Books are more than just a hobby or a comfort, they can offer some serious help when you need it! This time of year—while wonderful—can also be stressful. With lots of extra family time, final exams, multiple hits to your bank account and a running to-do list, you might feel your mental health taking a toll. We’ve compiled a list of book recs to help you take back control (or let it go!) and get through the season feeling relaxed, refreshed and healthy!  

If you consider yourself to be an artist, musician, writer or creative type, this book is for you. Whatever your medium of choice, you’ve probably experienced moments of frustration when inspiration is nowhere to be found. Elizabeth Gilbert helps unpack those feelings and teaches you how to reframe them with a perspective of curiosity.  

After the death of her father, Kelly Corrigan took a some time to explore the beauty of life, even during grief. In her book, Kelly examines the questions and difficult conversations we’ve all struggled to approach: how to say sorry, how to say goodbye, and how to say “I don’t know.” This book is for everyone who wants to take a closer look at the human experience. 

How are we supposed to put in 110% at work when we’re already maxed out? How are we supposed to love ourselves when the world is constantly telling us we aren’t enough? With real, practical strategies for escaping the circle of burnout, this book is written to help women learn to manage the stresses of everyday life and feel more confident, capable and balanced. This book tackles the tough topics—a must read after the rollercoaster ride of the past two years! 

If someone has told you, “You’re so sensitive” at least once, you’re definitely not alone. You may approach the world differently, feel more deeply, and absolutely need a little extra time alone. No shame! HSP’s (highly sensitive people) have a different set of needs, and this book will help you learn how to be your best self in our ever-demanding world. 

Lori Gottlieb, a successful therapist and author, found herself in an odd situation: after a sudden breakup, she herself needed someone to talk to. People go to therapy for all kinds of reasons, and this book breaks down why “talking to someone” can be so helpful through tales of Gottlieb’s patients’ lives, as well as through her own journey. 

“In a culture that’s rife with perfectionism and pleasing, and with the erosion of civility, it’s easy to stay quiet, hide in our ideological bunkers, or fit in rather than show up as our true selves and brave the wilderness of uncertainty and criticism. But true belonging is not something we negotiate or accomplish with others; it’s a daily practice that demands integrity and authenticity. It’s a personal commitment that we carry in our hearts.” Brené Brown, the author of “The Power of Vulnerability”, once again gifts us with the words we all needed to hear. If you’ve struggled with finding your authentic self, this one is for you. 

All too often, we feel overwhelmed by the pressure to be perfect. But where does striving for perfection actually get us? Only to a place of disappointment. Cleo Wade’s poetry never fails to make us stop and think, and during this busy time of year, sometimes we need exactly that. Part anthology, part coloring book, this collection of short poems pack a punch and lead us to reflect on how to be better neighbors, parents, sisters, daughters and friends. 

If you’re looking for a more interactive experience, this journal of prompts will help you examine your life, look to your future and practice gratitude for where you are now. Sharon Jones guides her readers—or rather, writers—through thoughtful exercises, like writing a letter to your future self and listing all your favorite childhood things. Spend some time getting to know yourself again and write it all down.