9 Best Mindfulness Books in 2022 (Education Specialist-Reviewed)

Pros:

• 75 different exercises
• Book is well-organized and easy to navigate
• Some exercises are as short as five minutes
• Easy to read

Cons:

• Some exercises can be repetitive

This book focuses on the practical side of mindfulness instead of the theoretical. It has seventy-five exercises based on studies that are designed to help you find that much-needed inner calmness. 

Though some reviewers found the exercises to be very similar, only worded differently, others loved the practicality of the guide. The book's exercises are categorized by the emotions they address, so readers loved the easy navigation of it and recommend it for beginners to mindfulness and meditation.

Pros:

• Good introduction to mindfulness for beginners
• Many everyday metaphors
• Easy to read and understand
• Detailed guide to meditation

Cons:

• Too dry for some readers

This book was written as an introduction to mindfulness and meditation for anyone new to the practice. The author takes many theoretical and intangible ideas and explains them using clear, everyday metaphors. It also introduces the basics of meditation and how to meditate.

Most reviewers agree that this book is successful at explaining mindfulness in a way that beginners can understand. However, some did find the tone too dry and boring to finish the book. Overall, this is a great choice to enter the world of mindfulness with.

Pros:

• Well-structured mindfulness for a year
• Guided journal
• Unique daily writing exercises
• Each week is themed

Cons:

• Prompts can become repetitive
• No audiobook

This guided journal aims to take you through a mindfulness journey that will last an entire year. Each of the 52 weeks focuses on an aspect of mindfulness and has daily writing exercises. The quick activities aim to help people live on a moment-to-moment basis. 

Though some reviewers found the book to be quite wordy and a bit vague, others said the prompts and questions were thought-provoking. Many reviewers also noted that the journal is great for managing anxiety and depression since the activities really engage the mind. 

Pros:

• Introduction to mindfulness theory and exercises
• Can be read in short segments
• Many everyday applications
• Accessible for beginners
• Audiobook is narrated by the author

Cons:

• Too shallow and drawn out for some experienced meditators

This book takes readers on a journey of reaching a state of mindfulness and learning to apply it to daily aspects of life, with a particular focus on stress. It begins by introducing what mindfulness is before explaining meditation, while continually offering real-world applications and practical exercises.

Some reviewers didn't like the simplicity of the book, especially those that already have experience with mindfulness and have read other books. On the upside, many readers found the exercises to be life-changing and successful in helping them become more mindful of the present and reducing stress. 

Pros:

• Light-hearted, modern approach
• Variety of prompts and exercises
• Colorful pages with many illustrations
• Fun and humorous 

Cons:

• Contains a lot of profanity
• No audiobook

This mindfulness journal isn't for the faint of heart. Its straightforward language aims to help readers find freedom and joy. The affirmations and activities of the book are ideal for people who want to practice mindfulness but aren't interested in the spiritual or theoretical side.

It's important to note, though, that there is a large amount of profanity in this book. Some reviewers found the swear words to be a bit immature and not helpful at all with finding their zen. However, fans of the journal commended how engaging it is and that the witty tone makes it easier to complete the exercises.

Pros:

• Variety of exercises
• Suitable for the entire family
• Features many illustrations from Winnie the Pooh
• Heartwarming stories and text
• Audiobook is narrated by one of the authors

Cons: 

• Simplistic text and ideas

This book aims to teach you mindfulness through the stories and viewpoint of the beloved bear Winnie the Pooh. It takes a heartwarming and gentle approach to the topic and has illustrations of Pooh and friends throughout. As well as short stories, the book is full of exercises you can do throughout the day.

The author takes a beginner's approach to mindfulness and reviewers who are more used to the practice found this to be too basic. However, many readers praise this book for capturing the tone of the original Winnie the Pooh books and say they have been able to use the book with their entire family.

Pros:

• Focuses on finding and keeping joy
• Interesting stories from two highly influential people
• Suitable for the non-religious too
• Humorous yet thought-provoking conversations
• Audiobook partially narrated by one of the authors

Cons:

• More conversation than theory and exercises

This book has a different approach from any other on the list. It comes from conversations between the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu and is a mix of mindfulness, exercises, and stories. A key concept that this book covers is that in order to find joy, one must give it. 

Considering the history and background of both authors, though, some reviewers found themselves wishing for a deeper text. Some also found the book repetitive. However, many were impressed with how the book introduces self-help concepts in a totally new way. 

Pros:

• Can be opened and used from any page
• Pocket-sized
• Includes inspirational quotes and tips
• Easy to read

Cons:

• Doesn't go into great detail
• No audiobook

The small size of this book makes it ideal for mindfulness on the go. It is a combination of quotes, tips, meditations, and advice that can be used in any order. The result is a de-cluttered headspace that gives you back your focus. 

Though some readers found it to be ineffective at cultivating mindfulness unless you already have some experience, others raved about how convenient it is to carry around. Many also love that the book is an easy read and can be read whenever needed.

Pros:

• Good introduction to meditation
• Meditations can be done in only 10 minutes a day
• Interesting stories
• From the makers of the Headspace app
• Audiobook is narrated by the author

Cons:

• Can seem like an advert for the app

The Headspace app and Netflix show have bought meditation to a new audience and this book aims to do the same. It introduces meditation and is full of witty and interesting stories to keep you entertained as you read through the book.

For some readers, this book was lacking in any new information. As it is tied to the Headspace app, there are comments that the app was advertised too many times. However, many readers enjoyed the approach of the book and it was especially popular with users of the app.