Books That Have Influenced My Mental And Emotional Wellness

There are books and there are books. Some books we read to educate ourselves. Some to relax and enjoy. Some to escape from the outside world.

Once in a while, we come across a book that leaves a deep impact on us with insights and perspectives. A book we didn’t know we needed. A book we found (or rather one that found us) at the right place and time.

When Manali Desai and Sukaina Majeed at #EveryConversationMatters announced Mindful Pursuit Blog Hop, I had initially planned to share book recommendations on mental health, particularly by Indian authors. But then I have already shared a considerable amount of mental health book recommendations although there can never be enough. I am a book blogger and reviewer, but I am a reader first. I instead decided to talk about the books that influenced my mental and emotional wellness.

Self-Help Books And Mental Health

I am often asked to suggest self-help books for mental health. Speaking from experience, it need not always be a self-help book to positively impact your mental and emotional health. It might be a memoir or a fiction too. Keeping our mind open to ideas and particularly taking action are the key to inculcate those learnings.

Furthermore, self-help books are not a one-size-fits-all. What worked for me might not work for you. We have our own journeys.

Books That Have Influenced My Mental And Emotional Wellness

I have always turned to books as a coping mechanism. They have been my saviors during the darkest phases of my life. Coping with loss and grief or surviving injury. I wrote about the healing power of books that was included in the anthology Brave Inked Emotions presented by Roma Gupta Sinha. I have also shared the books that have helped me cope with the death of my father.

I have often talked about the “what” but not the “how”. Read on as I share the three books that have contributed to my journey to better mental and emotional health.

The Year of Magical Thinking
by Joan Didion

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“A single person is missing for you, and the whole world is empty.”

We all grieve differently. There is no set template. There is no set timeframe. One thing is certain though. The first few days are a blur with the rites and all. Once things settle down does it hit hard. And really hit hard. Then the difficult part begins. Meeting people and reliving each detail again and again. Where a “sorry for your loss” would suffice, there are long-drawn conversations about the how, when, and what.

The Year of Magical Thinking is a raw, powerful book. Joan Didion shares her personal journey of dealing with her husband’s death and her daughter’s illness. My sister-in-law recommended the book a few months after we lost our father. The book was a paradigm shift for me. Instead of blaming myself for not doing enough to save my father, it put things in perspective. The importance of holding on to the happy memories. Giving myself space. Allowing myself to grieve even if it did not match the other person’s idea of grief. It was okay to break down publicly and not be ashamed of it. I didn’t need to be “strong” all the time. Most importantly, letting go and be at peace. To respect the fact that my father went the way he wanted to.

From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness, and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life
by Arthur C. Brooks

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I turn 50 next year. Once you approach or reach the milestone, you can’t help but take stock of your life.

I came across From Strength to Strength quite randomly. A book that found me. The book community is divided but for me, it lead to a lot of introspection.

I have been a striver all my adult life. It takes one to be an entrepreneur. More so because I had the fire within me to prove that my life did not end with my injury. That I would not be a lifelong liability for my parents.

The book was a wake-up call. As I finished reading the book, I sat down with a notepad. What was emotional health for me? What were my priorities? It lead to a decisive shift.

Two years down the line, I am at more mental and emotional peace. I am more comfortable with saying no. I don’t get as worked up by missing opportunities. Triggered by my cousin’s (who is three years younger) heart health issues, I have prioritized my physical and mental health by joining online yoga classes. Family – Health – Work – Everything Else. Those are my priorities. From working 12-14 hours a day to taking on selective projects. I am paying it forward in whichever way I can. I have checked off a few of my goals. Am I ready for retirement? No way! Too early for that and I am sure I never can.

Silver Lining: Overcoming Adversity to Build NephroPlus- Asia’s Largest Dialysis Provider
by Kamal Shah

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Some books reach you at the right place and at the right time. A deeply personal and inspiring memoir, Silver Lining is one such book.

In early 2023, my arthritis flared up like nobody’s business. Let alone walk, I could not even sit with my knees bent. I had stopped requesting review copies since I could not hold the paperbacks. Thankfully, it was a slow time at work with post Holidays lull. Needless to say, my mental health took a beating.

It seemed like the universe conspired (or was it my guardian angel?) when I received the review request from the author. As I began reading it, it hit a raw nerve. All set and raring to go at 21. A simple preventive vaccine turned his world upside down. Changing the course of his life. I actually set the book aside for a few days because I could not get myself to read through it. It brought back memories of helplessness and despair at 21 and the “why me” that was aggravated by the health issues.

I chose to continue reading it and ended up with an emotional catharsis. It got me to stop beating myself up. To take pride in my achievements. And more importantly, it got me out of the emotional whirlpool I was drowning myself in. The book will always have a special place in my heart.

As you probably have figured out, I highly recomend all three books. Are there books that have impacted you similarly? Do share in the comments below.

Books That Have Influenced My Mental And Emotional Wellness #MindfulPursuitBlogHop #EveryConversationMatters @MindRustic @sukaina1422 Share on X

This post is a part of ‘Mindful Pursuit Blog Hop’ hosted by Manali Desai and Sukaina Majeed under #EveryConversationMatters

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