Powerful Self-Help Techniques to Inspire Personal Growth and Healing
Sometimes, a good self-care moment is all I need to feel refreshed and recharge my battery. Whether it is a 15-minute reading session on my Kindle, watching calming YouTube videos (my favorite are “day in my life” style vlogs from Michelle Choi, Danielle Carolan, and Morgan Riddle), or spending a weekend doing absolutely nothing (which is a rarity), I love the concept of self-care.
You might be reading this and thinking, “But Brianna, with what time?!” If that is your concern, it is 100% valid. The idea of self-care does not have to be as elaborate as we try to convince ourselves. It comes in many forms and is profoundly unique and personal for each individual.
I’ve compiled a list of my favorite self-help books, tools that help set the “me-time” mode, and some skills (that are absolutely free) to try to apply.
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The Power of Self-Help Books
I love a good read! Coming from someone who would forge their reading logs in the 3rd grade (sorry!), my relationship with reading has come a long way. Sometimes, my favorite way of reading is actually listening. If you have Spotify Premium, you might have access to audiobooks through your paid plan! Sometimes, when I feel my eyes could do with a little less screentime, I find a cozy spot and let the audiobook play. I would love to swap this for a long car ride or trip!
Here are some of my favorites:
Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb
In Maybe You Should Talk to Someone, psychotherapist Lori Gottlieb offers a deeply personal and revealing look at what it means to be human. Weaving together stories from her work as a therapist and her own therapy experiences, Gottlieb explores universal themes of love, loss, meaning, and our ability to change. This self-help book is equal parts heartwarming and thought-provoking - a poignant reminder of the power of human connection. My sister recommended this to me in grad school and since then it has been a go-to recommendation for many!
How to Do the Work by Nicole LePera
How to Do the Work is an empowering invitation to heal yourself from the inside out. Drawing on cutting-edge research in psychology, neuroscience, and holistic health, Nicole LePera guides readers to release limiting beliefs, heal past wounds, and create authentic lives. This self-help book is both a practical roadmap and an inspiring call to reclaim your power. LePera's message is clear - you already have everything you need to transform your life. I wouldn’t shut up about the vagus nerve, the longest cranial nerve, running from your brain to your large intestine for about a year.
No Bad Parts by Richard Schwartz
Drawing on decades of clinical experience, psychotherapist Richard Schwartz presents a revolutionary approach to healing and growth in No Bad Parts. Schwartz's Internal Family Systems (IFS) model views the mind as a system of distinct "parts," each with its own perspective, beliefs, and motivations. No Bad Parts is a compassionate guide to understanding and harmonizing all aspects of your inner world. This self-help book offers a path to self-leadership and inner peace.
Engage Your Body with Sensory Experiences
The power of scent is truly remarkable in its ability to transform our emotional state. When I'm in need of a quick mood boost, I often turn to my trusty diffuser or light a beautifully scented candle. There's something incredibly soothing about surrounding myself with a calming aroma while I listen to a guided meditation or simply take a few mindful breaths.
I discovered Literie a few summers ago and have fallen in love with their cleverly named I Have A House in The Hamptons, Hot Roasted Nut Cart, and Late Fees at The Library.
Incorporating these sensory delights into my self-care routine has been a game-changer. The right scent can instantly shift my energy, helping me feel more relaxed, focused, or uplifted, depending on what I need in the moment.
Mindful Routines for Self-Care
Mindfulness Meditation:
Find a quiet and comfortable place to sit or lie down.
Close your eyes and focus on your breath, observing the sensation of air moving in and out of your body. For every breath you take, think “in”, and for every breath you release, think “out”.
If your mind wanders, gently redirect your attention back to your breath without judgment.
Start with 5-10 minutes daily and gradually increase the duration as you become more comfortable with the practice.
Gratitude Journaling:
Set aside a few minutes each day to write down three to five things you are grateful for.
These can be simple things, such as a delicious meal, a beautiful sunset, or a kind gesture from a friend.
Reflect on why you are grateful for each item and how it positively impacts your life.
Regularly practicing gratitude can help shift your focus to the positive aspects of your life and improve your overall well-being.
Progressive Muscle Relaxation:
Find a quiet place to lie down or sit comfortably.
Start by tensing and relaxing the muscles in your toes, then progressively move up your body, tensing and relaxing muscle groups one at a time.
As you tense each muscle group, hold the tension for 5-10 seconds, then release and relax for 10-15 seconds before moving on to the next group.
Pay attention to the sensation of tension and relaxation in each muscle group, and focus on the feeling of relaxation spreading throughout your body
Self-Love Activities and Mantras
Cultivating self-love is an essential aspect of your self-care journey. Engaging in self-love activities and repeating self-love mantras can help you develop a more positive and compassionate relationship with yourself. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Mirror Work: Stand in front of a mirror and look into your own eyes. Speak kind, loving words to yourself, such as "I am worthy of love and respect" or "I am proud of how far I've come." This simple self-love exercise can help you build self-confidence and self-acceptance.
Self-Love Mantras: Choose a few self-love mantras that resonate with you, such as "I am enough," "I trust in my journey," or "I am deserving of happiness and peace." Repeat these mantras to yourself throughout the day, especially when you're feeling self-doubt or negativity.
Self-Care Date: Schedule a regular self-care date with yourself. This could be as simple as taking a relaxing bath, going for a nature walk, or treating yourself to a favorite hobby or activity. Use this time to focus on your own needs and desires, and to show yourself the love and care you deserve.
Self-care is a deeply personal journey, and what works for one person may not work for another. The key is to experiment with different self-care practices and find what resonates with you. Whether it's diving into a transformative self-help book, engaging in a mindful routine, or simply taking a moment to breathe, every act of self-care is a step towards a more balanced and fulfilling life.
About the Author
I'm Brianna, a licensed therapist and the founder of On Par Therapy NYC, a counseling practice helping ambitious women in New York and Florida reduce anxiety, build confidence, and find balance.
Blending compassionate care with goal-oriented action plans, I work primarily with female executives, entrepreneurs, and grads seeking empathetic yet practical support. My specialty is nurturing resilience, emotional agility, and inner peace so you can show up as your best self both personally and professionally.
I draw upon research-backed modalities like CBT and mindfulness while customizing evidence-based insights for busy, growth-oriented women. If you feel overwhelmed juggling wellness with demanding work, relationships, or perfectionist tendencies, I provide a non-judgmental space to explore your needs.
Whether you're struggling with specific symptoms or seeking general life balance and purpose, let's chat. Reach out to info@onpartherapynyc.com to schedule a complimentary introduction call today. I'm here to help you reclaim stability, self-care, and belonging.
