Let’s be real: working from home isn’t always the dream setup it’s made out to be. The lack of social interaction, unclear work-life boundaries, and the stress of staying productive can really take a toll on your mental health.
That’s why we’ve handpicked some great books, often recommended by makers, that offer strategies and insights to help you manage your mental health and thrive while working from home. Check them out!
1. “The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle
- What it’s about: Tolle’s classic on mindfulness teaches you how to live in the present moment, reducing anxiety and stress by letting go of past regrets and future worries.
- Perfect for: Anyone feeling overwhelmed by constant thoughts and seeking peace in the present.
- Might not be your thing if: You prefer a more scientific or less spiritual approach.
The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
“I keep Eckhart’s book at my bedside. I think it’s essential spiritual teaching. It’s one of the most valuable books I’ve ever read.” — Oprah Winfrey
2. “Mindfulness for Beginners” by Jon Kabat-Zinn
- What it’s about: Kabat-Zinn’s introduction to mindfulness is perfect for remote workers looking to reduce stress and improve focus. His practical exercises help you incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine.
- Perfect for: Anyone interested in starting a mindfulness practice.
- Might not be your thing if: You’re looking for more conventional productivity tips.
Mindfulness for Beginners by Jon Kabat-Zinn
We may long for wholeness, suggests Jon Kabat-Zinn, but the truth is that it is already here and already ours.
3. “The Untethered Soul” by Michael A. Singer
- What it’s about: Singer’s guide helps you explore your inner self and break free from habitual thoughts and emotions that hold you back, promoting emotional freedom.
- Perfect for: Those looking to deepen their self-awareness and emotional health.
- Might not be your thing if: You’re not into introspective or philosophical reads.
The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself by Michael A. Singer
Are you a physical body? A collection of experiences and memories? A partner to relationships? A content creator? Each time you consider aspects of yourself, you realise that there is much more to you than any of these can define.
4. “Atomic Habits” by James Clear
- What it’s about: Clear offers a practical guide to building good habits and breaking bad ones through tiny, consistent changes that lead to significant improvements over time.
- Perfect for: People who want to make lasting changes in their routines to enhance productivity and well-being.
- Might not be your thing if: You prefer more narrative-driven or anecdotal advice.
Atomic Habits by James Clear
“James Clear has spent years honing the art and studying the science of habits. This engaging, hands-on book is the guide you need to break bad routines and make good ones.” — Adam Grant, author of Originals
5. “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz
- What it’s about: Ruiz lays out four simple yet powerful agreements to live by, helping you reduce self-imposed stress and improve mental clarity by changing your mindset and behavior.
- Perfect for: Those seeking practical wisdom to enhance their mental well-being and personal freedom.
- Might not be your thing if: You prefer more detailed, step-by-step guides.
The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz
Based on ancient Toltec wisdom, this book reveals the source of self-limiting beliefs that rob us of joy and create needless suffering.
6. “The 5 Second Rule” by Mel Robbins
- What it’s about: Robbins introduces a simple rule to push past hesitation and take action in just five seconds, helping you overcome procrastination and build mental resilience.
- Perfect for: Anyone struggling with procrastination and looking for a quick, actionable tool to boost motivation.
- Might not be your thing if: You’re looking for in-depth psychological theories or practices.
The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins
The fastest way to change your life and destroy doubts.
7. “You Are Here” by Thich Nhat Hanh
- What it’s about: This book by the renowned Zen master offers gentle guidance on mindfulness and being present in daily life, helping you reduce stress and improve your mental health.
- Perfect for: Those who want to incorporate mindfulness into their everyday activities.
- Might not be your thing if: You prefer a more structured or Western approach to mindfulness.
You Are Here: Discovering the Magic of the Present Moment by Thich Nhat Hanh
Cut through the busyness and anxieties of daily life to discover the simple happiness of living in the present moment, as taught by a world-renowned Zen monk.
8. “The Miracle Morning” by Hal Elrod
- What it’s about: Elrod shares his morning routine that promises to transform your life by setting a positive tone for the day, enhancing both mental and physical well-being.
- Perfect for: Early risers looking to establish a productive and energizing morning routine.
- Might not be your thing if: You’re not a morning person or dislike structured routines.
The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod
The six habits that will transform your life before 8 am.
9. “Self-Compassion” by Kristin Neff
- What it’s about: Neff explains the importance of being kind to yourself, offering practical exercises and insights to help you develop self-compassion and improve your mental health.
