15 Great Books to Help You Relax and De-Stress

Part memoir, part historical account of a long-gone era in New York history, Stern’s bold work is told with insight and humor, charting a bohemian West Village childhood fractured by anxiety and set against the famous abduction case of Etan Patz, one of Stern’s neighbors. Over 400 pages, Stern expertly details the dual childhood feelings of wonder and fear and how, as an adult, she was able to rise above her “little panic” to thrive. It might just bring you some comfort to read if you, too, suffer from anxiety.

To buy: $13, amazon.com.

Studies have shown that meditation can help with everything from easing anxiety to improving body image, so isn’t it time we all made a conscious effort to just sit? That’s the main idea behind this self-help book for skeptics by sisters-in-law Sukey and Elizabeth Novograd, co-founders of newsletter The Well Daily. This easy-to-access, lushly illustrated meditation guidebook will help you build a practice, calm your inner critic, and block out external stressors.

To buy: $21, amazon.com.

Who couldn’t use a little escapism? This fascinating new book from award-winning photographer, critic, and educator Paul Lowe presents a carefully curated selection of the greatest still images of all time, from the historically significant to the utterly mind-boggling. Taken by a mix of top global photographers, and featuring works from 1850-today, this “daguerreotype to digital” educational resource not only provides a visual feast, but a compelling way to put history into context.

To buy: $29, amazon.com.

What if you could escape your journalist worries and stress by rewiring your mind? In this provocative bestseller from Michael Pollan (The Omnivore's Dilemma) offers a fascinating (literal) trip through the world of psychedelics, spirituality, and mental health. Pollan takes us deep into the world of psychedelics, exploring the powerful healing potential of these compounds and, in the process, offers a riveting journey through American history.

To buy: $13, amazon.com.

From Jeralyn Gerba and Pavia Rosati, founders of the popular website and newsletter Fathom, comes this handy guide to keeping your cool while jet setting to the world’s most unique and awe-inspiring destinations. The guide offers insights into visiting the best cities, food spots and, of course, beaches. This is the perfect gift for yourself or anyone fantasizing about a splashy getaway.

To buy: $14, amazon.com.

Just in time for summer, the master of wry family humor and scathing insights delivers one of his best books yet, detailing his thoughts and musings on aging, home ownership and the South in the kind of laugh-out-loud-in-public writing only Sedaris can provide. Dubbed “the anti-beach, beach book”, we can’t imagine a better way to unwind than by peeking into Sedaris’ singularly eccentric mind.

To buy: $12; amazon.com.

RELATED: 25 Funny Books That Will Crack You Up from Beginning to End

Based in part on her 20-something years researching lion packs in Africa, Delia Owen’s immersive bestselling debut tells the story of Kya Clark, the wild “Marsh Girl” of North Carolina, whose remote upbringing has made her at home in the natural world but foreign to the human one. This is a beautiful and devastating coming-of-age story with a mystery at its center.

To buy: $16, amazon.com.

Though it looks like an overstuffed scrapbook, this book is very calming for those who like to doodle or draw. There are illustrations and inspiring quotes, short essays, and journal pages—plus mini notebooks, collaging projects, tear-out cards, stickers, and other surprise bonuses for crafty people. It’s a one-of-a-kind gift for a friend, or yourself.

To buy: $14; amazon.com.

We already know our four-legged friends are the perfect company when we need to de-stress, but sometimes we can’t have them nearby. For those times, flip through this gorgeous photo book from Instagram sensation, @thedogist. Each portrait of a sweet dog will be sure to turn around a difficult day.

To buy: $17; amazon.com.

This collection of the Pulitzer Prize-winning poet’s work features more than 200 works published since 1963. Many of the poems in this book beautifully describe nature and the seasons, uplifting longtime fans and new readers alike.

To buy: $18; amazon.com.

This heartwarming memoir from noted food writer Ruth Reichl brings readers into the kitchens of her childhood, where her love of cooking and eating began. From cooking at home with her mother to eating her first soufflé, each delicious story will make readers laugh. Warning: Your stomach may grumble.

To buy: $14; amazon.com.

In this stunning coffee table book, photographer Gray Malin captures beaches across six continents and 20 cities—from the Amalfi Coast to Santa Monica. The photographs—taken from above from helicopters—are a colorful, fun visual escape for those times when you can’t hop on a plane to the nearest tropical locale.

To buy: $26; amazon.com.

After two decades of living in Britain, Bryson enlists a friend to join him in hiking the 2,100-mile-long Appalachian Trail. This classic travel tale hilariously recounts his journey and the trail’s history, capturing the tranquility and beauty of the trail and lakes along the way.

To buy: $12; amazon.com.

Feeling like we need to have the best things and out-spend our friends and family can be exhausting. When you grow tired of the rat race and want to return to simplicity, open this book and read about how the author’s decision to purge his belongings helped him find freedom and focus. His simple, practical tips will help you free yourself from the things weighing you down, too.

To buy: $15; amazon.com.

In Deep Listening, Pransky, a popular yoga teacher, shares her 10-step “Calm Body, Clear Mind, Open Heart” program to help them listen to their bodies and relax. This book includes journal prompts, meditation practices (you’ll love them if you’re a fan of Real Simple’s brief meditation column every month), and yoga poses.

To buy: $14; amazon.com.