This list is part of my study into creative living, emotional wellbeing, neuroscience and slow, intentional practice. I haven’t read every title here just yet, but I wanted to share the growing list with you as I go.
Some of these books are grounded in science, while others are rooted in story. Some are practical, others poetic. All have been chosen because they reflect the values of Positive Mental Artitude® and offer thoughtful perspectives on how we live, heal and create.
Sarah.
Emotional Wellbeing & Nervous System Support
Anchored, Deb Dana
A practical introduction to Polyvagal Theory. Explores how to work with your nervous system for emotional safety and stability.
The Body Keeps the Score, Bessel van der Kolk
An in-depth look at trauma, the body’s memory, and the power of creative and somatic healing approaches.
What Happened to You?, Dr Bruce Perry & Oprah Winfrey
A compassionate conversation about trauma and resilience, focused on understanding behaviour through a lens of compassion.
Calm, Fearne Cotton
A gentle, beautifully illustrated book about finding calm amidst modern life. Full of prompts, reflections and practical guidance.
Happy, Fearne Cotton
Blends personal experience with interviews and insights about mental health, identity and emotional balance.
Creativity, Habits & Gentle Motivation
Atomic Habits, James Clear
A clear, habit-building framework for lasting change, built on small, consistent shifts. Insightful, grounded, and practical.
Big Magic, Elizabeth Gilbert
An inspiring look at creativity as a joyful, sacred practice. Encourages bravery and creative freedom without perfectionism.
The Creative Act, Rick Rubin
A poetic, open-ended invitation to reframe creativity as a natural way of being rather than a skill or outcome.
Six Thinking Hats, Edward De Bono
Introduces a thinking method to explore ideas from different perspectives. A helpful framework for decision-making and creativity.
Lateral Thinking, Edward De Bono
Explores how to break free of linear thinking patterns and spark original ideas. Thought-provoking and highly applicable.
Presence, Awareness & Inner Stillness
Wherever You Go, There You Are, Jon Kabat-Zinn
A warm, accessible guide to practising mindfulness in everyday life without needing to fix anything.
The Power of Now, Eckhart Tolle
A spiritual guide to presence and inner peace. Helps you detach from overthinking and find calm in the present moment.
Stillness Speaks, Eckhart Tolle
Short, meditative reflections on consciousness, surrender, and what it means to be rather than do.
Waking Up, Sam Harris
A guide to spirituality without religion. Explores meditation, consciousness and self-transcendence through a scientific and personal lens.
Slower Living, Nourishment & Nature
Wintering, Katherine May
A deeply personal exploration of rest, solitude and embracing the fallow periods of life. Gentle, lyrical and validating.
The Wild Remedy, Emma Mitchell
A nature journal and mental health memoir that blends seasonal change, botanical drawing and personal healing.
A Life Less Throwaway, Tara Button
Explores conscious consumerism and the emotional impact of slowing down and choosing well in what we buy and keep.
How to Do Nothing, Jenny Odell
A cultural and personal reflection on reclaiming attention and resisting productivity-driven life structures.
Self-Compassion & Inner Work
Self-Compassion, Dr Kristin Neff
A research-based but heartfelt guide to treating yourself with the same kindness you offer others.
Untamed, Glennon Doyle
A bold, raw call to stop pleasing and start living. Explores emotional honesty and deep internal freedom.
The Gifts of Imperfection, Brené Brown
An empowering invitation to let go of shame, embrace vulnerability and live with courage and authenticity.
Good Vibes, Good Life, Vex King
A guide to cultivating self-love, emotional intelligence and lasting inner peace through mindset and daily habits.
Healing Is the New High, Vex King
Focuses on the emotional and energetic healing required to rise above trauma and live with intention.
Living Well & Reclaiming Time
Four Thousand Weeks, Oliver Burkeman
A philosophical take on time, productivity and mortality. Encourages a gentle, limited, beautifully human approach to living.
The Art of Simple Living, Shunmyo Masuno
100 brief lessons in mindfulness, Japanese Zen and small shifts toward a calmer, more intentional life.
Making Sense, Sam Harris
A collection of Harris’s podcast conversations exploring mind, morality, free will and human experience. A rational and inquisitive look at modern thought.
Lying, Sam Harris
A short but powerful read on the ethical and emotional consequences of dishonesty. Promotes integrity and open communication.
Spiritual Storytelling & Inner Awakening
The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho
A modern classic about following your purpose and listening to your heart. Uplifting and symbolic, rich with metaphor and meaning.