By Claudia Langella

So you’ve been feeling a little bit down on your luck lately. Don’t worry, you aren’t alone! This new decade has not gotten off to a great start, and it seems like there’s nothing we can do about it. A number of pandemics rage on in every corner of the world, which makes us feel like everything is spiraling out of control. But have no fear. There’s one small thing you can do to feel better—hype yourself up.

Whether you’re feeling anxious, sad, doubtful or confused, chuck your phone to the side and curl up on the couch with a book on positivity that will give you a sense of control over your own life. Books can transform your life by transporting you to a fantasy world—one that’s nothing like your reality. Perhaps a self-help book will teach you a thing or two about showing up as your best self for yourself!

Whatever it is that will get you out of this negative rut we’ve all been experiencing, we hope that the books below offer you a smidge of guidance! Twenty-twenty is more than halfway over, so let’s make the most of it! Transform your mindset and you’ll feel empowered every single day.

“The Power of Letting Go” by John Purkiss

Author John Purkiss teaches readers how to let go of the things holding them back. Some people easily let things roll off their backs, but others might have to peel back some layers in order to find the root of their problems. The goal of “The Power of Letting Go” is to teach people why they should let go of negative things—whether it’s people or feelings—and how to successfully do it. There will be more pep in your step once you finish this one.

“Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones” by James Clear

If you’ve found yourself unexcited by your monotonous quarantine routine, perhaps some new habits will make you feel better. In “Atomic Habits,” James Clear lays out the science behind why we form habits and how to stick to the healthy ones that lift our spirits. As summer ends, you’ll find yourself itching for change as the new season arrives, and this book will help you make positive changes for good.

“You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life” by Jen Sincero

Jen Sincero wants you to stop sabotaging yourself with negative self talk and behaviors. “You Are a Badass” has readers showing up for themselves in no time. This read will teach you how to start living the life you actually want to live. Say goodbye to boring routines and hello to the things that make getting out of bed totally worth it!

“I’m Judging You: The Do-Better Manual” by Luvvie Ajayi

We know you’ve been spending way too much time on social media these past few months. It’s okay, we have been, too! Luvvie Ajayi published this collection of humorous essays after her blog “AwesomelyLuvvie”gained popularity. Within the book, she dissects the reasons why we are addicted to the media and how to get out of a comparison-focused headspace. Essays inspire readers to put reason behind all their actions and encourage them to start showing up for reasons other than getting attention on Instagram.

“The Happiness Advantage” by Shawn Achor

Life and careers were put on hold back in March, but you need to stop believing that you can’t do anything to help yourself during this pandemic! In “The Happiness Advantage,” Shawn Achor writes about how being happy has its advantages in both our personal and professional lives. Once you’re finished with this one, you’ll be able to rewire your brain for success. There’s never a need to put your goals on hold—not even pandemic can hold you back!

“A Year of Positive Thinking” by Cyndie Spiegel

You learn by doing, and by doing we mean putting pen to paper. Cyndie Spiegel developed a year-long devotional journal with “A Year of Positive Thinking.” Habits form by repetition, so this book will definitely help you change your mindset. Three-hundred and sixty-five journal prompts will aid you in transforming your mindset each and every day. What are you waiting for? Go grab a pen!

“Positivity” by Dr. Barbara Fredrickson

Dr. Barbara Fredrickson presents her research on positivity in this book, which is packed with ways to calculate and foster your well-being. The book follows what Dr. Fredrickson calls the “upward spiral” by spelling out the reasons why it’s more important to be positive than overly-happy. Learning how to practice meaningful positivity in your daily life is one lesson you’ll learn if you read this book cover to cover.

“The Path to Positivity” by Caitlin Margaret

Tools for a happy life are included in your self-love journey and Caitlin Margaret will teach you how to use them in “The Path to Positivity.” On this path you’ll learn how to set manageable goals using the S.M.A.R.T. acronym and challenge your inner thoughts so that they reflect the changes you make in your life. You’ll definitely feel more empowered after reading this one.

cover image via healthline

Books You NEED To Read For The Highest Dosage of Empowerment & Positivity