May is Mental Health Awareness Month.
In honor of this month, here are a few uplifting, encouraging, comforting, and interesting books that might help your brain feel just a little bit better. Some books written by me, some books written by friends and clients of mine, and a smattering of other books that I just really love.
Enjoy. Be kind to yourself. <3
. . .
How To Say No - Alexandra Franzen
To protect your time, energy, mental and physical health, sometimes you just have to say, “No.”
How To Say No is a short e-book I wrote a few years ago. It’s free and it’s available here. Inside, you’ll find some communication guidelines/scripts/email templates to help you say “no” (gracefully and politely) in several common scenarios.
I hope this book helps you keep your schedule clear and spacious and manageable, instead of over-crowded with too many commitments.
You’re Going to Survive - Alexandra Franzen
For this book, I interviewed around 30 people and I asked, “What was the most awful/stressful/painful moment of your career? How did you get through it? And what did you learn from the experience?”
People generously shared their stories about getting fired, getting ridiculed in the press, getting bullied by online trolls, struggling to find clients, financial stress, and more.
If you’re going through a rough time in your career (or life), I hope this book reminds you that you’re not alone, you will survive, and you will develop even more resilience and strength in the process.
Eat Your Feelings - Lindsey Smith
Lindsey, my lovely friend and colleague, wrote this award-winning book about how to choose nourishing, nutrient-rich foods that help improve your mood. Whether you’re feeling sad, stressed, tired, angry, or bored, she has recipes to help you feel a little bit better. (Also, the book has adorable illustrations of veggie pizza and dancing avocados and flying spatulas and it’s so darn cute, it’s just ridiculous.)
Say It Now - Sherry Richert Belul
Earlier this year, I launched the Tiny Press, a publishing imprint specializing in short, inspiring books that are around 100 pages long. Say It Now is a Tiny Press book, and it’s a book that urges you to say “I love you” to the most important people in your life—through your words and actions, too.
Sherry (who has battled depression in the past) points out that when you express your love to someone (with a “thank you” note or thoughtful present or small token of appreciation) it’s a gift for your recipient—and it’s a gift for you, too. They smile. You smile. You both feel uplifted by the experience. Saying “I love you” changes their day—and yours, too.
Mantras in Motion - Erin Stutland
I’ve noticed, in my own life, that moving my body has a direct impact on my mental wellbeing. Yoga, weight lifting, jogging, hiking in nature—I view these activities as “mental healthcare” first and foremost, and physical fitness second. Erin wrote this beautiful book about the power of physical movement—and how moving your body can lift your mood, change your perspective, and get your life moving in the direction you want.
Don’t Think About Monkeys - Adam Ward Seligman
My smart, funny, amazing uncle Adam compiled this book before his death, a few years ago. It’s a collection of true stories written by people who have Tourette Syndrome, a neurological condition that is very misunderstood in our society. Tourette’s often causes involuntary, repetitive movements and vocalizations (called “tics”) and looping thoughts that the person can’t control. If you know someone with Tourette’s, or if you’re a healthcare provider and you want
to learn more about this condition and how it feels to live with it, consider adding this book to your shelf.
Company of One - Paul Jarvis
We live in a culture that constantly pressures us to “reach higher” and "earn more” and “accomplish more.”
It’s so refreshing to read a book like this one, written by my friend Paul Jarvis. Paul reminds us that it’s okay to have modest, humble career goals. It’s okay to keep your business small. It’s possible to earn a decent living (and have a very pleasant, simple life) with a company comprised of just one employee: you. You don’t necessarily need to expand and hire a bunch of employees and aggressively chase bigger and bigger goals. (Unless you want
to. And if you do, that’s cool too.)
This book brought a feeling of relief into my heart—reminding me that “success” is a very personal thing and looks different for everyone. Bigger is not always better. Small can feel really good.
. . .
Lastly, a smattering of other books that I love…
The Book of Awakening - Mark Nepo
365 short passages about love, presence, mindfulness, fear, illness, grief, death, all aspects of life. One short piece for every day of the year.
Second Firsts - Christina Rasmussen
A powerful book about how to build new neural pathways in your brain (and step into a new chapter of your life) after experiencing a big loss.
Queer Eye: Love Yourself, Love Your Life - Antoni Porowski, Tan France, Jonathan Van Ness, Bobby Berk, and Karamo Brown
Did you know the “Fab Five” from Netflix’s Queer Eye have a book? They do! And it’s amazing. Beautiful inspiration to upgrade your self-care routine, freshen up your home, and just be a little nicer to yourself every day.
. . .
I dream of living in a world where…
* Children in public schools are taught healthy ways to reduce stress (including deep breathing and meditation) and how to manage difficult emotions.
* People feel safe talking about mental health challenges and don’t feel ashamed or worried about scary consequences (like getting fired).
* Going to a grief support group is considered just as “awesome” and “cool” as going to SoulCycle.
* A therapist runs for US President and gets elected and helps our country to heal. (How amazing would that be?)
. . .
Take good care of your brain. Be gentle with yourself. I’m sending you a big hug.
-Alex
PS. I’ve been listening to this music playlist all day long and I love it.
PPS. If you have a friend who’s been struggling lately, for any reason, check on them. Grab your phone right now and send a quick text to say: “I love you. How is your heart doing today?”
It's amazing how two quick sentences can make such a difference in someone’s day.
