Let’s be honest: We all periodically wrestle with anxiety and self-doubt. No matter the level of success we attain, our insecurities can easily take hold. If you find yourself continually battling negative feelings, you might think about consulting a self-help book. Sure, they’re not an instant cure or a replacement for therapy or treatment. But books can help provide invaluable insight and suggest effective techniques for improving your mindset.
What to Consider Before Buying
Writer’s Credentials When choosing a self-help book, it’s always good to consider the author’s background. The best books tend to be written by individuals with advanced degrees who continually conduct research in their respective fields. Books published through academic presses are another strong indicator that you’ve made a good choice.Trustworthiness Be wary of books that make grand claims and proclamations. In other words, don’t trust writers who assert that they can revolutionize your life or solve all of your problems — in 30 days, no less!Scope The most effective self-help books often have a narrower scope, focusing on a few specific issues or ailments to provide a more in-depth understanding of the topics at hand. This also allows the author to offer more targeted advice.Scientific Evidence There’s no doubt that someone’s personal experiences and philosophies can be enlightening and help you navigate your own path. Nonetheless, the strongest advice is often bolstered by scientific evidence. This solidifies the veracity of the information and claims made by the writer.Techniques Proffered Most self-help books offer techniques for how readers can tackle their issues; just be sure this info is easy to follow and implement. Are the directions clear-cut? Is there a good way to track your progress? There’s no point in buying a book if you’ll never be able to apply the concepts to your own life.Resonance Choosing a self-help book is a personal, somewhat subjective experience. While there are a number of good options on the market, some books are bound to speak more to you (and your needs) than others. Get the one that resonates most with you, even if it’s not as well known. You’re much more likely to get something out of it.Reviews Sure, you should always take reviews with a proverbial grain of salt. Nevertheless, they can help you zero in on some great selections. If hundreds of people are singing the praises of a specific book or author, there’s a decent chance it might also appeal to you.
Here are our top picks:
The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook by Edmund J. Bourne
See price on Jet.com
Unfu*k Yourself: Get Out of Your Head and Into Your Life by Gary John Bishop
See price on Walmart
Reasons to Stay Alive by Matt Haig
Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy by David D. Burns, MD
See price on Walmart
Rewire Your Anxious Brain by Catherine M. Pittman, PhD, and Elizabeth M. Karle
See price on Walmart
