Sharing My TOP 5 Health & Wellness Reads in 2023
In today’s post, let’s do a review of my top 5 favourite books of 2023 that helped inspire and/or support my personal health and wellness journey, as well as inspired my philosophy and approach as a healthcare practitioner. I hope this will inspire you to pick one (or all) of them to read yourself!
Fun fact, I have always loved to read ever since I was a kid. I prefer physical books rather than audio books, and most of my reading occurs before bed (no phones/devices allowed!) as well as in my free time during vacation. I love my morning coffee accompanied by a good book! But that pleasure is only a reality on vacations and weekends. During regular work weekdays, I usually spend the first hour of day with coffee reading journal articles and catching up with client and project work.
Let’s get into it. Here are the top 5 books that made an impact on my mindset & views around health this year.
Mindset: The New Psychology of Success
By Carol S. Dweck, Ph. D
I am working my way through “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success” by Carol S. Dweck as I write this article. Prior to reading her book, I was deeply familiar with Dweck's concept of 'growth vs. fixed mindset' and using this framework has deepened my coaching/counseling practice.
This book is a transformative exploration of how our beliefs and thoughts shape our achievements as well as resilience to failure. Dweck's groundbreaking research on a fixed and growth mindsets reveals how our mindset influences our approach to learning, relationships, and challenges. This book offers invaluable insights into fostering a ‘growth mindset’, where individuals embrace challenges, persist through setbacks and obstacles, and ultimately unlock their full potential. Whether seeking personal growth, striving for professional success, or working through a health challenge (common for many of my clients and community), this book provides a powerful framework for individuals to cultivate resilience, adaptability, and a lifelong love for learning and growth.
Our mindset around whether we can or can't accomplish something makes all the difference. Simply believing we can learn new things, create new skills and improve upon who we are can make us SO much more successful in improving our health and working through health challenges!
Check out Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck by clicking the button below. 👇
Stolen Focus
By Johann Hari
“Stolen Focus” by Johann Hari was my TOP book of the year. Just wow! This book is a compelling examination of our modern world's attention crisis and the impact of constant distraction on our happiness and well-being.
Hari takes us through his journey of regaining his own focus and attention through a 3-month digital detox, followed by expert interviews with people who have had influence on the focus of society including current and past employees at Meta and Google. He provides strategies to navigate the digital landscape mindfully, regain control over our attention, and ultimately rediscover deeper connections with ourselves and others in a world filled with distractions. Whether you are seeking ways to enhance productivity, improve your mental health, or regain a sense of presence and mindfulness, "Stolen Focus" presents a compelling case for reevaluating our relationship with technology and reclaiming our attention.
I made some deeper changes to my connection with devices after reading including turning off all phone notifications, keeping social media apps off my phone and avoiding task switching when working. This is a MUST READ for everyone who functions in today’s modern society. PLEASE, read it!!!
Check out Stolen Focus by Johann Hari by clicking the button below. 👇
The Upside of Stress
By Kelly McGonigal, Ph.D
What if thinking stress was “bad” for you, actually made it more dangerous? In the “Upside of Stress”, Kelly McGonigal, Ph.D., explains how simply perceiving our life stress can influence how our body reacts to it for better or worse. She also explains what is and isn't stress, and how we can use true stress to our advantage.
For anyone who has thought about the impact of stress, anxiety and worry in their life - this book is one you need to read!
Check out The Upside of Stress by Kelly McGonigal, Ph.D by clicking the button below. 👇
Ultramarathon Man
By Dean Karnazes
I'm sure the runners who follow me are familiar with “Ultramarathon Man” by Dean Karnazes. But it isn't just an inspiring read if you're an endurance runner, Karnaze’s ultra-endurance adventures truly highlight how life doesn't happen when we remain in our comfort zone.
Personally, pushing my body to moderate or extreme discomfort in exercise is a key way I create happiness and find meaning and sense of self in my own life.. Karnaze takes us through the story of finding his own self purpose through ultra-running after realizing that living the “American dream” was not living his life to the fullest and how ultra-running helped him to live a more fulfilling and purposeful life. I highly recommend this, especially if you’re looking for some inspiration to step outside your own comfort zone or motivation to become more active!
“Unless you're not pushing yourself, you're not living to the fullest. You can't be afraid to fail, but unless you fail, you haven't pushed hard enough.” - Dean Karnazes
Check out Ultramarathon Man by Dean Karnazes by clicking the button below. 👇
Atomic Habits
By James Clear
I read “Atomic Habits” for the second time this year, and put many of James Clear’s tips into practice in my own life as well as working with clients and the community. It was a gift in 2020 and I loved it so much I had to read it again. For me, it was an inspiring and insightful overview of all the intricacies that shape our personal habits, and how to build health habits that last.
I recommend this book for anyone seeking lasting change and personal growth, whether it be for achieving fitness goals, professional success or overall well-being. Clear doesn’t just focus on habit formation; it delves into the underlying psychology, providing actionable strategies to make tiny changes that yield remarkable results. With a blend of scientific insights and practical advice, this book empowers it’s readers to understand how small habits can compound into significant transformations over time.
Check out Atomic Habits by James Clear by clicking the button below. 👇
And there you have it, my top reads from the last year! I hope this inspired you to pick one out, if it did be sure to say 👋 over on my social @leighmerotto_rd or email leigh@leighmerotto.com
What was on your top reads list for 2023? And what's on your list for 2024? Leave a comment below!
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Earnings Disclaimer: This page contains Amazon affiliate links which provide me with a small commission when you purchase the product from the link provided. This is at no cost to you but simply provides me with some compensation for transparently & honestly providing these book recommendations.