June reads: Wellbeing book recommendations

Here’s this month’s list of our favourite books that aim to improve your performance and wellbeing. Whether you want to reduce stress, become more productive or unleash your full potential, we hope these books help you feel more inspired and positive.

Ten Times Happier by Owen O’Kane 
(HQ, Paperback/Ebook/Audiobook, May 2020)

Owen O’Kane is a psychotherapist, former NHS Clinical Lead and author of the bestseller Ten to Zen. In Ten Times Happier, Owen explains how to stop mindlessly obsessing and worrying about the stresses and strains of modern life. He reveals how we can avoid harmful patterns and choose healthier perspectives by drawing on case studies and techniques including CBT, mindfulness and interpersonal therapy.

Flex: Reinventing Work for a Smarter, Happier Life by Annie Auerbach
(HQ, Paperback/Hardback/Ebook/Audiobook, March 2021)

As the author puts it, ‘Flex is a manifesto for living and working on your terms’.  This accessible and timely guide is aimed at women and focuses on how to juggle work and life when working remotely. Featuring useful tips on how to become truly flexible, this guide helps you learn how to reshape your routines so that you can thrive and lead a happier life.       

Atomic Habits by James Clear
(Cornerstone, Paperback/Hardback/Ebook/Audiobook, October 2018)

This step-by-step guide is an international bestseller and it’s easy to see why. James Clear is an expert on habit formations and has worked with thousands of leaders and organisations. Featuring practical and useful advice, this guide is perfect if you want to change your routine and develop habits that will help you stay productive, motivated and happy.

Shy: How Being Quiet Can Lead to Success by Annie Ridout
(Fourth Estate, Hardback/Ebook/Audiobook, April 2021)

Shyness is generally seen as a negative trait and something we need to overcome. In this unique take on shyness, Annie Ridout argues that being shy is a strength and something we should embrace instead of fix. She focuses on the benefits of being shy, for example shy people are more likely to be good listeners, considerate speakers and thoughtful observers. Drawing on personal experiences and the expertise of clinical psychologists, this long-overdue guide sheds light on a misunderstood attribute and offers advice on how to turn shyness into success.

If you have any thoughts, experiences, news or advice on workplace wellbeing that you would like to share, please see our submission page for more information.