Books for wellbeing: Staff picks

Whether it鈥檚 non-fiction to guide us or stories to help us escape, words often support us through tough times. We asked for your very favourite wellbeing-themed books - the ones that have helped to keep you afloat, inspired you, or supported you at a time when you really needed it - and here's what you said.

For when you need to be inspired, encouraged or motivated

Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway

by Susan Jeffers

鈥淭his book inspired me (as someone from a widening participation background) to apply to 糖心TV to study a degree as a mature student. I persevered and succeeded, and now I work in the Student Opportunity - Careers team, supporting and advising students with their applications and interviews.鈥�

鈥淚f you need inspiration to get something done or stop doubting yourself, I'd recommend this a lot.鈥�

How to Keep House While Drowning

by KC Davis

鈥淐hanged my life. I bought it when I first moved into my own maisonette and it helped me reframe my mental state around my house and chore-like tasks. It鈥檚 an excellent book for neurodivergent and anxious people and written in a very accessible format.

The book shares tips and tricks to save yourself mental and physical work, not only in the house but in life. I constantly re-read this book and find huge comfort in it.鈥�

Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals

by Oliver Burkeman

鈥淭his book unpicks how short life is and helps the reader to recognise how when we delay making choices and don't get round to things, that is a choice in itself.

After I finished it, I immediately reread it and made notes - something I've not done in years!鈥�

For when you鈥檙e wanting to make healthy changes

Ultra-Processed People

by Chris van Tulleken

鈥淚t's transformed my eating - which will improve my health!鈥�

Jog On

by Bella Mackie

鈥淲hen going through some dark times mentally, it inspired me to just get my trainers on and get out the door and run, without fear or expectations.

It's kept me going ever since reading it.鈥�

For when you need to switch off

The Meditation Yearbook

by Joey Hulin

鈥淎 relaxing book with friendly information - it's easy to pick and put down.鈥�

For when you want to get to know yourself - or someone else - a little better

Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before?

by Dr Julie Smith

鈥淚t provides simple and realistic strategies to deal with difficult but common life experiences.鈥�

鈥淟ots of tips and tricks that you might pick up in a therapy session - really eye-opening.鈥�

Status Anxiety

by Alain de Botton

鈥淲e can all get wrapped up in comparing ourselves to others at times - promotions at work, relationships, houses, cars or other possessions - but the chase itself can then become a recipe for unhappiness. De Botton gives lots of concrete examples to bring the philosophy and psychology of the human competitive and comparative mindset.鈥�

Unmasked

by Ellie Middleton

鈥淎 great insight into how ADHD and autism can affect a person's life.鈥�

The Book of Awakening: Having the Life You Want by Being Present to the Life You Have

by Mark Nepo

鈥淒aily stories, quotes, guided meditation and reflection that stem from the author's personal challenging journey help with healing and overcoming challenges of our own.鈥�

The Positive Habit

by Fiona Brennan

鈥淭his book and accompanying audios helped me immensely during the COVID-19 pandemic. I cannot recommend it enough - very clear and well written.鈥�

For when you want to learn from others

I Haven't Been Entirely Honest With You

by Miranda Hart

鈥淢iranda Hart explains her own journey through navigating some intense challenges with her health. It's funny and poignant and has some really valuable advice and insights.鈥�

Pet Sematary

by Stephen King

鈥淎 left-field answer, but if you see past the horror and the zombies this is genuinely one of the most powerful musings on grief I've ever read, and a cathartic story about the power of love and family.鈥�

The Poetry Pharmacy books

by William Sieghart

鈥淪elf-help books aren't really my thing, and I'm not religious, and so the kind wisdom from the poets in these collections soothes and guides when I need it the most.鈥�

How the Light Gets In

by Clare Fisher

鈥淎 beautiful, funny, and moving collection of very short stories that brilliantly capture random moments of modern life - it never fails to lift my spirits!鈥�

The Alchemist

by Paulo Coelho

鈥淪uch an inspiring book about life, following our calling and the choices we face (and make) when coming to a fork in the road. Full of spiritual positivity - written as a fable, very easy to read!鈥�

鈥淚t's one to come back to again and again and makes you feel a bit more connected to the universe and positive about shaping your own destiny.鈥�

The Starless Sea

by Erin Morganstern

鈥淭he perfect bookish escape, with a descriptive writing style, intricate world building, and characters you can't help but love!鈥�

For when you need hope

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse

by Charlie Mackesy

鈥淚t is beautifully written, warm, and profoundly insightful. This book gently reminds us that perfection isn鈥檛 what matters鈥攚hat truly counts is the journey we take and the connections we make along the way. Whether you鈥檙e facing challenges or seeking peace, it provides gentle wisdom that nurtures the soul.鈥�

The Midnight Library

by Matt Haig

鈥淪omewhere out beyond the edge of the universe there is a library that contains an infinite number of books, each one the story of another reality. One tells the story of your life as it is, along with another book for the other life you could have lived if you had made a different choice at any point in your life.

This book made me appreciate the life I have and the people who have helped me along the way. The Midnight Library is beautifully written with humour and hope.鈥�

The Snow Goose

by Paul Gallico

鈥淒espite not being accepted by mainstream society, it did not embitter the main character, who has a deep love of nature and ultimately gives his life for the good of others. He meets a girl who loves him for who he is. So, despite what is happening in the world, [this is a reminder that] there will always be decent people who will enrich the lives of others.鈥�

The Lord of the Rings

by J R R Tolkien

鈥淭hrough moments of despair and darkness, Tolkien鈥檚 world brims with an unyielding sense of hope that shines brightly, inspiring readers to believe in the triumph of good over evil. This timeless tale is not just a journey through Middle-earth but a profound exploration of loyalty, sacrifice, and the unbreakable human spirit.鈥�

If any of these books have grabbed your interest, why not visit our campus Library, where the team has set up a special display case featuring these brilliant titles...