Ikebana to Tabemono and Ocha.
Besides teaching about famous Japanese terms, the book also contains various guides, tips, and a few recipes.
Kaizen
by Sarah Harvey
If you’ve always wanted to change your life through forming new habits but never knew how this is the book. Kaizen guides you through forming habits by taking one small step at a time.
This Japanese method helps you get started by breaking down habits into tiny steps, making it easier to follow. As you continue to progress, the results will become apparent.
Lagom
by Niki Brantmark
For someone unfamiliar with the Swedish culture, this book has taught me a lot about their way of living. It starts from one’s personal life, then moves on to family and relationships, and lastly, the wider world.
With all the useful tricks and guides surrounding the idea of Lagom, this book has taught me how to lead a more moderate yet happier life.
L'art de la Simplicité
by Dominique Loreau
This book is one of my favorite go-to books for self-care. It is mainly divided into 3 parts, Materialism & Minimalism, Body and Mind.
Wrapping around the idea of beauty through minimalism in different aspects of life, the book can boost your self-confidence as you practice their tips and guides.
The Miracle Morning
by Hal Elrod
An amazing book that has helped transform my life and million others, all before 8 in the morning.
By following the 6 S.A.V.E.R.S. habits, you can become the best version of yourself and reach level 10 in every aspect of your life. The only thing you need to prepare is determination and this self-help book!
Goodbye, things
by Fumio Sasaki
An incredible book that’s inspired me to practice minimalism and focus on what truly matters in my life.
With the help of these 55 tips, you can easily part with your things and say goodbye before welcoming a completely new experience with minimalist living. There are also follow-up tips and actual results by the author, Fumio Sasaki.
