Top 5 books for wellbeing in autumn and winter

As the seasons change and we are enveloped by Autumns crisp air, it is the perfect opportunity to slow down, reflect, and focus on personal wellbeing. With cozy blankets and warm drinks, books can become your companions, providing comfort, inspiration, and tools for a more mindful life. Here are five top books to nourish your body, mind, and soul during the reflective months of autumn and winter.


"Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times" by Katherine May

This reflective book embraces the concept of "wintering" as a period of slowing down and healing. May shares personal and historical insights on how rest, self-compassion, and accepting life's seasons can lead to growth.

Wintering is a poignant and comforting reflection on the quieter, more challenging periods of life when we must step back to rest and heal.

She emphasizes that just as nature moves through cycles of dormancy and growth, our personal seasons of retreat and renewal are a vital part of life's rhythm, offering us the chance to emerge stronger, more resilient, and more attuned to our inner needs.

'A beautiful, gentle exploration of the dark season of life and the light of spring that eventually follows' RAYNOR WINN


"The Comfort Book" by Matt Haig

The Comfort Book is a heartfelt collection of reflections and insights gathered from challenging times.

Through a mix of personal anecdotes, philosophical wisdom, and inspiration from the lives of others, this book serves as a gentle reminder that even on the toughest days, we can find ways to nurture inner strength, resilience, and hope.

It’s a source of timeless comfort, providing modern readers with the emotional tools to navigate the complexities of life, reminding us that we are never truly alone in our struggles.

“No is a good word. It keeps you sane. In an age of overload, no is really yes. It is yes to having the space you need to live.”


"The Art of Rest" by Claudia Hammond

In today’s fast-paced world, busyness is often worn as a badge of honor, but it frequently leaves us feeling drained and disconnected. As the autumn and winter months invite us to slow down, The Art of Rest offers a timely reminder of the importance of rest for seasonal wellbeing. Drawing on The Rest Test—the largest global survey on rest, with responses from 18,000 people in 135 countries—Claudia Hammond reveals how rest differs from sleep and is vital for recharging both body and mind.

Through her exploration of the top ten most restful activities, Hammond provides a roadmap for achieving greater balance and calm. She explains the science behind rest and its profound connection to overall wellbeing, encouraging us to embrace restful moments as an essential part of self-care, especially during the reflective, restorative seasons of autumn and winter.

"At a time when our waking lives appear to be more frantic and distracted than ever before, switching off has never been more of a challenge. The Art of Rest equips us with fresh research and information on how to rest more, and rest better, to get the most out of life. Reading it is a rest itself" -- MATT HAIG


“Unsinkable” by Sonia Ricotti

This empowering read shares practical steps to overcome life's toughest challenges, rise above adversity, and create your dream life. If you're ready to reset your mindset and take control of your destiny, this book is a must-read!

Unsinkable offers step-by-step tools, stories, and exercises that will teach you how to:

  • Powerfully move forward, take action, and create the life you deserve.

  • Transform your way of thinking--and feel better now.

  • Experience inner peace and happiness--no matter what your circumstances

  • Release your negative past experiences and create a new and exciting present and future.

"Unsinkable is a comprehensive, inspirational, and powerful book that teaches you how to quickly recover when life throws you a curve ball. You'll bounce back higher than you ever thought possible and come out on top with grace and ease."
--Marci Shimoff, New York Times best-selling author, Happy for No Reason


"Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life" by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles

This bestseller introduces the concept of "ikigai," the Japanese philosophy for finding purpose, happiness, and wellbeing. It's a great read for setting intentions for the colder months.

Concentrating on one thing at a time may be the single most important factor in achieving flow.”

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.”


Finding a book that encourages slowing down, embrace self-care, and finding joy in life's small, quiet moments, make them perfect companions for the reflective, cozy seasons of autumn and winter!

They offer inspiration to pause and nurture your mental wellbeing, and savor the simple pleasures that bring peace and comfort during the colder months. Whether its stories that drive inspiration and wisdom or practical tips and tools for you to implement in your life, finding a book to cosy up to can hugely benefit your wellbeing.


Previous
Previous

the sunshine vitamin: Celebrating Vitamin D Week for Better Mental and Physical Health

Next
Next

Empowering Your Children During the Summer Holidays: A Q&A Guide