Everyone can benefit from taking steps to improve mental wellness, but it can be hard to know what exactly to do. Instead of picking up a few tips here and there, it’s helpful to read some in-depth advice. A few books stand out as being among the best for boosting your mental health.
1. The Body Keeps the Score
If your mental health issues are due to past trauma, a book you must read is The Body Keeps Score by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk. You’ll learn how trauma results in the rewiring of certain areas of your brain, including those related to enjoyment, trust, control, and engagement. The good news is it’s possible to rewire these areas by practicing mindfulness, by playing, and with therapy. Not only will this book help you better understand why you’re struggling, you’ll be able to take action today to see results in the future.
2. Atomic Habits
Trying to make major life changes sets you up for failure because your goals may be too big to sustain. In Atomic Habits, James Clear presents ideas for small ways you can change your daily routine that will ultimately make a big difference.
3. Your Twenties
Entering your twenties is a big milestone. This is one of the more challenging decades of your life — it’s a time for figuring out who you are, what you want to do, and how to survive in the world on your own. These pressures can take a toll on your mental health. Your Twenties: No One Ever Teaches You How to Grow Up, You Know? by Jessica Smith can help guide your decisions and give you advice in the areas of your career, relationships, body acceptance, self-love, and a healthy mind.
4. Switch on Your Brain
By neuroscientist Dr. Caroline Leaf, Switch on Your Brain combines concepts from neurobiology with Christian scripture. For this reason, it will likely resonate with religious readers, although there are interesting facts and lessons for anyone. The book begins with an explanation of how genetics have a role to play in mental health. It then talks about how we can understand our fears and trauma in the context of our negative memories. Finally, it discusses how to make new neural networks to see long-lasting, positive effects.
5. Get Out of Your Head
Another book with a spiritual outlook is Get Out of Your Head by Jennie Allen. The author is the wife of a pastor and uses the bible to find her inspiration, but anyone can use the advice in the book. The point is to apply positive affirmations to your life to break destructive routines and start healthier habits.
Another way to boost your mental health during university is to have a home you love, where you’re surrounded by other students but also have your own space. You can find Kingston student housing rentals at Foundry Mack. We have one- to five-bedroom suites, all of which are fully furnished. Plus, you can unwind and meet other people in our outdoor recreation area. Book a tour to see our student community for yourself.
