The first month of the year has come to a close and classes have officially started. With that, it is important to prioritize your mental health- and literary intake- to tackle this spring semester. In connection with various Parkland authors, counselors, and faculty members, I have compiled an exceptional list of self-help reads.
Speaking Life: Steps to Building Reassuring Thoughts
By Tammie Roedl
Recommended by Dr. Patti Verstrat, English Professor
Tammie Roedl, a local licensed social worker examines the effects of childhood beliefs, behaviors, and thoughts on adult life. Roedl covers negative core beliefs, shame, and recognizing a wounded inner child to equip the reader with tools to combat toxic internal dialogue and mindsets. Speaking Life also offers up well-being tips, including utilizing your senses to “ground” you. For example… feeling stressed or anxious? Light vanilla or lavender-scented candles; these aromas have been linked to endorphin production! Dr. Verstrat describes the book as “short, readable, and practical”, a suitable read for anyone.
Available for purchase on Amazon.
Finding Mercy in the Madness
By Cristina Prestin-Beard, Part-Time Faculty Psychology
Recommended by Riley Parks (me), Full-time Student
Cristina Prestin-Beard inspires readers with her emotional and motherly advice-filled memoir. The book, numberless and wide-spaced, is another quick read; that can be easily finished within a day’s time. There is not a singular lesson to be learned from her words, but a colossal amount of life knowledge that could only be obtained by experience. Though the book chronicles her life, scattered throughout each section of the book are large boxes to write in, prompted with various personal, reflective questions. Finding Mercy in the Madness aims to destigmatize the labels that have been placed on an individual throughout their life, whether it’s been done so by others or oneself.
Available for purchase on Amazon.
Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle
By Emily Nagoski and Amelia Nagoski
Recommended by Katie Schact, Parkland Counselor
This book is a highly respected psychological and self-help guide that delves into why burnout is experienced differently by women and men. Burnout addresses and explores real-life situations and barriers that obstruct women’s well-being. The Nagoski sisters provide research-supported advice to women on how to decrease stress, handle emotions, and lead a content life. The book includes thoughtful worksheets and exercises, all in service of empowering women to enact positive change and embark on a journey of well-being!
Available for purchase on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
Author to Look For: Dr. Faith G. Harper
Recommended by: Marya Burke, Parkland Counselor
Dr. Faith G. Harper, a licensed professional counselor, certified hypnotherapist, nutritionist, trainer, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, possesses an impressive oeuvre accentuating well-being, mental health, and relationships. Whether you’re experiencing trouble with anxiety, depression, parenting, body image, and/or relationship issues, Dr. Faith G. Harper has work worth reading!
For more information on Dr. Faith G. Harper and her work visit Microcosm Publishing.
