Last Updated on September 9, 2023 by Lori
Reading books about happiness can – surprise! – make you feel happier. Learn how to choose the right book – for you or as a gift – and why reading about happiness can influence your positive mindset.
Books about happiness and positivity can teach you new information – or familiar information from a new perspective. They can inspire you and educate you. They build self-awareness and positivity that you can take and use in your everyday life.
Scroll down to see my list of the 25 absolutely best books about happiness!
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What are the benefits of reading books about happiness?
Here are some benefits you’ll gain:
They offer you a new perspective
Reading books about happiness can help you see the world in a new light.
You may learn about different ways of thinking or living that you never considered before.
You will learn new strategies for increasing your own happiness
Happiness is something that can be cultivated and developed over time.
By reading books about happiness, you can learn new methods and techniques for increasing your own happiness.
Your mental health will improve
Research has shown that reading can have a positive impact on mental health.
Reading books about happiness can help you feel more positive, motivated, and inspired.
They will help you connect with others
Reading about other people’s experiences with happiness can help you feel less alone in your own struggles.
It can also help you connect with others who share your interests.
Overall, reading books about happiness can be a great way to improve your well-being and gain a deeper understanding of what makes life worth living.
Can reading books about happiness really make you happier?
Reading books about happiness can definitely help you become happier.
Here are some ways they will impact you:
They can provide inspiration and motivation
Books about happiness can inspire and motivate you to make positive changes in your life. They can offer new perspectives and ideas that you may not have considered before.
They can offer practical advice
Many books about happiness offer practical advice and strategies for improving your well-being. These tips can help you cultivate positive habits and behaviors that can lead to greater happiness.
They can help you develop a growth mindset
Books about happiness often emphasize the importance of having a growth mindset, which involves believing that your abilities and intelligence can be developed over time. This mindset can help you overcome obstacles and challenges and can lead to greater happiness and success.
They can help you feel less alone
Reading books about happiness can help you feel less alone in your struggles. They can offer stories and examples of other people who have overcome adversity and found happiness. These stories can be inspiring and uplifting.
Reading books about happiness can be a great way to improve your well-being and become happier.
However, it’s important to remember that happiness is a journey and not a destination. There is no one-size-fits-all solution for everyone.
How can you choose the right book about happiness for your needs?
Choosing the right book about happiness can be a personal decision, as everyone’s needs and interests differ.
Here are some tips to help you choose the right book about happiness for your needs:
- Consider your goals: Are you looking for practical advice or inspiration? Do you want to learn about specific strategies or techniques for improving your well-being?
- Read reviews: Look for reviews that mention the author’s writing style, the book’s overall message, and the practical advice or strategies offered.
- Look for an author with expertise: Look for authors who have published research or have experience working with individuals to improve their well-being.
- Consider the format: Some books about happiness are written as memoirs or personal stories, while others are more research-focused.
Do books about happiness Make good gifts?
Happiness is a universal goal.
If you find a book about happiness that you love, chances are that others will enjoy it, too. So, pass that book around your inner circle, or better yet – give someone their own copy to enjoy!
Why are these books great gifts?
- They show you care about the recipient’s happiness and well-being.
- Books about happiness can be incredibly inspiring and encouraging.
- You can choose one that is tailored to the recipient’s interests and needs.
- They can be enjoyed over and over again whenever a little inspiration or guidance is needed.
25 Best books about happiness
Here are 25 inspiring books about happiness and positivity that you will love reading and sharing:
- “The Happiness Project” by Gretchen Rubin. A memoir and self-help book. It explores the author’s year-long journey to discover what makes her happy.
- “The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living” by the Dalai Lama and Howard C. Cutler . Combines Eastern philosophy with Western psychology to provide practical advice on how to achieve happiness.
- Eckhart Tolle’s “The Power of Now”. Teaches readers how to live in the present moment and find happiness and peace within themselves.
- “The Book of Joy” by Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu. A conversation between two spiritual leaders. It focuses on the nature of joy and how to cultivate it in our lives.
