What should I read next? Book recommendations from Tess
Posted on January 8, 2026 by Tess Cheng
“Reading is essential for those who seek to rise above the ordinary.” -Jim Rohn
On your journey to better health, it helps to have a few tools in your toolbox to support you along the way. Reading at least once a day has been incredibly beneficial to me, I would highly recommend building this useful habit into your routine. Below, I’ll share 10 of my favorite books that you might consider adding to your library to keep you motivated and to increase your knowledge in health and wellness.
The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
If you’re trying to reach a goal, like losing weight or becoming healthier, you’ll need to establish good habits to achieve them. In The Power of Habit, you’ll find advice on how to ditch your old habits and incorporate new ones that’ll transform your life. First, the author explains how and why habits exist, then teaches readers how to create and implement habits to reach whatever goals they’ve set for themselves.
The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy
Individuals that desire more success and are looking for key principles to build momentum should read The Compound Effect. In his book, Darren explains how every choice we make has a compound effect, even our eating choices. If you add The Compound Effect to your repertoire, it’ll motivate you to become the best version of yourself. After all, there’s always room for improvement!
Eat to Beat Disease by William W. Li, MD
Many of the top public health issues out there can be prevented, alleviated, or eliminated by simply changing how we eat. In Eat to Beat Disease, Dr. Li shares several healthy foods you can add to your diet to support your body’s immune system. These science-backed strategies may transform the way you live.
Sleep Smarter by Shawn Stevenson
A lot of people don’t realize this, but sleep is extremely important. The old saying, “if you snooze, you lose.” isn’t as factual as we’d like to believe. Healthy sleep habits and quality sleep are essential to your wellbeing. Potential problems such as hypertension, diabetes, heart attack or stroke associated with chronic sleep deprivation cannot be underestimated. Sleep Smarter teaches you just how vital sleep is to your health and wellness!
Triggers by Marshall Goldsmith
Have you ever wondered why you react the way you do in certain situations? It turns out your reaction to things is based on your triggers, which the author explores in this book. If you don’t currently like how you respond in different situations and want to gain control of how you react, have better relationships, then this is the book for you. The author explains how to change your behavior and hold yourself accountable. He even provides an example of how a young individual has been able to lose weight and transform her life based on his principles in one of the chapters!
Atomic Habits by James Clear
In Atomic Habits, James Clear shows readers how to make time for new habits and overcome a lack of motivation and willpower. If you’ve ever tried to achieve any goal before, you’re familiar with how much willpower is required to make it happen and last. The strategies in this book will reshape how you implement new habits and limit distractions. You will also learn to focus on the system instead and design the environment to support your habits.
Mindfulness Meditation for Beginners by Dawn Mauricio
Strengthening your body is important, but it also helps to strengthen your mind. Meditation teaches individuals how to calm their minds and improve their awareness and concentration skills. Numerous studies have shown the power of meditation, I’d encourage you to add it to your daily routine with the aid of Mindfulness Meditation for Beginners.
Limitless by Jim Kwik
The world’s #1 brain coach, Jim Kwik, shares how the brain injury he sustained as a child led him to struggle in school in Limitless. However, he didn’t let that hold him back. His book shows you how to develop the mindset and motivation you need to reach your full potential. After reading this book, you’ll not only recognize how important brain health and good sleep are but also how to unlock the superpowers your brain already has inside.
Mindset by Carol S. Dweck, Ph.D.
How you feel about your current skills and abilities may dictate how you accomplish your current goals. If you desire to become a better and healthier you, it requires a mindset that enables you to succeed. In Mindset, Dr. Dweck uncovers the power of mindset and how it shapes how we learn and achieve in life.
Eat Smarter by Shawn Stevenson
Last but certainly not least is a book that reviews how nutrition plays a role in our health and wellness. For example, did you know that the right foods can improve your energy, mental performance, and overall health? In Eat Smarter, the author explores the complicated world of nutrition and health. It is well researched and easy to read. The book contains the information that will help you to become smarter, healthier, and happier.
