“In her new book, author and podcaster Mel Robbins explains how to keep people’s drama and opinions from messing with your life. Robbins delves into how she learned to let others do what they’ve gotta do without trying to manage them. She also interviews mental health professionals about why this concept (which she calls the ‘Let Them Theory’) is so freeing.

I’m a self-proclaimed people pleaser and a clinically diagnosed anxious individual (generalized anxiety disorder, to be exact). When I can’t know everything about life’s circumstances—or do anything about them—I ruminate. This book taught me that I’m wasting tons of precious energy on what I can’t control. But, by reminding myself to just ‘let them,’ I can release the need to influence how others act and what they think of me.” —Sam Brodsky, Staff Writer at Wondermind

“This memoir follows an introvert who decides to act more extroverted for a year as she challenges herself to talk to strangers, travel alone, host a dinner party, and more. I read this book when I was a 20-something introvert living in a new city by myself. I felt isolated and afraid that I’d never actually experience life if I didn’t take some kind of move forward.

Since reading Sorry I’m Late, I Didn’t Want to Come, I’ve graduated from all the levels of improv at my local theater and I’ve made dozens of incredible friends by putting myself out there—as the author did. I’ve also never been more excited to try things, even if it means I fail at them. To leave you with a quote from the book, ‘I really like my comfort zone, but I also know I’ll be OK if I leap into the unknown or the scary for a little while.’” —Chanel V., 29

“There can be a lot of stigma around not drinking, which makes it even more difficult to drink less. That’s why this workbook, from journalist and sober-ish human Hilary Sheinbaum, features prompts and exercises that make cutting back on alcohol less daunting. It‘s full of tools to help you reflect on your relationship with alcohol, set goals for going dry, and document your journey.

And it works! Going Dry helped me feel more confident turning down a drink and limiting alcohol in general. For example, if I’m the only one not drinking with friends or coworkers, someone always asks me why. I used to get a drink just to avoid those awkward questions, but Going Dry empowered me to check those social pressures. With this book’s assistance, I’m doing Dry January again this year, and I might keep going after the month ends.” —Victoria N., 33

“Growing up, I was a perfectionist, which translated into a major fear of failure. But reading Mindset changed the way I thought about failure. The book, written by the psychologist and researcher who coined the growth mindset theory, taught me that I was only pushing myself within my comfort zone. In order to grow and succeed, I needed permission to fail and to learn from those failures. Instead of looking at life as a win-or-lose situation, I needed to see it as one where I could win or I could learn. Since reading Mindset, I have been much more inclined to say yes to opportunities that I may have dismissed. I owe a lot of my newfound courage to the book.” —Jamie K., 29

“Since the pandemic, the topic of self-care is mentioned frequently in sessions, and I love having this storehouse of self-care tips to recommend. With sharp wit, a deep understanding of the need to de-stress, and clear descriptions of over 200 self-care exercises, Borges’s book is several therapy sessions worth of information in one accessible package.” —Ryan Howes, PhD, a clinical psychologist based in Pasadena, CA

“Sarah Blondin is one the most loved/cherished meditation teachers on the internet. She wrote this book and it’s clear every single word came from her heart. I recommend the audiobook, as there is a calming and soothing presence she creates with her voice, and it adds to the poetic intelligence and nature of the text. This book will help an individual detach from the busyness of the day (typically accompanied by the related anxious thoughts) and center themselves in the body—more specifically in the heart space, where we give and receive love. The question, ‘What is self-love?’ has now gone viral. Well, Sarah answers this question in the most brilliant way. A pro tip is to listen to this text before bedtime.” —Nina Polyné, PsyD, a psychologist based in San Diego, CA

“If you’ve ever wondered, Why am I like this?, this book might have the answer. Maybe it’s obvious, but a lot of our default behaviors—like being passive, people pleasing, or avoiding the things we know we need to deal with—started as a childhood coping mechanism. In this book, an actual therapist shares her own story and the stories of some very relatable clients that will make you feel seen. She also includes journal prompts and thought exercises that can help you work through your own shit. I have SO many pages of this book dog-eared to come back to when I feel like I’m sliding back into old habits, and I recommend this one to all my friends dealing with family drama.” —Ashley Oerman, Deputy Editor at Wondermind 

