Top Books, Podcasts, and Apps to Boost Your Mental Health and Well-Being

Mental Health Month is celebrated each year in the month of October in NSW. In today’s fast-paced world, prioritising mental health and well-being has never been more important.

Mental Health Month offers a valuable opportunity to recognise the importance of maintaining good mental health in our daily lives and encourages us to seek help when needed. Whether you’re looking to manage stress, boost mindfulness, or simply find balance in your daily routine, there are plenty of resources available to guide you. From inspiring books and insightful podcasts to wellness apps that offer daily support, these tools can help nurture your mental health and provide comfort and clarity in challenging times.

Here’s a list of suggestions that have been shared by our community of parents which can empower you on your journey to well-being and self-care.

Powerful books, podcasts and apps:-

Books:

1. The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle – A guide to mindfulness and staying present. Watch Eckhart Tolle speak here.
2. Atomic Habits by James Clear – Learn how to build habits that support mental clarity and wellness.
3. The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin – A year-long journey into understanding and pursuing happiness.
4. The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk – Explores how trauma impacts the body and mind, and paths to healing.
5. Untamed by Glennon Doyle – A bold memoir on reclaiming your power and living authentically.
6. The Myth of Normal by Dr. Gabor Maté – Examines how modern society fosters illness, challenging conventional ideas of health and offering a new perspective on healing and well-being.

Podcasts: Highlighted links

1. Unlocking Us with Brené Brown – Conversations that unlock the deeply human part of who we are, so that we can live, love, parent, and lead with a whole heart.
2. The Imperfects – interesting people who vulnerably share their own struggles and imperfections, or expertly pass on their wisdom on the subject of imperfection.
3. Primal Alternative Podcast – Join Primal Health Coach and Mum Helen Marshall as she delves into the health journeys of real people with real stories about real food.
4. On Purpose with Jay Shetty – Inspirational conversations on mental health, relationships, and self-growth.
5. The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos – Science-backed insights on what truly makes us happy.
6. Huberman Lab with Dr Andrew Huberman – Discusses science and science-based tools for everyday life.
7. Therapy Chat with Laura Reagan – A podcast focusing on trauma, mindfulness, and self-compassion.
8. The Mindful Kind by Rachael Kable – Tips on mindfulness, self-care, and stress management.
9. Feel Better, Live More with Dr. Rangan Chatterjee – Conversations on well-being, featuring experts across a range of health fields.

Apps: Highlighted links

1. FitMind – A great tool and meditation training programs.
2. Balance – Meditation app that adapts to you.
3. Headspace – A user-friendly app offering guided meditations, mindfulness practices, and sleep aids.
4. Calm – Features meditation, sleep stories, and soothing sounds to help reduce anxiety and improve sleep.
5. Insight Timer – Free meditation app with thousands of sessions led by mental health experts.
6. AbleTo – Offers programs, coping tools, and community support for managing stress, anxiety, and depression.
7. Moodfit – Helps track your mood, fitness, and mindfulness habits to optimize mental well-being.

These resources can guide you toward greater peace of mind and emotional balance. Start exploring and see what resonates with your journey!

If you are seeking out local services like relaxing massage, yoga, pilates and more please see our Fitness & Wellbeing directory here.