Add a little boost of joy, hope, and well-being to your life this spring season with one (or more) of these books.
With the fresh feeling of spring on my mind, I’ve sifted through recent releases and rounded up the ones I think you ought to know about. These are books that will meet you where you are and encourage growth, bring new perspective, and add more joy to your everyday. Books to boost happiness, you might say.
The pursuit of happiness doesn’t just wait for spring, though. If any of these call to you, pick them up no matter the season.
*All books in this list have been vetted by our medical team.
The weight of current events and valleys of life can too easily put us in a very serious mindset. At least, it does for me. But laughter can be cathartic, easing feelings of disconnection and powerlessness. It can increase connection, warmth, and joy, no matter what life throws at you.
Humor is a mindset that can change the way you perceive reality by addressing reality while shifting your relationship to it. Chris Duffy, host of the TED podcast “How to Be a Better Human” and professional comedian and TV writer, writes in “Humor Me” that it can “reverse-engineer despair into hope.”
“Humor Me” isn’t about how to tell jokes; it’s about how to strengthen your sense of humor. I’m happy to say I was laughing just a few pages in and instantly felt a weight lift from my shoulders.
I like taking a deep breath and opening this one to a random page each morning. The pastel rainbow of colors manages to be both energizing and calming.
Artist Marilyne Verschueren (aka @beamingdesign on Instagram) has collected some of her fan-favorite artwork in this book. But there are also dozens of new pieces. The visuals and guided practices help expand personal growth, inspire self-care and creativity, and reframe your thoughts in a more positive way.
This book is an activity and an eye-catching gift or beautiful display on your coffee table or desk.
If you ever feel like everyone else has it all together except you, this book is a reminder that’s not true. This book is relatable, humorous, and deeply encouraging. Jenny Lawson (aka the Bloggess) draws on her experience with depression, anxiety, ADHD, and self-doubt to share coping strategies and how to keep the creative fire going when you feel like hiding under a blanket.
I love the bite-size sections, illustrations (also by Janny Lawson), and honest AF wisdom throughout.
The Hero’s Journey may be popular with novelists working on their next project, but it’s also something you can use in your own life. This book explores self-discovery through the Hero’s Journey, meeting your inner storyteller, and mindset shifts to heal, transform, and express your true self. Hello, main character energy!
If you want more moments of creativity in your life and are interested in sketching, but find the idea of a blank sketchbook intimidating, this is for you. This sketchbook gently guides you through a routine sketch practice. It can help you practice the art of noticing and engage with your surroundings.
Some pages are blank, but others have prompts. It encourages you to let go of perfection and embrace how sketching can help you discover new things.
This one’s for you if you love healing fiction and Japan. Samuel receives a few mysterious postcards from Japan, and after his girlfriend breaks up with him, he decides to travel all the way to Japan to see if he can find out who sent them.
This one was a bit lighter and more humorous than other Japanese healing fiction I’ve read (CW: There is a character who deals with suicidal thoughts). Bonus points for its cheery spring cover and sprayed edges to enjoy long after you’ve finished the story.
Organized into 52 sections and 4 seasons means you can journey with this book for a year of mindful moments to bring hope and joy. But you don’t have to wait for a certain season to start, and you can flip to whichever section you like, whenever you like.
Poet David Larbi has sprinkled poems, meditations, and journal prompts throughout to help you build a habit of noticing life’s little pleasures.
Ever wondered about the power of cold water therapy? In “Cold Joy,” Libby Delana explores what a daily cold-plunging practice taught her — a combination of physical, mental, and spiritual benefits. This book is both a memoir and an instruction guide. Get your neoprene booties ready and jump in.
With a mix of information and practical strategies, this slim but nourishing volume focuses on helping you to build a well of inner resources through connection, flexibility, perseverance, self-regulation, positivity, and self-care. I appreciate the easy-to-follow “resilience practice” sections at the end of each section and key takeaways at the end of each chapter.
Spring is a popular season for decluttering for a reason. More sunlight and warmer weather are natural motivators to refresh your home after winter.
Written by Japan’s pioneering decluttering expert, Danshari isn’t just about clearing clutter from your closet and that kitchen drawer you’ve been avoiding. It’s also about clearing away limiting beliefs, negative thoughts, and self-criticism. You may find yourself feeling lighter in addition to having a calmer home.
Most of us are familiar with how our mind can influence our state of being, but the body can also influence the mind. It’s much more of a partnership than we may realize. Feelings like happiness and joy can emanate from our bodies as well as our minds.
Kaplan uses storytelling and the latest research to show how you can use your body (and your physical environment) to improve mood and increase happiness, and how it actually works.
The body-brain connection is fascinating, and I found the chapter “Why Wine Tastes Better in Paris” to be particularly interesting.
You may have seen this cute little penguin on social media. Whether you’re already a fan or just discovering Japan’s Positive Penguin, this book makes an adorable refuge of encouragement and calm. It’s also highly giftable. Open to a random page each day and get a dose of positivity.
Behind Healthline Reads
Naomi Wilde is a Healthline editor focused on books, wellness, and mental health. She’s been reviewing books for close to 20 years. She also writes fantasy books. You can find her (and her cats) on bookstagram: @avioletlife.