My Top Five Picks for Self-Care for the Young at Heart
My Top Five Picks for Self-Care for the Young at Heart
I just read my round-up of young adult titles from 2019, where I described 2019 as a “wild ride.” With 2020 in my rearview now, I can’t even compare the two. While I’ve been lucky enough to have been healthy throughout the past year, I’ve definitely had a lot going on. My school went remote abruptly in March and I’ve been teaching in a hybrid model since September which has been less than ideal, to say the least.
I also completed my doctorate in September just ten days before my son was born! While these were both very happy highlights, I spent much of 2020 working hard, often stressed, and on less sleep, I really needed to mitigate all these challenges at work. That being said, these titles are a great mix of uplifting anecdotes and realistic strategies for managing stress through both minor and major storms. Chcckout my top five picks for Self-Care for the young at heart below:
1. You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jen Sincero (244 pages)
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Why Read This
You Are a Badass does exactly what you would expect it to do– it helps you develop the confidence to get what you want from life. Sincero’s book is divided into 27 short chapters that tackle topics from organizing your finances to finally getting out of your own way. She encourages you to take measured risks at work and in your personal life all while staying in touch with your emotions to ensure you’re taking care of yourself. If you’re looking for some sage advice on how to help change the aspects of yourself that are holding you back, this book is for you.
2. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey (288 pages)
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Why Read This
From the author of 7 Habits of Highly Effective People comes this similar title aimed specifically at teens. Covey applies his same seven principles to teens and provides specific strategies on how teens can use those habits to improve their self-image, resist peer pressure, improve their relationships with their friends and parents, as well as other important aspects of their social and emotional lives. Covey’s book is a bit more clean-cut than some others on this list, but his advice is solid and applicable for teens everywhere.
3. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life by Mark Manson (224 pages)
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Why Read This
While Manson’s book might seem a bit abrasive due to the title, it’s actually one of the most helpful self-help books I’ve read to date. Manson explains that he became fed up with what he perceived as false positivity of other self-help books. He felt that believing everyone had the ability to succeed at everything if they tried hard enough was actually damaging, and I completely agree. It’s perfectly okay to be bad at things, and Manson explains that we need to start only giving a f*ck about the things that really matter. Manson’s book is grounded and straightforward and young adults will likely find it much more refreshing than many of the falsely positive self-help books on the market.
4. Almost Adulting: All You Need to Know to Get it Together by Arden Rose (208 pages)
Image via Instagram @eileenaliza
Why Read This
Vlogger Arden Rose’s Almost Adulting is a fun mix of essays, lists, and art that helps guide readers through topics like meeting new friends as an adult, eating well when you’re super busy, and creating an acceptable adult wardrobe on a very tight budget. Rose’s book is light and fresh and meets emerging adults right where they’re at, something many self-help books don’t do. The advice isn’t patronizing and Rose doesn’t assume her readers have everything figured out, because honestly who does?!
5. Failosophy: A Handbook for When Things Go Wrong by Elizabeth Day (112 pages)
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Why Read This
With the advent of social media, we’re inundated with everyone’s success stories. Scrolling through our feeds, you’d never know that people still fail. The truth? Everyone is still failing at something, and that’s not only okay, but it’s actually a good thing! Elizabeth Day’s book uses seven key principles to remind readers that failure truly is the greatest teacher we have in life. As a high school teacher, I watch young people struggle with the fear of failure so much so that they sometimes avoid opportunities. Day’s book helps make navigating failure not only more manageable but also more beneficial for your future endeavours.
Email us at hello@booknbrunch.com or message us on Instagram to let us know which self-help books you’re reading to help with your self-care!
Rachel Gomes is a 30-something high school English teacher who lives with her high school sweetheart-turned-husband and their son. Rachel is a voracious reader who loves to learn and has her doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction. She’s happiest listening to podcasts and talking to friends about the latest news in nerd culture.
Favourite book: Don’t make me choose between A Song of Ice and Fire and Harry Potter
Favourite brunch spot: The Farmer’s Table
