9 Books By Black Authors That Will Help Your Mind, Body, and Spirit

Sistah Girls, whenever people talk about getting their mind, body, and spirit right, it can feel a little overwhelming. What books do you read? What classes should you take? What new diet should you begin?

The rabbit hole can get deep fast, and before you know it, the very thing that was supposed to help you is now becoming a headache. I don’t believe there is just one singular book, activity, or food that can fix everything but I do believe that a combination of wellness practices can help your mind, body, and spirit.

This listicle is just that, a combination of books that will help you on your wellness journey. Some books are specifically for self-care while others are for mental health wellness and spirituality. After each book, I added a wellness practice that you can add to your toolbox.

365 Affirmations for Black Women: Ignite Your Voice, Shatter Barriers, Cultivate Radiant Self-Love & Unstoppable Confidence by Mia Harper

Imagine starting each day with a powerful affirmation that lights up your world, reminding you of the strength and beauty you possess. How would your life change if you were constantly fueled by words of empowerment, self-love, and unstoppable confidence? Affirmations have the power to transform our thoughts, uplift our spirits, and open our hearts to the endless possibilities before us. This book is your key to unlocking that power, offering a beacon of light to guide you through every day with grace and conviction.

Practice Gratitude and Reflection

An attitude of gratitude, helps you to reflect on the blessings in your life. This makes it easier to appreciate the moments of joy and beauty. Journaling is a great way to start, writing down daily reflections and affirmations.

Self Care for Black Women: A Powerful Mental Health Workbook to Quiet Your Inner Critic, Boost Self-Esteem, and Love Yourself (Self-Care for Black Women) by Layla Moon

Not only do these books provide you with useful knowledge and inspiration but also with a journal to record your self-care journey. Each book has been chosen with care to provide black women with a comprehensive picture of self-care, encompassing subjects like physical health, emotional health, mental well-being, and the importance of sisterhood and community.

Meditation

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo, if it’s good for the late Tina Turner, it’s good for me. Carve out a few minutes each day to quiet your mind and center your thoughts. Guided meditations are easy to find on YouTube or check out the Calm app. Meditation is known to reduce stress and calm the nervous system.

Exhale: A Self-Care Coloring Book | Celebrating Black Women, Brown Women, and Good Vibes by Latoya Nicole

This self-care coloring book provides 24 beautiful illustrations featuring motivational quotes and women reading, journaling, exercising, and putting themselves first. It will inspire you and introduce you to ideas that all of us need to practice mindfulness and self-care. Grab your colored pencils, markers, gel pens, and watercolors, and have fun taking time to finally EXHALE.

Unplug and Disconnect

It’s not just for the kids. Take breaks from screens and digital devices. Don’t answer those work emails, or look at that family calendar. Tap into the present moment recharge your mind and reconnect with yourself. Set aside dedicated time each day to unplug and decompress.

Power Moves: Ignite Your Confidence and Become a Force by Sarah Jakes Roberts

Power Moves will help you to qualify whether you’re living life authentically or if you’ve found a way to maintain the status quo. It will reveal the principles required to tap into the most powerful version of who you are, then lead you in how to introduce your authentic self to the world around you.

Connect with Community

You aren’t alone. Seek to cultivate a sense of belonging and support by connecting with other black mothers in your community. Join a support group, and attend a virtual or local meetup. Community connections can open new avenues that provide solidarity on your motherhood journey.

Cooking from the Spirit: Easy, Delicious, and Joyful Plant-Based Inspirations (A Feeding the Soul Book) by Tabitha Brown

Tab’s recipes are flexible, creative, and filled with encouragement, so you trust yourself to cook food the way it makes you happy. If you’re already a “cooking from the spirit” sort of person, you’ll love how much freedom Tab gives to make these delicious vegan dishes your own. If you’re newer to cooking—or to vegan cooking—Tab will help you get comfortable in the kitchen and, most importantly, have fun doing it!

Explore Creativity

Connect with your inner child. We are all creative, tap into your creative side. Release tension through painting, writing, dancing, or playing music. We tend to juggle many hats, we have to give ourselves the freedom to express ourselves and explore new ways to create joy and fulfillment in our lives.

The Garden Within: Where the War with Your Emotions Ends and Your Most Powerful Life Begins by Dr. Anita Phillips

In this game-changing book, trauma therapist and mental health expert Dr. Anita Phillips reveals how embracing emotion is the key to living your most powerful life. Just as gardens thrive in good ground, the abundant life you’ve been seeking can only be grown in the soil of your heart.

Mindful Movement

No, to an intense gym workout if that’s not your thing. Yes to moving your body with intention. Adding mindful movement practices into your daily routine can create a sense of calm and relaxation. So dancing like no one’s watching, yoga, or simply stretching your body is a great way to unwind after getting the kids to sleep.

Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen: Exploring the Emotional Lives of Black The Emotional Lives of Black Women by Inger Burnett-Zeigler

Dr. Burnett-Zeigler explains that the strong Black woman image does not take into account the urgency of Black women’s needs, which must be identified in order to lead abundant lives. It interferes with her relationships and ability to function day to day. Through mindfulness and compassionate self-care, the psychologist offers methods for establishing authentic strength from the inside out.

This informative guide to healing, is life-changing, showing Black women how to prioritize the self and find everyday joys in self-worth, as well as discover the fullness and beauty within both her strength and vulnerability.

You Grow, Gurl!: Plant Kween’s Guide to Growing Your Garden by Christopher Griffin

Self-care takes many forms and tending to your plants’ needs helps you grow too. In addition to information and advice on plant care, Kween provides meditations, mindfulness activities, playlists, and more to help you practice self-care through plant care. As Kween says, “We can learn a lot about how we treat ourselves, how we treat others, and how we navigate the world from these green lil creatures.”

Healing and growing your heart, body, and soul takes time, love, and focus. Taking care of plants teaches you to apply that same attention and love to yourself and helps you find new pathways to explore on your own botanical adventure to self-love.

Embrace Nature Therapy

Take advantage of the spring weather and spend time outdoors basking in the sun, taking in the fresh air, and grounding in nature. Whether it’s a walk in the park, a cute picnic with some close sistah girls, or having a cup of tea on your stoop, nature therapy can provide a calming positive effect on your mood.

Black Skin: The Definitive Skincare Guide by Dija Ayodele

Dija Ayodele takes you through the lifetime of skin, sharing transformative essentials from how to work out your skin
type to the dos and don’ts for your everyday routine. She explains the best ingredients for your skin and your budget, and the issues that Black women face: hyperpigmentation, general skin discoloration, and increased dryness.

Dija examines the concept of identity, looking at the way history has shaped how Black women express themselves in beauty and skincare, and debunks common myths and misconceptions: do darker skin tones need SPF? And is there any truth to the saying ‘Black don’t crack?’

Do something for just you

Get the massage, buy the flowers, and yes another candle. Treat yourself to things that nourish your body, mind, and soul. Prioritize and pamper yourself as you do others.

Sistah Girls, we have to make ourselves a priority. Remember that self-care isn’t selfish, it’s an act of self-love that empowers you to show up for yourself. We are bombarded with messaging that tells us to be strong and be super moms. By practicing self-care we are teaching our children how to slow down and love themselves. We should always pour into ourselves so we can pour into others.

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