“This book has changed my life. It gave me practical strategies for getting my obsessive worrying under control, explaining strategies that actually work. Dr. Leahy talks about ‘uncertainty training.’ He says that chronic worriers believe that we cannot stand uncertainty, and so we worry until we get certainty about something. But certainty cannot always be had, especially with the future. And so, learning to live with uncertainty and become comfortable with it is necessary. It’s uncomfortable at first, but it becomes easier over time, miraculously. And then you stop worrying because you are OK with not knowing.” —Jordan S., 41

“Hands down, this is one of the best books I’ve read in terms of creating better habits and kicking bad ones. The book goes into easily understandable neuroscience of how habits are created and offers very practical tips and solutions to incorporate new habits into your life. I also love the idea of just being ‘1% better every day.’ So accessible!” —Shauna M., 39

“What I love about this book as an unconventional self-help choice is that it’s a collection of letters Rilke really wrote to a younger poet, only you never see the full correspondence, just Rilke’s answers. This means, as a reader, I feel Rilke is speaking directly and personally to me. While we don’t see the letters to Rilke, we know they’re from a young man deciding between a career in the army and a career in literature. This same basic question—follow your creative heart or make the practical choice?—is one I continue to come back to in my own career as my priorities shift and there are fluctuations in the world around me. I return to this book of letters yearly because the questions and the answers feel evergreen to me.” —Julia S., 31

“This is an empowering and approachable book to help people change their relationships with their thoughts via a process based on acceptance and commitment therapy. This approach teaches people to separate themselves from their thoughts, become more aware of their difficult emotions, and make changes that feel manageable and sustainable.” —Jessica Stern, PhD, clinical psychologist at NYU Langone Health

“I read this book when I was having a difficult time adjusting to a new city. This book helped me realize that it was mostly my own thoughts that were stopping me from doing the things that would make it all better—making new friends, learning the language, and adopting new traditions. And it helped me get over myself so I could go out and do all of that! The world gets so much bigger once you shift the focus of your thoughts away from yourself and towards the people or things in your environment. Read this book if you’re looking for a dose of tough love.” —Margarita Bregolat, former Marketing and Coordinating Lead at Wondermind

“This is my most recommended self-help book. Many of my clients say they see their lives in the pages of this book, which gives practical guidance, empathy, and a way to find understanding and even compassion for the emotional limitations of their parents.” —Ryan Howes, PhD, a clinical psychologist based in Pasadena, CA

“This is one of those books I return to over and over again when I need a good pep talk. In a super accessible and engaging way, Gilbert points out all the fears, anxieties, and other roadblocks that tend to keep us from dreaming big and taking risks. It’s impossible to read a few chapters of this book and not come away feeling inspired and ready to create something awesome.” —Casey Gueren, VP of Content at Wondermind 

“This is great for anyone who wants to learn how to fully invest in their passion and make it a reality. It teaches you how to stop making excuses for not writing that book or starting that business. I learned how to prioritize my craft and balance it with my other life responsibilities, which, in turn, made me happier and more creative.” —Marisa Bramwell, former Senior Producer at Wondermind

“This is a fantastically eye-opening book that allows one to find peace and fulfillment in their life through practicing gratitude and intention every day. I took notes on almost every page! It’s well-written, and it has very easy ways to immediately apply what Jay Shetty talks about to your life. While the whole book is great, what I loved and what changed my life came right in the first chapter. A quote from Charles Horton Cooley that exploded my brain: ‘I am not what I think I am, and I am not what you think I am. I am what I think you think I am.’ That quote changed my perspective on how I show up in my life and opened me up for all the excellent nuggets Jay Shetty reveals throughout the rest of the book.” —Shauna M., 39

“This is an excellent workbook that walks readers through exercises to help them identify their values, learn analogies for understanding their thoughts, and track difficult emotions and experiences related to anxiety that may be holding them back.” —Jessica Stern, PhD, clinical psychologist at NYU Langone Health

“While actual therapy helped me find the source of my social anxiety, this book was super handy for dealing with the day-to-day symptoms as they popped up. There are tons of helpful tips and tools you can use to reframe negative thoughts telling you that you suck or everyone can see that you’re blushing hard. Also, just reading other people’s experiences made me feel less alone, which is another bonus since social anxiety thrives on you feeling like the most awkward human on the planet.” —Ashley Oerman, Deputy Editor at Wondermind 

