13 Wellness and Motivational Books to Add to Your 2018 Reading List ASAP
2018 goals: read more.
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It seems that every year our goal is “read more,” but there’s two challenges with that: 1) read when? and 2) read what? While we can’t help you solve the first issue — finding time to read — we can help you solve the second.
Here, find 13 recommendations from some of Philadelphia’s brilliant health and wellness minds. Happy reading!
MetaAnatomy: Anatomy of a Yogi by Kristin Leal
What: A book on human anatomy that you’ll actually want to read.
Why: “Great for anyone who practices yoga and is interested in learning more about anatomy. It’s one of the most accessible (and funny!) anatomy books I’ve read.” — Adriana Adelé Akintobi, yogi
365 Days of Wonder: Mr. Browne’s Precepts by R.J. Palacio
What: Bite-size daily readings to inspired kindness, courage, love, and friendship.
Why: “This book is the first thing I reach for each morning. It offers a start to my day that makes me think, feel, and set intention. I’ve read many health/wellness/self-care books but, this book — in the most simple yet meaningful way — reminds me there is always something to be thankful for, to work towards, always led by kindness.” — Lauren Tornetta, REVive Studio owner
You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero
What: A how-to for stopping your self-sabotaging behaviors and creating the life you deserve.
Why: “It’s one I plan to read within the upcoming month and is basically a book to remind you to stop doubting your greatness and embrace your awesomeness, but with a sense of humor.” — Taylor Merget, REVive Studio instructor
Eat Pretty Every Day by Jolene Hart
What: 365 days’ worth of nutrition tips, broken down by the seasons.
Why: “Whenever I need a quick pick-me-up after a long day, I simply pick up Eat Pretty Every Day by Jolene Hart. It’s simply inspiring, fun, energetic, and an easy read with fabulous quotes! After I’m done with a couple pages I feel so much more refreshed!” — Robyn Weisman, personal trainer
Crushing It! by Gary Vaynerchuk
What: Advice from dozens of influencers and entrepreneurs on building your personal brand on social media.
Why: “I first read Crush It!, the precursor to this book on how to pursue a career that you love and cash in on your passions. It completely shifted how I view my relationship with money, my pursuit to help more people, make a bigger impact and thrive in my dream career of teaching yoga. I know Gary will not disappoint in bringing hard-hitting, sound advice that will hit a nerve in me so deeply, I will be motivated to evolve.” — Jake Panasevich, Yoga With Jake yogi
The Accidental Paleo by Lauren Lobley
What: Vegetarian, paleo recipes from a former sugar addict.
Why: “The book is filled with beautiful photos, delicious recipes and short stories that go with each. I’ve tried several of the recipes and they’re amazing.” — Schuyler Nunn, iRunTheHill co-founder
Tribe of Mentors by Timothy Ferriss
What: Short bits of life advice from a wide range of super-successful people.
Why: “You become the people you associate with. This book provides concise life advice from the best and most successful people in the world. Open up to any page in the book, and you get a nugget of inspiration and actionable advice worth living by.” — Jake Panasevich, Yoga With Jake yogi
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk, M.D.
What: A look at how trauma physically changes the body and mind, and new approaches to healing for trauma survivors.
Why: “Just getting started on this one, but it’s been suggested to me by some of my friends in both the mindful movement and clinical therapy worlds.” — Adriana Adelé Akintobi, yogi
The Wisdom of Sundays: Life Changing Insights from Super Soul Conversations by Oprah Winfrey
What: Lessons learned from Oprah’s Super Soul Sunday television show, condensed into book format.
Why: “Who doesn’t love Oprah? This book is for those who want a quick fix as it offers short (one page) excerpts from Oprah’s Super Soul Sunday.” — Schuyler Nunn, iRunTheHill co-founder
Salt. by Nayyirah Waheed
What: A collection of modern poetry.
Why: “Poetry (especially the kind that evokes deep reflection) falls under the wellness umbrella for me.” — Adriana Adelé Akintobi, yogi
The Five Minute Journal by Intelligent Change
What: A journal to help cultivate your gratitude and happiness.
Why: “It’s got a ton of motivational quotes and explains the science behind gratitude and how people who practice and incorporate it into their lives each day end up having a huge success and positive outcome! It also touches on the Law of Attraction: the idea that whatever you focus all of your attention on (whether good or bad) will eventually come your way.” —Taylor Merget, REVive Studio instructor
The Psoas Book by Liz Koch
What: A guide to a little-known core muscle you’ve probably never heard of.
Why: “If you’re interested in personal health and wellness, having an understanding of your psoas (a deep core, hip flexor muscle) is key and potentially transformative for your physical and mental well being.” — Adriana Adelé Akintobi, yogi
Spark by John J. Ratey, M.D.
What: The science behind how aerobic exercise improves brain function.
Why: “This book talks about the latest benefits that exercise has on the brain and the groundbreaking research behind it all from a doctor. You can’t help but feel even more motivated to jump start a new-year, new-you attitude with regular exercise.” — Robyn Weisman, personal trainer
