Now, more than ever, it’s crucial to take care of your physical and mental well-being… and that includes taking a screen break every once in a while! Here, we present four books that may change your perspective on your health, educate you on how your body functions, inspire you to create new habits, and even help you get a better night’s sleep. Who knows, you may even discover a new part of yourself you never knew was there.
Lifespan: Why We Age – and Why We Don’t Have To ($30, shop here)
By David A Sinclair, Ph.D. and Matthew D. LaPlante
While it is inevitable that we will all leave this world one day, what if you could prolong your life and the quality of it? Don’t you want to be 100 years old and still live, move, and function as if you were 50? That’s what Dr. David Sinclair’s life work is all about. In this book, he discusses ways not just to live longer but also to live healthier and be more active. He sees aging as a disease that can be treated. And if we can reverse aging, we can improve the quality and length of our lives.
The Body Keeps Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma ($25.99, shop here)
By Bessel Van Der Kolk, M.D.
Trauma is a heavy topic that a lot of people don’t quite understand. In this book, Dr. Bessel Van Der Kolk, an expert on how trauma affects our brain, mind, and body, discusses how our bodies hold onto trauma, how to process it, and ways to help those who have experienced trauma live more fulfilled lives.
This Is Your Brain on Birth Control: The Surprising Science of Women, Hormones, and the Law of Unintended Consequences ($27, shop here)
By Sarah E. Hill, Ph.D.
Women rarely have the opportunity to learn about their hormones, how to care for them, and what causes imbalances. In this book, Dr. Sarah Hill deep dives into how birth control affects the body and brain. Yes, the pill has helped many people, but if you’ve felt the adverse side effects of birth control and want to figure out what is going on with your body, add this book to your reading list.
The Nocturnal Brain: Nightmares, Neuroscience, and the Secret World of Sleep ($28.99, shop here)
By Guy Leschziner, Ph.D, FRCP
Sleep is crucial to our mental and physical health, as it allows us to improve cognitive abilities, function, and feel more alert. Yet many of us have trouble resting our minds at night. If you struggle with a sleep disorder, it can be challenging to know what triggers it and how to gain control over it. In his book, Dr. Guy Leschziner focuses on various sleep disorders like insomnia, night terrors, sleepwalking, narcolepsy, and more. He also analyzes the biological and psychological factors that are needed for a quality night of sleep.
Read any good health books lately? Share your favorites in the comments below!