“It’s been a few years since I read this book, but the stories have stuck with me ever since. Unlike other science-forward self-help books, The Brain That Changes Itself is easily digestible with minimal jargon and offers a number of insightful and thought-provoking stories that’ll have you questioning everything you think you know about the brain. This book helped me realize that the brain is so much more complex than I gave it credit for. We can rewire our brains (to a certain extent), and this gave me the motivation I needed to change the way I think about my own mental health.” —Marilyn La Jeunesse, former Newsletter Editor at Wondermind

After a long day, sometimes all you need to quell your overwhelm is a foot massage. This vibrating, foot-massaging robot may be perfect for those after-work self-care sessions. It also heats up, which is a soothing plus!

Nothing says, “I care about you caring for yourself,” like some soup. It’s comforting! It’s warm! This package from Spoonful of Comfort includes soup (and/or mac n’ cheese), rolls, and cookies. (There are options for vegan and gluten-free folks too.) It also comes with a ladle because why not?! If you’re feeling generous, you can add other nice treats (think: fuzzy socks, tea, cough drops, etc.) for an extra fee.

Take your cozy era to the next level with every bed-rotter’s dream: a blanket that doubles as a hoodie. Being responsible is already hard, so why make it more miserable by being cold? Whether you’re reading for school, doing taxes, or paying bills, throwing this blanket hoodie on turns up the chill by warming you up.

Life can feel a lot more manageable when the chaos is organized, and this limited-edition planner box is made for that job. There’s a 90-page journal with three different inserts to help you plan, reflect, and write in whatever way makes sense for you. You’ll also get mood stickers, gel pens, and more to organize your schedule and your thoughts.

We all need a personal cheerleader to drown out negative thoughts and validate our internal struggles. This deck of affirmations, made to fend off crummy self-talk or imposter syndrome, does exactly that. Just give them a shuffle and pick a card to remind yourself who the eff you are. One of our favorites? “Listen B*tch, I know it’s not easy but you were not built to break.”

Phones are great, but they can also be a one-stop shop for disconnection and doomscrolling. With this lockbox, you can trap your device (literally) for minutes, hours, or days. That screen-free time makes space for you to connect with people around you, get things done without distraction, and do fun non-internet things. 

Preoccupying yourself with plotlines is a solid way to recover when reality feels like too much. If you’ve got a friend who loves this specific dissociation tactic, add this mystery book self-care package to cart. Just choose their favorite genre, and Beyond the Trope will send a highly-rated title and stuff to enhance the reading experience, like a highlighter, a bookmark, a tea packet, and stickers.   

For the person whose only time to decompress is in the shower, these cute cubes can make that moment count. Toss them in the tub, and they’ll slowly melt, releasing feel-good scents like rosemary lemon, orange grapefruit, lavender, or eucalyptus peppermint. 

That friend who’s always yapping about their terrible ex, sad salary, and lousy roommate could benefit from a lil gratitude practice. This journal from Papier has prompts for morning and nighttime reflection, encouraging users to list out a few things they’re grateful for. It also includes thought-reframing exercises, motivational quotes, and space to reflect on the past month.

Whether you’re a chronic people pleaser or you know someone who is, this book by therapist Terri Cole, LCSW, explains how to say, “No, thanks.” With helpful scripts and real-life stories from Cole’s clinical and personal experience, this is basically a masterclass in Boundaries 101. You’ll learn how to set limits and manage the guilt that can come after.

Tension can seriously crush your vibes—especially if it’s in your face. But you can melt it away with these goggle, which provide heated temple and eye massage once you slide them on. The massage targets eye strain, headaches, and stress—you know, the side effects of staring at a screen all day. 

The stress-magnet in your life could probably use an outlet for their anxious, fidgety energy—and this Bearaby stress ball is ideal for that. The knotted little guy (the smallest of the Hugget pillows) is made with squash-able foam and fits in their hand. So anytime they’re tempted to pick at their cuticles or tap their pen (ugh) they can reach for this cute desk accessory instead.

For the die-hard journaler, these scented pens will level up the self-care vibes of their favorite ritual. With scents like “walk in the woods” and “crisp mountain air,” they might wonder why they’ve gone this long without a pen that doubles as aromatherapy. Honestly, same! 

We all know somebody who hates their job, and those are the people who maybe need a self-care gift the most, right? Enter: this very affordable adult coloring book that will make them laugh and feel seen. Throw in some colored pencils, and let ’em at it. 

