5 Wellness and Lifestyle Books by Black Women That You Need to Read
As I continue to navigate my inner landscape and do the work required to heal from old wounds, patterns, and triggers, I have found so much knowledge and wisdom in books. I like to think of these books as breadcrumbs - leaving clues along my journey that help me find my way back home. My favorite books provide me with perspective, teach me new skills, and offer up moments of deep resonance. Here is a list of a few books I’ve found really helpful along my journey:
Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A guide to reclaiming yourself by Nedra Glover Tawwab
In the past year and a half, most of us discovered that our boundaries might not be as strong we expected. During lockdown and working from home, I found that my work life bleed into every aspect of my day. It became increasingly hard to not work through the night or respond to an email from a co-worker at 8pm. In her book, Glover Tawwab discusses the importance of having and maintaining healthy boundaries in all aspects of our lives. As a licensed Therapist, Counselor, and Relationship-expert, Glover Tawwab fills this book with practical tips and techniques to help us express our needs firmly, without apology, and get comfortable with saying “no”.
After the Rain: Gentle Reminders for Healing, Courage, and Self-Love by Alexandra Elle
Alex Elle is a well-known author and self-care advocate - you have definitely seen her short yet eloquent quotes all over Instagram. In her latest book, After the rain: Gentle Reminders for Healing, Courage, and Self-Love, Elle shares personal stories on how she overcame difficult, painful experiences. Elle takes us through her journey to self-love, conquering self-doubt, and leaning into abundance. Grab this book for a pep-talk or reassurance that it all works out in the end.
“This is one of those rare books that I continue to revisit long after reading it, it serves as a guide through periods of transformation and radical change.”
Vibrate Higher Daily: Live Your Power by Lalah Delia
Lalah Delia is another inspiring woman I have been following online for quite some time now. Her website, Vibrate Higher Daily, is filled with resources on ways to take care of our emotional and spiritual wellbeing. In her book, she walks us through what it means to live a high vibrational life - sprinkling in reflection questions, exercises, and impactful quotes against colourful backdrops. This is one of those rare books that I continue to revisit long after reading it, it serves as a guide through periods of transformation and radical change.
Radiant Rest: Yoga Nidra for Deep Relaxation and Awakened Clarity by Tracee Stanley
I stumbled across Tracee’s work during the height of the pandemic and social unrest in 2020. At a time when I felt lost and exhausted - her reassuring words, meditations, and constant reminders to lean into rest revived me. Yoga Nidra, also known as the “yoga of sleep” is designed to bring us to a place of rested awareness; a place of grounding, peace, and clarity. There’s a brief history and introduction to Yoga Nidra, journal prompts plus meditation, breathwork, and Yoga Nidra practices that range from 5 - 40 minutes. This book is thorough and made for anyone ready to dive deep into their rest practice.
Professional Troublemaker: The Fear-Fighter Manual by Luvvie Ajayi Jones
Luvvie Ajayi Jones is known for her compelling TED talk and prominent social media presence, thanks to her inspiring words and witty sense of humour which endear us to her. Professional Troublemaker: The Fear-Fighter Manual is a book that encourages us to examine our fears and the things that scare us. Whether we are dealing with imposter syndrome, the unknown, or scared of asking for what we deserve; fear is something we are all too familiar with. In her signature candid yet funny style, Luvvie reminds us that “meaningful change” is often on the other side of our fears. Pick this book up when in need of some inspiration and motivation to make the necessary changes desired in one's life.
This list is not exhaustive by any means but all of these books have made a big impact on me. I find myself constantly referring back to them whenever I need a reminder or a quick pick-me-up. It can sometimes feel lonely on our healing journeys, we might wonder if anyone is experiencing the same things as us, however, I have found books serve as a lovely reminder that we are not alone. Interacting with other people’s stories of triumph, difficulty, and success inspires us to keep journeying on, forging our own paths.
Have you read any of these books? We’d love to hear your thoughts below.
