5 Books Every Woman Should Read For Her Wellness Journey
Here are some books that can help broaden your ideas of wellness—ones you can read during the quarantine and beyond!
During this quarantine, I find myself reflecting a lot. Amidst all the anxiety and uncertainty, I am reflecting about the past, the present and the future, and most importantly re-discovering ways where I can remain calm, grounded and centered. Trying to balance these emotions is just as important as keeping our physical health in check.
Wellness, according to the World Health Organization, “is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” I’d also like to add an importance on emotional and spiritual health as well, in order for us to live more holistically.
I used to feel incredibly unbalanced. In my early 20s, I was super focused on just the physical aspects on life, achieving accolades and striving for what I now see as superficial things… When I started to travel and surround myself with diverse individuals, my world opened up and I discovered new ways of thinking and being. My heart was feeling lighter and more positive.
This was the beginning of my wellness journey. It has been over a decade now, and sometimes it feels like I’m an expert, and on some days it feels like I am starting all over again. But the most important thing is that I choose to continue to keep on, and uncover the lessons this life has in store for me. Here are some books that helped me broaden my ideas of wellness, and I do hope they help you too.
The Universe has your back by Gabrielle Bernstein
I remember very distinctly standing in line by myself in New York for this book and waiting to watch a talk from this bestselling author. Her openness and vulnerability about overcoming her own personal struggles inspired me.
This book helps one trust and understand the bigger plans of “The Universe.” Leaning from fear-based thinking into faith. Yes, at first I was like… “What is she talking about?” But for the skeptics reading this, I completely understand, for it took time for me to develop my sense of trust in something bigger. I do love this chapter by chapter guide to lean into faith, especially when we are feeling our most discouraged. Gabby also has a slew of online audio and video meditations, and interviews that help expound her teachings.
Order the book or the audio version here.
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
I listened to this audiobook on repeat after I went through a painful breakup years ago. The four agreements simply states as follows: 1) Be impeccable with your word, 2) Don’t take anything personally, 3) Don’t make assumptions, and 4) Always do your best. It sounds super simple when you’re reading it right now, but every chapter does a deep dive into the benefits of practicing these agreements. It helped me zoom out, understand forgiveness, and know that everyone is truly doing the best they can according to their level of awareness.
Order the book or the audio version here.
What are you hungry for? by Deepak Chopra
I always struggled with my relationship with my body when I used to be a model. I remember I would treat my body horribly and criticize myself so much. And by no means am I saying I have it all mastered 100%. But this book by Deepak Chopra helped me understand not just the physical aspects of taking care of my body, but also the underlying emotional aspects of what I was clinging to.
Hence, the “weight” in my life that manifested physically was also the “weight” of other unprocessed negative emotions that were making me feel heavy. This book helped me understand my tendency to stress eat and I was able to come into a more responsible and mindful relationship with my body. I started to place more love and appreciation into my food, and really slow down to listen to my body’s intelligence. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to see below the surface of body image, and develop honest body love.
Order the book or the audio version here.
A Year of Miracles by Marianne Williamson
This is a bite-sized book for my faith and spirituality. Sometimes Marianne Williamson’s teachings can be rather deep that I have to go back and read things over again to absorb them. However, this book breaks it down into light, daily messages packed with wisdom. One can read it in chronological order, or what I did was simply open up any page and see if there was a message for me. Whatever your process may be, just enjoy it. Marinate on the beautiful thought, and I encourage you to journal whatever comes to mind.
Order the book or the audio version here.
The Secret by Rhonda Byrne
This was one of the first books I read that made me aware of how I use my thoughts. I read this book and saw the 2006 Australian-American documentary film when it came out. It also received a lot of media attention at the time—particularly with Oprah being a huge supporter of the speakers in the film. This book scratches the surface of the teachings of The Law of Attraction, but it was light enough to help any newbie understand the power of having a positive mindset.
After reading and watching this, I started to practice using affirmations and self-encouragement, and I started to understand what self-love looked like, in a way that didn’t feel overly narcissistic and self-involved. I encourage you to also do your research online in order to understand concepts on a deeper level. Or just re-watch the documentary film on Netflix every now and then.
Order the book or the audio version here.
I hope this list helps you in your wellness journey. If you feel like you don’t understand it the first time, that’s okay. Just take what resonates and come back to it another time. Maybe then you’ll pick up something fresh for your next chapter. I have books for years that I keep coming back to, that give me new insights when I am in a different stage in life.
Sometimes, it’s just timing. I encourage you to keep researching on what sparks your interest. The wisdom that you will uncover about yourself will be priceless, and the feeling of developing inner peace, wherein all aspects of you feel harmonious, will be your best feeling of accomplishment.
Victoria Herrera is a host, writer, and entrepreneur. She co-founded She Talks Asia, a women's empowerment group that develops inspirational content and conferences. She is also director of communications for livestream app Kumu. Follow her on Instagram at @victoria_herrera
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