The idea of a daily mindfulness practice sounds cool and helpful, but it can easily fall to the bottom of your to-do list. If you can relate (or know someone who can), this breathing exercise guide is perfect. Pop it on your desk as a reminder to get mindful; then, when you’ve got a few minutes, press the button on the bottom to turn it on. It’ll change color to signal when to inhale and when to exhale—and you can choose from two different breathing techniques. Easy! 

For those deadline-trapped at their desk all day, taking a two-minute breather can make a big difference. When they’re feeling especially overwhelmed—or they’ve got a second in between meetings—they can pull a card for further instructions. From chair-friendly yoga poses to breathing techniques and meditations, there’s plenty to choose from. 

Sometimes you can’t fully get into relaxation mode because your roommate is playing Call of Duty behind paper-thin walls. These noise-canceling headphones will block out those sounds as you listen to your favorite audiobook, meditate, or nap with a nature-themed playlist on repeat. 

Another gift for your friend who loves to journal: writing prompt cards. This deck of 70 thought-starters focuses on finding ~balance~ to fight burnout. Love that! Whether they journal daily or just when they’re feeling off, these cards will help them reflect on making time for rest and their biggest accomplishments.

Ice baths are officially A Thing. If you know someone who agrees (or you’re the one who talks about cold plunge benefits to anyone who will listen), this personal cold plunge might be your new favorite self-care hack. Fill this insulated tub up, add ice, and jump in. Five minutes later, you might be feeling chiller than ever.

If you’re the kind of person who uses quote art from Instagram as your phone’s lock screen, you’re going to love this illustrated book. When you’re feeling uninspired or sad, crack open this collection of uplifting poems by IG superstar Morgan Harper Nichols for a quick hit of inspiration. 

The pressure of a weighted blanket can feel amazing to folks filled with anxiety. This one from Avocado comes in four neutral colors that’ll match any aesthetic, and its hand-knit texture looks as luxe as it feels. 

Know somebody who can never sleep comfortably? Do them a solid with this fancy pillow from Moon Pod. Because it’s made up of little beans, this pillow conforms to the shape of your head and neck. That’s a game changer for the squirmy among us (and the people they sleep next to).

If spending time with your people brings you back to life, this conversation-starter card game is for you. With deep questions like, “What motivates you to get up every morning?” and, “What makes you smile?” your hangouts are bound to go beyond the get-to-know-you small talk we’re all used to. 

Whether heated or frozen, this neck wrap has major self-care potential for anxious people. Pop it in the microwave for a warm compress that melts away tense shoulders, or keep it in the freezer for a mid-anxiety spiral cooldown.

If a free slot on your calendar gives you analysis paralysis, rolling these activity dice can help you make self-care moves without the decision fatigue. Just roll one of the nine dice (each representing a different self-care category: relaxation, connection, creativity, movement, mindfulness, nature, food, growth, and inspiration) and you’ll get a self-care assignment, like writing a gratitude list, cooking, or taking a bath.

If you’ve got a friend who is always complaining about their sore shoulders (and the micro-managing boss responsible for said pain), this one’s for them. Therabody’s handheld massage tool is small enough to toss in a backpack and quiet enough to bust out during the workday. Turn it on and roll it across sore muscles for a major release. For best results, pair it with a new employer. 

When you’re in the thick of life, it’s easy to forget to check in on yourself. This journal, which features one self-care question per day (hence the name), enables you to make time for that important habit. Each question focuses on how you’re feeling and what you need so you can reflect and take action.

Haven’t found what you’re looking for? Check out these self-care products from Amazon or these TLC-focused Etsy gifts. Happy shopping!

Turn their pimples into something to celebrate.

Not even the worst traffic jam can kill the good vibes of this car fragrance. 

The quickest way to turn a bathroom into a spa.

Ease their anxious minds by helping them keep track of their stuff.

A beautiful massage tool to help relieve muscle tension.

Is there anything better than the gift of silence?

A great pastime for anyone trying to cut down their screen time.

You can never go wrong with a super soft sleep mask.

A woodsy scent that will transport them outside, even if they’re stuck at their desk.

A tongue-in-cheek notepad for all your favorite list people.

A great choice for anyone who could use a little extra help staying organized.

