Self help/mindfulness/self improvement/work positivity

[Hoolahoophop]

Any suggestions for excellent books to give me a kick up the backside, improve my productivity and generally create a more positive outlook.

I am burnt out, I have health issues, my kids have health issues, work is stressful and I am ineffective. On the surface I have everything, underneath I feel like I am clinging on by my fingertips and need to be more organized in life in general to get going again. I am in a management role, but not sure how at the moment. Self improvement, getting organized and being happy are on my wish list for 2026 and I would like some reading to help motivate me on my journey.

Thanks

Effortless or Essentialism by Greg McKeown are great

Find a way to play. Watercolour, doodles, netball, wreath making, growing a cutting flower garden, a photography course, styling your existing wardrobe etc. You don’t need to add another task on top of your very long list of stuff to do, find something silly, playful, that recharges you.
And get some counselling.

Agree with PP

It sound like what you need is more mindfulness, being able to switch off & self care.
Its no all woo.... Try 'the subtle art of not giving a fck' and 'everything is fcked' by Mark Manson.
You can listen to it as an audio book if you cant resist multitasking!

Just remember: The reason these books proliferate is that they don't much work.

Haha, not much love for the self help!

I may have come on a bit heavy with the angst in my opening post.

I started 2026 reading The Anxious Generation and got a lot from it. I guess I was hoping for something in a similar vein for looking at the pressures on adults and how to navigate them?

I have been relaxing with jigsaw puzzles and working in the garden when I have some spare time so am getting some down time.

Last year I found myself listening to audiobooks and reading at every opportunity to try to beat the previous years book tally. I read/listened to 80 books most of which were very easily digested and instantly forgotten.

I would like to be more mindful with my reading this year, and do less of it, spend more time on the morning commute (I walk) looking around rather than listening to another throw away novel.

Will check out Mark Manson and Gregg McKeown Thanks.