- “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho. This novel tells the story of a shepherd boy on a journey to discover his purpose in life.
- “Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear” by Elizabeth Gilbert. Encourages readers to embrace their creativity and pursue their passions. In turn, this will lead to a more fulfilling and joyful life.
- “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz. Four principles for living a happy and fulfilling life. Based on ancient Toltec wisdom.
- Meik Wiking’s “The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living”. The Danish concept of hygge, which promotes coziness, comfort, and contentment as a path to happiness.
- “The Joy of Living” by Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche. Combines Buddhist teachings with scientific research. A practical guide to finding happiness and inner peace.
- “The Gifts of Imperfection” by Brené Brown. Encourages readers to embrace their imperfections and cultivate self-compassion, leading to a more joyful, authentic life.
- Russ Harris’ “The Happiness Trap: How to Stop Struggling and Start Living: A Guide to ACT” . Insights and techniques of ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy). ACT is a revolutionary new psychotherapy based on cutting-edge research.
- “The How of Happiness: A New Approach to Getting the Life You Want” by Sonja Lyubomirsky. An easy-to-use workbook. Incorporates happiness strategies, exercises, new ways of thinking, and quizzes for understanding our individuality.
- ” The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For?” by Rick Warren. Far more than just a book; it’s the road map for your spiritual journey. A journey that will transform your life.
- “Stumbling on Happiness” by Daniel Gilbert . Harvard Psychologist Gilbert reveals what scientists have discovered about the uniquely human ability to imagine the future. He explores our capacity to predict how much we will like it when we get there.
- “The Happiness Advantage: How a Positive Brain Fuels Success in Work and Life” by Shawn Achor. How to rewire our brains for positivity and optimism to reap the happiness advantage in our lives, our careers, and even our health.
- “Resilient: How to Grow an Unshakable Core of Calm, Strength, and Happiness” by Rick Hanson . How to develop twelve vital inner strengths hardwired into your own nervous system. Learn to feel less stressed, pursue opportunities with confidence, and stay calm and centered in the face of adversity.
- “The Gift Of An Ordinary Day: A Mother’s Memoir” by Katrina Kenison. A story of mid-life longings and discoveries, of lessons learned in the search for home and a new sense of purpose, holding on, letting go.
- “This is Happiness” by Niall Williams. An intricately observed portrait of a small, isolated community. Idiosyncrasies, and traditions, paradoxes and inanities, failures and triumphs.
- “Authentic Happiness: Using the New Positive Psychology to Realize Your Potential for Lasting Fulfillment” by Martin E.P. Seligman. Authentic happiness is achieved when an individual is able to use their personal strengths to improve every area of their life.
- “The Happiness Hypothesis: Finding Modern Truth in Ancient Wisdom” by Jonathan Haidt. Addresses the grand question “How can I live a meaningful life?”. Offers an original answer that draws on the rich inspiration of both philosophy and science.
- “Gifts From The Sea” by Anne Morrow Lindbergh. A classic book with meditations that guide us to find space for contemplation and creativity in our own lives.
- “Happier at Home” by Gretchen Rubin. An instruction manual to transform your home into a castle of happiness. Figuring out what needs to be changed, and what needs to stay the same.
- “The Power of Positive Thinking” by Norman Vincent Peale. Another classic text that will teach you how to believe in yourself, break the habit of worrying, and take control of your life by mastering your thoughts and changing your attitude.
- “The Happiness of Pursuit” by Chris Guillebeau. The author wrote this book after visiting every country in the world. He encourages you to take control of your life by going on a quest. Fill your life with meaning, purpose, and a whole lot of adventure.
- “10% Happier” by Dan Harris. After having a panic attack on live television, the author thoroughly investigated mindfulness. He reported on useful ways even skeptics can embrace it to be happier.
Read More:
- How to Be Happy: 10 Secrets to Living Life on the Sunny Side
- 7 Essential Habits to Build a Healthy, Happy Life
- Mindfulness May Be the Secret to Happiness
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