A beloved journal to help the people you love check in with themselves daily.

This refreshing ice mask is a treat for even the most tired eyes.

A lavender pillow spray to help relieve bedtime anxiety.

The perfect gift to spark deeper conversations.

I mean, who wouldn’t feel a little better with this guy on their desk?

Think of this like a stress ball you can sleep with.

“ADHD 2.0 offers a solid strengths-based approach to ADHD, countering the often condescending, negative-symptom focus of the traditional medical model. It provides a fairly updated view of a uniquely wired brain, with a nice balance of scientific insights and personal stories. I find it helpful to refer to my clients, as it includes practical elements like a list of paradoxical ways ADHDers experience the world. This is one example of how the authors help normalize the unique experiences of neurodivergence.” —Kat Herbinson, RCC, founder and clinical director of The ADHD & Relationship Centre in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

“Otsuka comes at ADHD from a very similar angle that I did: As a mom advocating for her child to get a diagnosis who, in the course of that, starts looking back on her own life and recognizing some of those same symptoms in herself. Many women like us fly under the radar our entire lives because we  have ‘atypical’ symptoms. So her story of being diagnosed as an adult felt very relatable to me. She’s all about reframing neurodivergence in a more positive light. I’m not big on the ‘ADHD is your superpower’ angle, but I do appreciate how she helps you look at the positive aspects that it brings to your life. Are you always the ideas person? Are you incredibly creative? Are you really empathetic? Are you great under deadline? Those kinds of things.” —Leslie A., 48

“This book by YouTuber and ADHDer Jessica McCabe is like a conversation between friends. When she shares her personal stories, you relate to her and realize that you’re not the only person having these problems. It helped me feel less alone. It’s also quite humorous—so unlike some complicated medical books about ADHD, it’s way more pleasant to read. I’m thankful for the structure too: Every chapter is divided into sections, so you can skip to the part you’re most interested in. I particularly like the toolbox section, where other people with ADHD share tips and tricks that worked for them. It gives you multiple options—so if one tool isn’t working for me, I can try another.” —Margarida M., 22

“I first encountered Dr. Barkley’s model of ADHD and the executive functions back when I was in grad school. This is a great resource, because it’s got really good research-backed strategies that can actually help you, like, tomorrow. It’s scientifically sound, but it’s very readable and very accessible. He doesn’t over-explain it. The early chapters talk more about the theories and science behind it if you want to understand that more, but you’re not bogged down by it throughout the entire book.” —Cheryl Chase, PhD, a clinical psychologist specializing in learning and attention disorders based in Independence, Ohio

“This self-help book is perfect for someone who is trying to make active changes in their life and looking for realistic tips and self-care practices. She pairs everyday actions with why they are helpful for people with ADHD. Dr. Hamdani is witty and vulnerable, and it feels like a friend is giving you encouraging advice and explaining how it’s worked for her. This book is such an easy read. I love flipping through the pages and finding something to try that day. I can always find something new to take away. It’s a great reminder to take care and prioritize your own self-care.” —Katie White, ADHD advocate

“Celebrating the strengths of ADHD is really important, especially for couples. The authors focus on highlighting the strengths of the partner with ADHD, like creativity or problem-solving. Getting that reassurance and appreciation from your partner for the things you do well—instead of feeling like you’re always getting criticism for being late or messy—is really good for the relationship. So much of ADHD literature is about what to fix. I love that these authors also prioritize celebration.” —Rachel Honig, MHC-LP, a counselor specializing in ADHD based in New York City

“With the hundreds of to-dos that we have with work and family and everything, it’s hard enough for someone who has five-star executive functioning to keep their head above water. So how do you do it when you’ve got executive functioning challenges? This book is full of actionable tips. The underlying theme is self-compassion. Not setting too-high expectations, and not beating yourself up if your house doesn’t look like it’s ready to be in a photo shoot. One of her taglines is that messiness is not a moral failing. Like, if there are dishes in the sink at the end of the night, that’s fine. Unless it upsets you, in which case she gives you ways to address that.” —Leslie A., 48