- Perfect for: Anyone who tends to be self-critical and wants to learn how to be more forgiving and supportive of themselves.
- Might not be your thing if: You’re looking for more traditional self-help advice focused on external achievements.
Self-Compassion by Kristin Neff
Kristin Neff PhD, a professor in educational psychology and a pioneer who established self-compassion as a field of study, offers a powerful solution for combating negativity and insecurity in our high-pressure world.
10. “Emotional Intelligence” by Daniel Goleman
- What it’s about: Goleman explores how emotional intelligence (EQ) is crucial for managing stress, building healthy relationships, and achieving personal and professional success.
- Perfect for: Those looking to improve their emotional skills to better handle stress and connect with others.
- Might not be your thing if: You prefer books focused solely on productivity techniques.
Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ by Daniel Goleman
Does IQ define our destiny? In his groundbreaking bestseller, Daniel Goleman argues that our view of human intelligence is far too narrow. It is not our IQ, but our emotional intelligence that plays a major role in thought, decision-making and individual success.
11. “The Gifts of Imperfection” by Brené Brown
- What it’s about: Brown encourages embracing vulnerability and imperfection, offering guidance on how to live a wholehearted life by letting go of societal expectations.
- Perfect for: Anyone who struggles with perfectionism and wants to live a more authentic, joyful life.
- Might not be your thing if: You prefer more structured, step-by-step self-help books.
The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown
How to let go of who you think you’re supposed to be and embrace who you are.
12. “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success” by Carol S. Dweck
- What it’s about: Dweck explains the power of a growth mindset in overcoming challenges and achieving success, emphasizing the importance of viewing abilities as developable.
- Perfect for: Those interested in personal development and improving their approach to challenges.
- Might not be your thing if: You’re looking for more immediate, practical tips.
Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck
“Through clever research studies and engaging writing, Dweck illuminates how our beliefs about our capabilities exert tremendous influence on how we learn and which paths we take in life.” — Bill Gates
13. “10% Happier” by Dan Harris
- What it’s about: Harris, a journalist, shares his journey into meditation and mindfulness, showing how these practices can lead to a calmer, more focused mind.
- Perfect for: Skeptics of meditation looking for a relatable, down-to-earth introduction.
- Might not be your thing if: You’re seeking in-depth, traditional meditation guides.
10% Happier by Dan Harris
“How I tamed the voice in my head, reduced stress without losing my edge, and found self-help that actually works. A true story.”
14. “Why We Sleep” by Matthew Walker
- What it’s about: Walker dives into the science of sleep, explaining its crucial role in mental and physical health, and offers tips on how to improve your sleep quality.
- Perfect for: Anyone looking to understand the importance of sleep and how to get better rest.
- Might not be your thing if: You prefer books with a more casual or less scientific tone.
Why We Sleep: The New Science of Sleep and Dreams by Matthew Walker
“Astonishing... an amazing book... absolutely chocker full of things that we need to know.” — Chris Evans
15. “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck” by Mark Manson
- What it’s about: Manson offers a counterintuitive approach to living a good life by focusing on what truly matters and letting go of everything else.
- Perfect for: Those tired of conventional self-help advice and looking for a straightforward, no-BS approach to mental health.
- Might not be your thing if: You prefer a more traditional self-help tone or aren’t a fan of strong language.
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life by Mark Manson
In this generation-defining self-help guide, a superstar blogger shows us how to stop trying to be “positive” all the time so that we can truly become better, happier people.
16. “Radical Acceptance” by Tara Brach
- What it’s about: Brach’s guide to accepting yourself and your life fully is a transformative read. Her teachings on mindfulness and compassion can help you navigate the challenges of remote work with grace.
- Perfect for: Anyone interested in mindfulness and self-acceptance.
- Might not be your thing if: You’re looking for a more traditional self-help book.
Radical Acceptance: Awakening the Love that Heals Fear and Shame by Tara Brach
“An invitation to embrace ourselves with all our pain, fear and anxieties, and to step lightly yet firmly on the path of understanding and compassion.” — Thich Nhat Hanh
Enjoyed our recommendations? Don’t stop here! Check out this handpicked list of books on:
- How to improve your productivity
- How to handle burnout
- How to avoid distractions
- How to manage your time
- How to boost your creativity
- How to maintain a work-life balance
- How to develop essential skills for WFH
- How to balance family and work responsibilities
- How to deal with loneliness when working remotely
We’re a reader-supported publication. This article has affiliate links, so if you click and buy something we recommend, we might get a commission. Just so you know, we wrote this article independently.
Discussion