I often have clients ask for recommendations on self-help books and podcasts. Here's what I tell them: Self-help books and podcasts can be great resources for validating emotions, providing comfort in knowing that others face similar challenges, and offering ideas on how to approach these challenges. However, they are not individualized to each person; it's important to keep in mind that the ideas presented are conceptual, and in order to find them helpful, exploring how to incorporate (or not incorporate) the ideas is crucial.
Self-help books and podcasts are more popular than ever and can be found on a wide range of topics, from anxiety and relationships to setting boundaries and finding the perfect diet, just to name a few. With the variety of options not only within each topic but also as they interconnect, it can be hard to choose the "right" book or podcast. I encourage clients to be mindful that there is no "right" or "wrong" as they choose what they read and listen to. Authors and hosts aim to speak to a broad audience, so not everything will apply to everyone, and they focus on their area of expertise. It's also important to be aware and mindful of who the authors and hosts are. Many claim to be experts in the topic areas, but remember, anyone can write a book or host a podcast. Finding reputable sources is key when it comes to choosing how and who you are influenced by. I look into their background, education, research, training, guests/co-authors, etc.
I emphasize to clients the importance of using books and podcasts as a starting point in their mental health journey. Self-help resources are not to be viewed as a "cure" but rather a point to begin; I highly encourage clients to focus on using these as resources rather than a solution. By doing so, we can make our own conclusions on what is applicable. Talking with a therapist will help further this navigation and provide a space for you to take what you have been exposed to and apply the helpful content to your own life.
All this being said, I'll share a few that I have found to be beneficial: (This is not an exhaustive list. I only recommend books I have personally read and podcasts I have personally listened to. There are many others out there that are well-rated. These are in no particular order. I'm always adding to my library as I become aware of others.)
Books/authors:
Atomic Habits: An Easy and Proven Way to Build Good Habits and Break Bad Ones by James Clear
The Gifts of Imperfection Brene Brown (she has multiple books that are all fantastic)
Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself by Kristen Neff
Chemistry of Calm/Chemistry of Joy by Henry Emmons
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
No Mud, No Lotus by Tic Nah Han
The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman
Think Like a Monk by Jay Shetty
Do Nothing by Celeste Headlee
The Four Agreements by Don Niguel Ruiz
The Biology of Belief by Bruce Lipton
The Power of Now/A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle
Untamed by Glennon Doyle
The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins/Let Them Poem by Cassie Phillips
Waking the Tiger by Peter Levine
Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents Dr. Lindsay Gibson
Podcasts:
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
Tara Brach (self titled)
The Mel Robbins Podcast
Eckhart Tolle: Essential Teachings
The Dr. Hyman Show
The Happiness Lab by Dr. Laurie Santos
The Minimalists by Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus