5 Books That Could Improve Your Health (that aren’t about diet or exercise)
Hello readers!
In a world brimming with advice on diet and exercise, it's refreshing to explore other avenues that can lead us towards improved health and well-being. While what we consume and how we move certainly play crucial roles, there is a treasure trove of wisdom within the pages of books that often goes unnoticed.
In this enlightening list, we're shifting the spotlight away from the usual suspects and delving into five captivating reads that offer unique perspectives on enhancing your health—without a single mention of diets or workouts. From nurturing your mental and emotional well-being to unraveling the mysteries of human connection, these literary gems are poised to revolutionize your approach to holistic wellness.
So, without further ado, let's embark on a literary journey that promises to enrich your life in ways you never imagined.
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1. The Nature Fix
by Florence Williams
We have all heard how being in nature is good for our health…this book shares the science behind the WHY and HOW this is beneficial including studies that showed:
During hospitalization, manifestations of nature such as a view of nature from a window, could decrease pain, anxiety, depression and length of stay
Being outside can help our vision by enabling our eyes to focus on further distances
The sound of wind, water and birds can lead to decreased stress and improved health outcomes.
So, yeah, I added some indoor plants to my office space and have a small fountain. Has it helped in my patient outcomes? Maybe, but it’s an easy thing to add and sure provides for a pleasant and comfortable environment. And does anyone actually think watching the news on the treadmill actually improves your blood pressure?
Appealing to both my nerdy and outdoorsy sides, there is something in this book to take away for everyone.
2. Atomic Habits
by James Clear
“If you’re having trouble changing your habits, the problem isn’t you. The problem is your system.”
Want to start exercising? Start by making a habit of setting out your clothes the night before. Learn about stacking habits to continue building towards success. A guide that may not be earth-shattering but provides an easy to understand method to making good habits assured.
My biggest takeaway that I have found myself repeating over and over:
“You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.”
This has helped me create more and better processes to stay on top of work, appointments, and life in general. Before, I felt so scattered and unorganized…now I know what I need to do every day to help stay on task and get stuff accomplished.
This book is applicable to business, exercise, health, even relationships.
3. Breath
by James Nestor
I had no idea how critical breathing was on the development of our skull and sinus cavities. The author himself spent 10 days taping his mouth shut and only breathing through his nose, and then the reverse. The difference is his perceived exertion, sleep apnea and blood pressure was astounding.
Now, I’m not recommending you go out and do this, but reading the book is worth it. It will open your eyes to a whole world of benefits if we could just breathe better and more efficiently.
Different breathing methods are addressed at the end of the book with video and audio tutorials available online. Imagine me driving in the car, listening to the audio book, while holding one nostril shut trying to breathe. I only hope no one was paying attention.
I listened to the audiobook, then bought the hardcover to re-read and refer back to. It’s that good.
4. The Practice of Groundedness
by Brad Stulberg
Sure, promotions, awards, accolades and money may bring us short term happiness. But then we find ourselves working harder, pushing ourselves to keep doing more in search for more happiness.
You don’t have to be an elite athlete to benefit from this book. Part one covers the principles of grounded success with instructions on how to put them into practice. Part two focuses on execution.
The book ends with these sweet words:
“Stay on the path. Fall off the path. Get back on the path. It’s as simple and hard as that.”
5. The Comfort Crisis
by Michael Easter
We have created a world where we are rarely uncomfortable.
Too hot, get inside to the AC.
Hungry? Get a snack.
Parents hate to see their children struggle and we strive to make their lives easy. So instead of letting them fail, or even giving them the opportunity to fail, we help them or even do the work for them.
But we learn resiliency, problem solving skills, and increase confidence when faced with challenges.
Is learning how to deal with discomfort and embracing a difficult situation and emerging from it the key to improving so many of the physical and mental health issues of our generation? As cold plunges and sauna have become trendy, it was this book that made me finally commit to it.
BONUS BOOK!
Kenzi Sits Up Tall
by Mike Bhatt
A book for young readers with delightful characters and beautiful illustrations. Our young protagonist is sad, anxious, with poor posture and shallow breathing. Her mom takes her to Dr. Bhattman, who teaches her the 7-minute huddle: a strategy incorporating breathing exercises, exercises for postural control, and mindfulness.
I absolutely love the inclusion of lifting someone up. Taking our thoughts off ourselves for a moment takes away some of the he power our pain can have over our thoughts and mood. As a clinician, I’ve personally seen the effect the pandemic has had on our children, the fear and anxiety that still persists. The chronic pain and need for an empathetic ear.
I recommend this for teachers to have in their classrooms, and for parents to read with their children. The 7-minute huddle is a great practice to do together.
Book cover of Kenzi Sits Up Tall by Mike Bhatt
These insightful books, unrelated to diet or exercise, offer a unique journey towards improved health and wellness. Dive in and uncover a world of knowledge that has the power to transform your perspective and enhance your overall vitality.
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