When it comes to activities that promote good mental health, reading is high on the list. But when you’re a mom, time to yourself is limited. You don’t want to waste a single minute reading a book that doesn’t do it for you. When you pick up your next read, you want to know that it’s going to be good. And this list of the best feel good books for moms has you covered. The books on this list are not only solid choices for moms, but they will boost your mood and inspire you, too.
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Benefits of Reading Books for Moms
There are so many benefits to reading. From self-awareness to relaxation, reading is an exceptional self-care activity that is especially helpful for moms. In fact, a 2009 study from the University of Sussex found that reading can reduce stress by as much as 68%! And depending on the content of the book, reading can boost your mood and inspire you to make positive changes in your life.
Here are a few more of the many benefits of reading books for moms:
- Increased self-awareness
- Stress reduction
- Prevention of cognitive decline
- Better social skills
- Increased empathy for others
- Improved sleep
- Reduction of depression and anxiety
- Increased sense of relaxation
- Improved sense of well-being
Best Feel Good Books for Moms
The books on this list are not only great picks for moms, but they feature themes that will leave you feeling good. If you are looking for a great escape, look no further than the books on this list.
Reading in any genre can be beneficial, but certain kinds of books are especially helpful. Self-help books, memoirs, sci-fi/fantasy, beach reads, romance, and literary fiction all make the perfect feel good books for moms. The list below has something for every kind of book-loving mom. Whether you are looking to feel inspired, comforted, or just get away for a while, you will find a feel-good book that’s right for you.
- The Gifts of Imperfect Parenting by Brené Brown
Brené Brown is a master: a researcher of emotions, a guru on vulnerability, and an ambassador for living authentically. In The Gifts of Imperfect Parenting she suggests that it’s “actually our ability to embrace imperfection that will help us teach our children to have the courage to be authentic, the compassion to love themselves and others, and the sense of connection that gives true purpose and meaning to life.” I love Brown’s down-to-earth guidance and crucial life lessons, like how important it is to love and accept yourself so you can model the same for your child. ❤️
- Bossypants by Tina Fey
This book is filled with hilarious anecdotes and advice from the witty and wicked smart comedy genius Tina Fey. From middle-school memories to mastering her career to motherhood, Bossypants does not disappoint. Come for the laughs, stay for the relatable mom wisdom. A light read that’s worth your time, this book will definitely leave you feeling good.
- Becoming by Michelle Obama
Michelle Obama is just one of those people who can’t help but inspire you. But beyond that, she is genuine, witty, and badass. In Becoming, the First Lady shares her story and the experiences that have made her the woman she is today. An incredible memoir of perseverance, motherhood, and making things happen, this book will make you feel ready to take on the world.
- Uprooted by Naomi Novik
When it comes to fiction, nothing can transport you like sci-fi/fantasy. And Uprooted is an enchanting escape to a land of ancient magic and enduring power. In this award-winning fairytale adventure, strong female characters face their fears and learn to harness a power of their own. Novik’s delightfully unique take on the hero’s journey will inspire you to make adventures of your own.
- Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott
Whether you are a writer or not, this incredible book has solid lessons to teach. In Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life, Lamott presents readers with writing advice that also serves as a metaphor for how to approach your life. With poignant stories from her life, hilarious anecdotes, and quite honestly some of the best writing instruction I have ever read, Bird by Bird is totally worthwhile read. And who knows? It might be just the encouragement you need to sit down and write your own story.
- Sark’s Journal and Play!Book by Sark
OMG this book is so much fun! But even more than that, this journal is like a magical garden where your only job is to grow and nurture you. The effervescent imagery that lines each page will inspire your inner child to create, tell stories, draw, and more. Whether you use it to kickstart your day or unwind before bed, “playing” in Sark’s Journal and Play!Book is an awesome way to mindfully (and creatively) check in with yourself.
- Jewels of the Sun by Nora Roberts
If you are in the mood for a light read that tells a (mostly) happy tale about relationships, then consider picking up the Gallaghers of Ardmore Trilogy by Nora Roberts. When it comes to romance, you are in excellent hands with Roberts. Book one of the trilogy, Jewels of the Sun, introduces you to the Gallagher family, a likeable crew of wonderfully witty and fiercely flawed characters. This magical story is filled with Irish myth, Faerie lore, and the fiery spark that grows between a charming Irish traveler and a shy American professor.
- The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
This fantastic story is the true definition of a feel good book. A tale of magic, loyalty, and the power of love in the face of adversity, The House in the Cerulean Sea is a novel manifestation of the important childhood lesson not to judge a book by its cover. From a group of magical kids, to their loving protector, to the burned out case worker who crosses paths with them, this cast of uniquely wonderful characters will make you laugh, make you cry, and inspire you to be yourself and stand up for what you believe in.
- Finding Me: A Memoir by Viola Davis
This incredible and inspiring memoir from award-winning actor Viola Davis is a harrowing and moving journey toward self-love. In Finding Me, you learn that her success on the screen was hard won, surviving things that would leave most people traumatized and stuck. Her willingness to share these difficult experiences with her readers with such vulnerability and honesty is a true testament to her strength. But as she says in the audiobook, her hope for sharing her story is that it “will inspire you to light up your own life with creative expression and rediscover who you were before the world put a label on you.”
- Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown
I “book-ended” this list (get it? ?) with Brené Brown because I just adore her and everything she writes. This book is no different. In Atlas of the Heart, Dr. Brown offers an incredibly thorough map of the human emotional experience. Learn more about the research-informed ways people experience and express various emotions and get super helpful guidance from an expert on how to navigate your own emotional experiences.
More Books for Moms That Support Mental Health
In addition to reading books that make you feel good, here are a few more ways to use books to improve your mental health.
Books Clubs
Books clubs are an amazing way to use reading to improve your mental health. Not only do you get the positive experience of social connection and community, but you get to experience the healing benefits of synchronicity. Synchronicity is the phenomenon in which we use interactions with others to get in sync with our community. This interconnectivity helps keep our mental health in balance.
Coming together to discuss a book that you’ve all read is an excellent way to get in sync with your group, becoming part of a larger whole. It’s a truly healing and centering experience.
You can find books clubs in your neighborhood or online. Facebook has some awesome book club communities that are free to join. For something extra special and fun, I highly recommend the Once Upon a Time subscription book club from Cratejoy. Each month, you’ll receive a newly released book and 3-5 wrapped gifts that are labeled with page numbers. As you read along, you’ll be directed to open the gifts at just the right moment to bring the book to life! Such a fun experience.
Parenting Books
So I have a confession, I love reading parenting books. It’s mainly because I’m a therapist, but I also enjoy keeping my frame clear and my skills sharp when it comes to parenting my own child. And while I don’t expect everyone to share my obsession, I do offer parenting book recommendations to the parents I work with that I think will be a good fit for the parenting plan they hope to achieve.
Here are my favorites parenting books for moms:
Best Book for Pregnant Moms
Best Book for Raising Toddlers
Best Book for Positive Parenting
Expecting Better by Emily Oster
No Bad Kids by Janet Lansbury
Positive Discipline by Jane Nelsen
Bibliotherapy
Whether it’s self-help books, guided journals, therapeutic workbooks, or books used in therapy, bibliotherapy is a great way for moms to use books for improving wellness. The best way to unlock the full benefits of bibliotherapy is to use books, workbooks, and guided journals with the help of therapist. See below for more details on the benefits of therapy for moms.
Therapy for Moms
Like reading, therapy is extremely beneficial to your mental health. As many moms who have started therapy will tell you, therapy can bring you some serious relief. Not only do you get to learn skills to manage your anxiety, but you are given a space that is just for you. With the support of the right therapist, you can tend to your stuff in ways that work for you.
Motherhood is amazing, but it’s a really tough job. You shouldn’t have to go it alone. Finding a therapist who specializes in therapy for moms (someone who gets the mom struggle really well), gives you a chance to take care of yourself in one of the best ways.
Investing in therapy will not only improve your mental health, but it will make your job as a mom a little easier. ?
Online Therapy for Moms in Pennsylvania
If you live in Pennsylvania, and you are interested in starting therapy with me, I offer a free 15-minute consultation to make sure I am a good fit for what you are looking for. Please feel free to browse my website, explore the therapy services I offer, and check out the rates for therapy.
When you are ready, click below to see available appointment times and book your free consultation to get started.
References
- Garrison Institute. (2016, May 20). Becoming Part of a Larger Whole. Retrieved June 14, 2022, from https://www.garrisoninstitute.org/blog/becoming-part-of-a-larger-whole/
- Healthline. (2017, October 13). Five Ways Reading Can Improve Health and Well-Being. HuffPost. Retrieved June 11, 2022, from https://www.huffpost.com/entry/five-ways-reading-can-imp_b_12456962
- Latham-Coyle, B. H., Penna, B. D., Penna, B. D., Boland, B. H., Zeqiri, B. D., & McCormick, B. N. (2009, March 30). Reading “can help reduce stress.” The Telegraph. Retrieved June 11, 2022, from https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/health/news/5070874/Reading-can-help-reduce-stress.html
- Sima, R. (2022, March 16). The Mental Health Benefits of Reading. Psychology Today. Retrieved June 11, 2022, from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-art-effect/202203/the-mental-health-benefits-reading
