The 5 Best Books to Help You Calm Down and Decompress

You may be in a place where something is holding you back. Some little voice inside your head is saying that you are not good enough, that your creative ideas are dumb, and that everything you touch ends in disaster. Get ready to kiss that voice goodbye. Elizabeth Gilbert offers a great big “WHY NOT?” with her book BIG MAGIC. As she takes you on her own journey of self-doubt and redemption, Gilbert encourages readers to go for the things they want most in life while exploring the disastrous effects of a life left unfulfilled. If you feel like you’ve lost your spark and need a little bit of magical inspiration, let Elizabeth Gilbert light that fire for you.

For the past 45 years, teacher Bob Roth has helped thousands and thousands of people tap into their inner creativity and potential through Transcendental Meditation. His students include Oprah Winfrey, Howard Stern, and Ellen DeGeneres. In STRENGTH IN STILLNESS, Roth breaks down the science and techniques behind his successful practice. This accessible and enlightening book promises to reduce stress and anxiety while improving resilience and inner power. This is gimmick-free, real-talk, with actionable items. Clear out some time on your calendar and free your mind.

To paraphrase a certain Disney Princess: Let it go, already. In this Japanese bestseller, Ichiro Kishimi tells the tale of a student and teacher on a journey to understand that what people think about you is a construct inside your own head. By releasing that burden, you are freeing yourself to accomplish more and lead a happier and more profitable existence. Learn how to let go of self-doubt and release anxieties by actively decluttering your mind. And the best part of the book is that it is broken into five nights. You can carve out time each evening to sit with the book and ruminate on its teachings. I promise you’ll be feeling mentally lighter in less than a week.

Before you say it: No, I’m not trying to convert anyone to a new religion. And to be fair, neither is Robert Wright in this enlightening and thorough look at the religion of Buddhism. This book offers is a glimpse at the teachings of the Buddha and how they can make a difference in one’s life. Letting go of judgment, being in tune with one’s self, mindfulness in actions, stopping to smell the roses and appreciate the world around you. That doesn’t sound too far-fetched. Whether you are a novice or a practicing Buddhist, you’ll reap the benefits of Wright’s writing from page one.

In what has become, in my opinion, the quintessential book to hand to anyone feeling overburdened, Gary Zukav teaches his readers how to be the authority in their own life. With fans such as Oprah Winfrey and Maya Angelou, Zukav has reached massive audiences with his immersive exploration on how humans interact. Consider these key words: authentic power. By understanding your own motivations and actions, you may find bliss by harnessing your own power. There’s now a special anniversary edition of the book that has amazing new material and online tools to round out your experience.