This is a suggested list of books that helped me get through the difficulties of my PhD (and new ones added post-graduation). Some I found and some had been recommended by close friends. Enjoy and share the list if you find it helpful. I welcome comments or your thoughts after reading them as well!

1. The Now Habit

by Neil Fiore

This book shows how having work-life balance and guilt-free play will actually increase your productivity. It includes a range of good tools to help you manage your time and address core issues that are causing work avoidance.

2. Lost Connections

by Johann Hari

This book brilliantly describes what is missing in modern day life that contributes to depression.

3. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck

by Mark Manson

This book is funny and entertaining. It is a good introduction into personal accountability and living a value-based life.

4. The Confidence Code

By Katty Kay and Claire Shipman

I enjoyed this book because it addressed the unique causes for lack of confidence in women.

5. The Happiness Trap

by Russ Harris

This book addresses how to stop chasing happiness and focus on living a fulfilling life instead.

6. The Wisdom of the Enneagram

by Don Richard Riso and Russ Hudson

I recommend to first to read your enneagram type and then the enneagram types of the people in your life who you’d like to understand better (i.e. partners, bosses, parents, etc).

7. The Anatomy of Peace

by The Arbinger Institute

A fun read that outlines how to improve your conflict behavior and have better interactions with those who have different beliefs than you.

8. Emotional Success

by David Desteno

An academic approach to how positive emotions can accomplish goals, improve will-power and build better trusting relationships.

9. Unwinding Anxiety

by Judson Brewer

Written by an addiction researcher, this book provides a different approach to address anxiety. It also has an app by the same name if you want more guidance to following the program.