“I think I found this in a used bookstore, and the premise seemed interesting—to think about ADHD in an evolutionary way. The author does a good job of outlining the difference between ADHD ‘Hunter’ traits vs. the more neurotypical ‘Farmer’ traits. I had never heard of it framed that way before, but it felt true on so many levels and made a lot of sense. Most of all, it felt empowering to see my ADHD that way instead of pathologizing it as a disorder. Like, Fuck yeah, I’m a hunter! He also points to examples of historical figures who likely had ADHD and present-day people who have been diagnosed, and talks about how their ADHD has contributed to their success.” —Kathy Z., 37

“This is about the fascinating research into exercise and its effects on the brain, and it has a chapter specifically about ADHD. I recommend it to clients all the time. The research is pretty definitive about exercise being a huge boon for ADHD brains. That’s the major take-home message, but it’s even more fascinating when you dive into it deeper as well—the different types of exercise and how they impact the brain differently, and even the timing of different types of exercise in relationship to productivity.” —Marcy Caldwell, PsyD, a clinical psychologist specializing in ADHD and founder of The Center for ADHD in Philadelphia

“This workbook offers key insights about how ADHD symptoms in women can differ and why women are often diagnosed later in life. It examines how women experience the symptoms and effects of ADHD and offers helpful exercises to increase understanding and coping skills. The book offers real life stories and relatable examples too. It’s one I recommend to clients.” —Sharon Saline, PsyD, a clinical psychologist specializing in ADHD, anxiety, and learning differences based in Northampton, Massachusetts

“I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to organize and declutter in a way that works for ADHD brains. If the Marie Kondo method left you feeling overwhelmed and frustrated, you’re not alone. Many of my ADHD clients experience deep shame and self-judgment because their spaces aren’t perfectly neat or tidy. The truth is, most organizing tips were designed by and for neurotypical minds. This book shifts that narrative. It encourages us to clean and organize differently, letting go of Martha Stewart-level perfectionism and embracing more realistic, ADHD-friendly approaches (like visual systems). There are also practical tips for tackling digital clutter, like managing that overflowing email inbox. Pro tip: Listen to the audiobook while you declutter so you can apply the strategies in real-time. Tackling it chapter by chapter helps you avoid the hyperfocus trap of marathon cleaning sessions.” —Liz Slonena, PsyD, an ADHD psychologist and founder of Mindful Hypnosis Counseling & Consulting in Asheville, North Carolina

“If you’re looking for a quick startup guide for all things ADHD, I highly recommend this book. Jesse wastes no time in this quick read, going over a lot of helpful tips and tricks to manage your ADHD. What makes it really stand out to me is the sheer quantity of tips in such a small book. It’s definitely worth reading.” —Andrew Robinson, LCSW, a therapist specialized in ADHD and autism and owner of Neurospicy Counseling in Missouri

“This is the first book I ever read about ADHD. I re-listen to it on Audible about once a year, when I need a refresher or just feel down or misunderstood about my diagnosis. It’s a deep dive into ADHD and the feelings and impact that come along with it. Tamara is a great storyteller, and every line feels like she took it from a personal experience of mine. She is also a mother of neurodivergent children and can speak to that perspective as well. This book always leaves me feeling so much more empowered about my brain, and every time I read or listen to it I learn or relate to something even more.” —Katie White, ADHD advocate

“This one is probably not the trendiest selection—but of all the books out there, it’s often my go-to. It’s laid out really well and has really good ‘snackable’ content, so it’s not too dense and it doesn’t overwhelm people. It’s very tip-based and has a lot of exercises and homework for things to practice.” —Rachel Honig, MHC-LP, a counselor specializing in ADHD based in New York City

“After reading numerous books on the topic, I discovered that ADHD Is Awesome provided a very enlightening approach on how to deal with my own condition. Penn and Kim take you on a deep dive into their adventures (and misadventures) while providing practical tips on how you or your loved ones can thrive with ADHD. I suggest listening to the audiobook at least once, as it feels more like being a part of a comedic podcast.” —Colin M., 49

“ADHD After Dark examines the impact of ADHD on sexual intimacy and relationships, and it’s by my all-time favorite ADHD author, Ari Tuckman. It’s a research-backed look at the emotional, physical, and communication differences between ADHD and non-ADHD partners, and offers practical strategies for dealing with these differences. I love Ari’s books because of their compassionate and accessible tone that takes complicated research and makes it easy to understand and make use of.” —Marcy Caldwell, PsyD, a clinical psychologist specializing in ADHD and founder of The Center for ADHD in Philadelphia

