5 Books To Read For A Boost In Your Health And Wellness Routine
Taking care of your health and wellness can feel like a full-time job. Social media floods us with tips on everything from mental health, nutrition, fitness, sleep, mindfulness, you name it. Google searches yield pages of results. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer volume of advice.
If you’re looking for expert advice to improve different areas of your health and wellness, these five books can help. Each was written by a woman who is an authority in her field. You’ll find practical tips backed by science and research across a range of health topics relevant to women today.
Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide To Reclaiming Yourself By Nedra Glover Tawwab
According to a 2022 survey, 56% of American women identified themselves as being people-pleasers. Translation: we struggle with setting healthy boundaries, leaving ourselves open to increased stress, anxiety, power struggles, and more. Nedra Glover Tawwab, a licensed therapist and relationship expert, unpacks boundaries in her book. She digs into what healthy boundaries look like in all aspects of life, how to set them, and how to assert them without sounding rude or offensive. You’ll also find research-based strategies rooted in CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) to help you bring peace and serenity to your life.
The Food Mood Connection By Dr. Uma Naidoo
We’ve all heard the phrase “You are what you eat.” And, according to Dr. Uma Naidoo, a board-certified psychiatrist, nutrition specialist, and professionally trained chef, what we eat affects our minds. More specifically, the research in her book shows that food contributes to our mental health in many ways. She offers nutritional recommendations and brain-healthy recipes to develop eating habits that support your cognitive and mental health.
More Than a Body: Your Body Is an Instrument, Not an Ornament By Dr. Lexie Kite And Dr. Lindsay Kite
The concept of body positivity dates all the way back to the ’60s, and the ideas of self-acceptance and loving the skin you’re in are well-known. But social media and advertising can make it difficult. Twin sisters and scholars Dr. Lexie Kite and Dr. Lindsay Kite co-founded of Beauty Redefined, and with this read, they share their expertise in body image research and education in their book. They provide practical advice that focuses on the idea of body image resilience. The book also dispels the unhealthy messages promoted by social media and the beauty and weight-loss industries.
It’s Not Hysteria: Everything You Need to Know About Your Reproductive Health (But Were Never Told) By Dr. Karen Tang
It’s frustrating and more than a little infuriating that gender bias exists in health care. The NIH spent close to $40 billion on medical research in 2023 but only $4.6 billion (only 11.5%) on women’s health. Since so little research focuses on women’s health, it’s no wonder that many women experience medical gaslighting.
In her book, Dr. Karen Tang, a board-certified gynecologist and internationally recognized leader in reproductive health, presents in-depth information about common gynecological conditions that are often misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or dismissed. She includes practical tools to help women better advocate for themselves with their doctors. The book empowers women to ask questions and speak up to get answers about their health.
The Female Body Bible: A Revolution in Women’s Health and Fitness By Dr. Emma Ross, Baz Moffat, And Dr. Bella Smith
A woman’s body undergoes many transformations, with each stage of our lives bringing new and unexpected changes. Puberty, pregnancy, the postpartum period, and menopause require us to relearn our bodies. And it’s not always easy.
To help women understand how our bodies work and feel during each stage of our lives, Dr. Emma Ross, a scientist, Baz Moffat, a former athlete and coach, and Dr. Bella Smith, a doctor and women’s health advocate, combined their expertise to create a blueprint. This comprehensive guide breaks down the ins and outs of a woman’s body, focusing on health and fitness. You’ll learn how to take advantage of your hormones to feel better, exercise and eat in the best way for your body, and speak to your young daughters and others about all things health-related.
