We’re often asked by clients if we can recommend books for a variety of “symptoms”. The most common are books to help ease panic attacks, stress and feelings of anxiety. It’s unsurprising that people are feeling constantly overwhelmed at the moment. Being too busy and distracted with world events to change anything substantial in their lives but actually being a bit too scared to, as well.
There’s no real substitute for a one-to-one coaching session with a professional, but the list below is a great start to getting some practical advice.
- The Inside-Out Revolution: The Only Thing You Need to Know to Change Your Life Forever by Michael Neill
Michael’s book has been called “ground-breaking” and it’s easy to see why. He shares his extraordinary new understanding of how life works that turns traditional psychology on its head. His revolutionary approach (which we at EqUa Coaching also share and teach) is built around the 3 principles which explain where our feelings come from, and how our experience of life can be transformed for the better in a matter of moments. - Who Am I? by Liz Bell
This isn’t your average type of self-help book; this is a book about finding yourself, told in short stories that offer a gentle change to your perspective so you can see and create a better life that truly reflects who you are. These wonderful short tales are accompanied by beautiful and calming illustrations to help you ease into your new perspective. - Breaking Mad by Anna Williamson
Welcome to the therapist in your pocket — full of anxiety-busting advice, reading this book will help you learn how to live better, and restore your confidence when stress, anxiety and panic attack. - The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F**k: How to stop spending time you don’t have doing things you don’t want to do with people you don’t like by Sarah Knight
A humorous yet effective approach to coaching, getting rid of anxiety, conquering stress, learning to say No and using your time better – despite the title and the copious swearing throughout this book contains some real-life advice and practical exercises! - A Mindfulness Guide for the Frazzled by Ruby Wax
Five hundred years ago no one died of stress! Comedienne and author Ruby Wax shows how we invented this concept and now let it govern our waking lives. In this book she teaches the reader how to “de-frazzle for good”, make simple life changes and give ourselves time to breathe, reflect, be grateful and live in the moment. - The Happiness Advantage: The Seven Principles of Positive Psychology that Fuel Success and Performance at Work by Shawn Anchor
Most people assume the same formula: if you work hard, you will become successful, and once you become successful, then you’ll definitely be happy. A decade of cutting-edge research in the field of positive psychology however has proven that this formula doesn’t actually work. Success does not in fact beget happiness. Read what does in Shawn Anchor’s excellent book. - 59 Seconds: Think a little, change a lot by Richard Wiseman
Scientific research has revealed that many coaching techniques, from group brainstorming to visualisation, can be ineffective. In 59 Seconds psychologist, Richard Wiseman provides fast-acting, myth-busting scientific answers to a huge range of everyday problems. From job-hunting to relationships, and from parenting to self-esteem, personal and professional success may be less than a minute away. - Sane New World: Taming the Mind by Ruby Wax
So good she appears on our list twice.
In this book, Ruby Wax (now with a Masters in Mindfulness from Oxford) explains how our busy, chattering, self-critical thoughts drive us to anxiety and stress. If we are to ever break the cycle, we need to understand how the brain works, rewire our thinking and find calm in a frenetic world. Not easy, we know. - The Upside of Stress: Why stress is good for you (and how to get good at it) by Kelly McGonigal
We love Kelly and used some of her revolutionary insights in our workshops. In her book, she talks about the new science of stress, and shows that by embracing it and changing your thinking, your response could actually become your most powerful ally. Rethink stress, and watch your life change for the better. - Or as Jo always says — “Change your mind, Change your World!”.
You can also watch Kelly McGonigal’s brilliant TED Talk, “How to make Stress Your Friend” here.
To book a one-to-one no obligation chat with either Liz or Jo, click here