“Meredith offers an honest look into all things ADHD—from personal anecdotes to stories from members of her community. She sheds light on a lot of the hot topics surrounding ADHD, like people pleasing, working memory, and rejection sensitive dysphoria. And she provides great strategies and tips in the book as well. You don’t want to miss this one.” —Andrew Robinson, LCSW, a therapist specialized in ADHD and autism and owner of Neurospicy Counseling in Missouri

“This book is written by a couple. It’s about their journey of discovering that Roxanne has ADHD, and how they learned to manage the challenges that may come with it. I loved the real-life examples that I could relate to, which helped me feel seen and understood. They also share many ideas to help navigate relationships—whether you have ADHD yourself, or are the neurotypical partner trying to understand your loved one who has ADHD.” —Shane B., 51

“Boseley approaches her adult ADHD diagnosis from a journalist’s point of view. She reflects back on her life and is watching everything fall into place. It has deep dives into science, but it’s also funny and relatable, and has an emphasis on self-compassion. She does a really good job of talking about how to get over the feeling of failure that so many of us have, as well as how having ADHD can impact your relationships with people—your partner, your parents, your colleagues. It’s like an introduction to a part of yourself that you haven’t understood, but now you’re finally starting to get a grasp on.” —Leslie A., 48

“This coloring book isn’t too intricate, so it’s fulfilling to be able to have a finished product in a relatively short period of time. The pages are pretty to look at and make me laugh! ” —Ashley S., 41

“As a teacher, I like using this watercolor workbook from Emily Lex to paint after a long day. Sometimes I paint in it while listening to music or watching TV as a way to keep my mind and my hands busy. It calms me. I can zone out and just focus on what I’m painting without needing to plan what to paint, which helps my stress levels.” —Amanda G., 25

“My clients appreciate the intricacy of Johanna Basford’s designs. This level of detail requires a focus that can be very therapeutic because it helps them stay in the moment instead of zoning in on their anxious thoughts.” —Jennifer Harrison, PsyD, ATR-BC, clinical psychologist and art therapist 

“Whenever I have something on my mind that gives me anxiety or I feel like I have to escape a chain of uncomfortable thoughts, I turn to this book and start coloring. Focusing on coloring the mandalas keeps my mind calm and present. It also gives me time to myself with no devices around!” —Janani, 21

“This coloring book is one of my favorites because of Yumi Sakugawa’s unique illustration style: fantastical and multidimensional patterns, shapes, and figures. Also, the relatable affirmations transport me into a calming, meditative state, leaving me feeling joyful and empowered.” —Sofiya Kostareva, LMHC, REAT, expressive arts therapist  

“Using Bobbie Goods coloring books and pages, like these ones here, feels therapeutic because they’re not too detailed and they help me check out of reality for a while. They calm my anxiety by shifting my focus to the colors I’m using and the stroke lines of the markers.” —Dina B., 22

“I used to just roll out of bed and log on to work right away, but now I give myself time every morning to actually eat my breakfast while coloring in this coloring book. Having that time allows me to start my day off doing something for me that’s low-pressure. I like books, like this one, with smaller areas to color so I can hyperfocus on staying inside the lines and really get into a great flow.” —Vanni L., 27

“I like this book because it makes me laugh. At first glance, it’s one thing, but if you take a moment to actually read it, there’s more to it (all the cursing, like, “I’m a mutha fuckin’ narwhal”). It’s the little things, like this, that remind me why life is worth living. Also, coloring in this book brings me back to a child-like state of mind (minus the cursing).” —Jen C., 34

“Any coloring book with lines from Schitt’s Creek, like this one, brings me joy since the show brings me joy too. I can’t help but love coloring the quotes in.” —Ashley S., 41 

“I use coloring books in sessions with clients to support their nervous system regulation, increase mindfulness, and help them feel comfortable being vulnerable. My clients appreciate this coloring book from Chetna Mehta because the imagery encourages them to practice mindful self-compassion, which can be difficult to do on their own.” —Sofiya Kostareva, LMHC, REAT, expressive arts therapist

This coloring book, recommended by Wondermind reader Jojo F., 31, is filled with hilarious commentary you might have thought at work this week. There’s “Some people need a high five in the face with a chair” (relatable!!!) and “That idea is garbage” (relatable x 100). It’s the perfect way to let off some steam during that Zoom meeting that could have been an email.