Notes on My Favourite Books
I realized that majority of the books I read are non-fiction and they’ve helped a lot. But the problem is I have a short attention span and a pretty short memory. So even though I’ve read a lot of these books I often forget the things that have helped me the most. So if I wanted to redo or try a technique again I’d have to re-read the entire book! So recently, I started taking notes while reading and they’ve been really helpful when I try explain key concepts to my friends. So as a result this will be a collection of my notes, reviews and/or summaries of the books I read.
Below are some of my favourite books and some of my notes that I want to share with you!
Self-Care
(Spirituality, Lifestyle & Mental Health)
Not really sure what to call this category but I’m going to go with “Self-Care” because I think these books help shape your perspective on life. Each book has their own approach to everything but the thing that’s special with books is that it’s like a sneak peak into the writer’s mind and you can pick and choose what works best for you! So the ones that I would recommend off the top of my head are:
The Happiness Equation
Happiness is an interesting thing... Too often do we get stuck in our heads with negative self-talk, catastrophizing and criticism that we forget that everything we’re doing is to just be happy as well. So have a break, take a deep breath and let this book open your eyes to Neil Pasricha’s 9 secrets to happiness!
Mind Over Mood
This has been one of my greatest tools to mental wellness. I'm a die-hard advocate and would recommend this book to everyone! Not just for those battling with anxiety or depression but for anyone going through life. We all need a little help sometimes and this is the book that can help you understand your thoughts, acknowledge your emotions and help you learn to change the way you feel!
How To Stop Feeling Like Sh*t
We’re so quick to fight our negative self-talk, say f*ck you to the bully version of ourselves and then just “power through it”. But this book is the first place I’ve ever heard anyone say “be kind to yourself“. I know it’s crazy because in real life I don’t think I’d ever be okay with this approach. But when it’s yourself, I think it truly makes sense. And we need to hear this more, so one more time: you need to be kind to yourself.
Daring Greatly
I haven't finished writing this post yet, but this truly is an amazing book. Maybe I'm just extra emotional right now but the book digs deep and gets you to question things about yourself to really understand what shame is. And teaches us how to approach life "Daring Greatly"
Health
(Diets & Workouts)
The 4-Hour Body
So like Tim Ferris, I am seriously tired of ALWAYS being the skinny kid. And years later after reading The Four Hour Body I am deciding to follow his Geek to Freak experiment and hopefully make some changes to my body. I don't dig into extreme detail about this book but I cover the basics of developing a workout routine.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy/Mental Health
- Mind Over Mood – Dennis Greenberger & Christine Padesky (USA | CAD) [My Summary]
- Mindful way through depression
- Mindful way work book
Lifestyle
- The life changing magic of tidying up
- The Four Hour Body – Timothy Ferris (USA | CAD) [My Summary]