Savor: Mindful Eating, Mindful Life
Thich Nhat Hanh
Savor offers a fresh look at mindfulness and the problem of obesity that is spreading across the globe. It is a guide to help us all reconnect with different aspects of our lives that together can improve our weight, our well-being, and the well-being of our world.
The Mind and the Brain
Jeffrey M. Schwartz
Explore the groundbreaking science of neuroplasticity and the power of the mind to shape the brain. Discover how mental force can influence brain chemistry and unlock new possibilities for treating mental disorders and understanding the connection between mind and matter.
The CBT Workbook for Mental Health
Simon Rego
A practical workbook offering simple exercises based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help readers change negative thought patterns, improve their mental health, and enhance their overall well-being. It covers topics like self-esteem, relationships, stress management, and more.
Alchemy
Rory Sutherland
"Alchemy: The Surprising Power of Ideas That Don’t Make Sense" by Rory Sutherland challenges the overreliance on conventional logic in favor of a more nuanced understanding of human behavior. Sutherland introduces the concept of 'alchemy' – the use of counter-intuitive, seemingly irrational solutions to solve problems. He argues that human behavior is often driven by 'psycho-logic' rather than pure rationality, and that relying solely on logic can lead to missed opportunities and flawed decisions. Through a blend of behavioral economics, psychology, and marketing principles, the book explores how 'magic' – counter-intuitive psychological solutions – can create immense value by changing perceptions rather than objective reality. It delves into the power of 'signalling' as a fundamental mechanism for building trust and the concept of 'subconscious hacking,' revealing how we can influence our own behavior and emotions indirectly. Readers will discover the limitations of traditional market research and economic theory, and learn to appreciate the value of counter-intuitive thinking in various fields. The book provides a framework for questioning conventional rationality, designing for individuality, and understanding the hidden motivations that drive human behavior. With endorsements from figures like Nassim Nicholas Taleb and Robert Cialdini, "Alchemy" promises to be an original, humorous, and insightful critique of conventional logic, offering a fresh perspective on decision-making and problem-solving.
Noise: A Flaw in Human Judgment
Daniel Kahneman
Discover the hidden flaw in human judgment that leads to errors in all walks of life. From medicine to criminal justice, insurance to finance, 'Noise' exposes the shocking extent of unwanted variability in professional judgments and offers practical solutions for reducing noise and improving decision-making in organizations and beyond.
219 Reasons to Rethink Your Daily Routine
Stuart Farrimond
Explore the science behind your daily habits and routines. This book answers everyday questions about your health, productivity, and well-being, offering practical advice to help you live your life to the fullest.
The Body Keeps the Score
Bessel van der Kolk
"The Body Keeps the Score" is a landmark work that revolutionized the understanding of trauma treatment. Written by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, one of the world’s leading experts on traumatic stress, the book challenges the traditional view that trauma is merely a "mental" problem best treated by talk therapy or medication alone. Van der Kolk presents decades of research to prove his central thesis: trauma literally reshapes both the body and the brain. It alters the brain's wiring—specifically areas dedicated to pleasure, engagement, control, and trust—leaving survivors stuck in a state of hypervigilance. The "rational brain" often cannot talk the "emotional brain" out of its panic because the body itself is holding onto the visceral memory of the event. Crucially, the book offers a hopeful roadmap for recovery. Van der Kolk argues that to heal, we must "re-own" our bodies. He explores innovative treatments that activate the brain's natural neuroplasticity, including neurofeedback, meditation, theater, and yoga. By moving beyond the "talking cure" to therapies that integrate the body, this book provides a compassionate, scientifically rigorous guide to reclaiming one's life.
The Extended Mind
Annie Murphy Paul
"The Extended Mind" is a transformative guide to cognition that shatters the age-old assumption that thinking happens only within the confines of our skulls. Science writer Annie Murphy Paul draws on cutting-edge research in neuroscience and psychology to argue that the brain is not an isolated computer, but a biological organ evolved to think with the world around it. Paul introduces the concept of "thinking outside the brain" through three key pillars: embodied cognition (thinking with our bodies, sensations, and gestures), situated cognition (thinking with the spaces and environments we inhabit), and distributed cognition (thinking through our relationships and social networks). The book critiques our modern obsession with "brainbound" productivity—forcing ourselves to sit still and stare at screens—and offers a liberating alternative. By intentionally managing our physical movements, workspaces, and social interactions, Paul shows how we can offload mental processing to the world around us. The Extended Mind provides a practical framework for anyone looking to harness these external resources to become smarter, more creative, and more resilient.