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Mind Your Mind with these 5 Great Books

It’s been a grueling 18 months or so, as we’ve collectively tried to come to terms with the pandemic and the many ways it’s affected our lives. Masks, home-schooling, social distancing, self-isolation... the list goes on! And though there’ve undoubtedly been physical repercussions (especially as many of us have missed out on regular activity due to working from home), the mental toll of Covid has been significant too. If you've been experiencing anxiety and would like to address it, there are some great Irish titles out now that will help you ‘mind your mind’. Here’s 5 of the best...


Comic Relief

Two authors taking a frank but very funny look at anxiety are Dermot Whelan and Caroline Foran. You might know the former as one half of TodayFM duo Dermot and Dave, but did you know that he’s also a qualified meditation teacher? In Mind Full, Dermot explains how readers can ‘unwreck their head and destress their life’ - sounds good to us! Caroline Foran meanwhile has just released her third book, Naked: Ten Truths to Change Your Life. Her distinctive, no-nonsense style will keep you chuckling as you discover what thoughts and beliefs are potentially holding you back from fulfilling your true potential. 

Unhealthy Habits

These next two titles explore heavier themes of addiction and sobriety, possibly striking a chord with anyone who’s found their reliance on alcohol or other substances has become unhealthy during lockdown. In The Accidental Soberista, Kate Gunn chronicles her journey to an alcohol-free life; from temporarily giving up booze in solidarity with her partner, to realising the amazing impact it had on her life. Brian Pennie’s debut, Bonus Time: A True Story of Surviving the Worst & Discovering the Magic of Every Day, is an inspirational story of overcoming adversity to find joy in life. For 15 years, Brian was addicted to heroin and didn’t think he’d ever be able to get clean. Today, he’s a mental health advocate and author who lectures at Dublin’s Trinity College. 

An Ode to Friendship

Finally, a gorgeous reminder of the power of human connection. Journalist Rosita Boland’s A Lifetime of Friendship is a collection of essays celebrating the people and things that have shaped her life. From the imaginary friend of childhood to the kindred spirits met while travelling the world, this book is a life-affirming ode to why we need each other now, more than ever. 

Visit our ReadersWanted hub for more recommendations, as well as interviews with renowned authors. Join in the conversation on social using #ReadersWanted.

 

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