10 Best Self Help Books in the UK 2023 | Marie Kondo, Bill Bailey and More

We believe everyone should read this book. It is a simple and gentle guide to life, told through an emotional lens, with chapters on culture, relationships, work, others and 'self'. At once realistic and hopeful, this book allows us to think about everyday emotion in complex ways.

Reminding us that love can take a million different forms and that the person who identifies as 'bad' is probably much nicer than they think, this book makes a case for the now less-fashionable institution of marriage, but also tells us affairs aren't the scandalous kiss of death Hollywood would have us believe they are. A unique approach to emotions told with a lighthearted voice. 10/10.

Wim Hof is an absolute powerhouse of physical endurance and personal enlightenment. He is funny, joyful and convinced that through connection to our bodies we can unlock the untapped potential of our brains. Using breathwork, exploring the effects (and potential benefits) of stress, challenging our bodies to brave the cold; this book has it all!

Hof looks into alternative methods of healing, all with a sense of laughter and adventure. Unlike many of the other books on our list, this guide takes us beyond our offices, habits and daily routines into deep water, freezing temperatures and higher planes of consciousness through our breath. It really is a life-affirming and hugely inspiring read.

Pick this simple handbook for habit forming if you want to start making tiny, real changes that will open you up to a whole new life. As with many of the books on our list, this bestselling self-help volume has an autobiographical thread which helps to personalise its teachings.

James Clear and his family have fought through various types of personal trauma which are detailed with appealing simplicity in this book. The subsequent chapters are packed with graphs and diagrams demonstrating the importance of ditching goals and focusing on the process and the systems we have in place. Life-changing stuff. 

Push through pain and fight fear with this tough-thinking approach to mental health. David Goggins grew up dealing with a physically abusive father as well as racial prejudice. He then joined the US armed forces and has become one of the world's most celebrated athletes.

This book mixes memoir with powerful wisdom and advice on developing a bulletproof mindset. As well as inspiring through artfully-told anecdotes, it contains clear descriptions of how Goggins has used mental strength to achieve physical excellence and override doubt in favour of ambition. A huge confidence boost to those addicted to negative thinking.

This book is at once a memoir and a mental health bible, where pop star Frankie Bridge speaks candidly about her struggles with varied forms of anxiety and depression, fearlessly breaking taboos around medication and encouraging readers to embrace every kind of help available to them.

Her book is warm, funny and super easy to read. Just by talking about some of the conditions she has suffered – which many of us will have been experienced but are unsure how to articulate – Frankie inspires conversation about the issues we sometimes ignore or feel ashamed to share. 

If you find booze affects your life in negative ways, you may be looking for a self-help book which centers around reducing your alcohol intake. If that is the case, we think this could be just the ticket! It is full of advice on gradually cutting down and explains the benefits of doing so.

This book is divided into three sections; the problem, the incentive and the plan. It has clear, practical tips and advice on how to drink less alcohol, and explores the cultural trends and psychology behind our society's relationship with wine, beer and spirits. This really is a self-help guide to change your life.

Mari Kondo – the woman who introduced the world to the simple magic of tidying up – has collaborated with organisational psychologist Scott Sonenshein to bring us a new self-help guide. Quick to read and packed with actionable advice, this time she encourages readers to reflect on what 'sparks joy' for us at work. 

This book has quizzes and questions to prompt careful thought in useful directions. It will help you discover what it is you truly desire from your working life, ditch negative work habits, find a more harmonious balance to improve productivity, set clear goals and, of course, keep your workspace spick and span! 

We love this colourful book with its impactful mantras and striking illustrations because it is so accessible while also being clever and insightful. Another wonderful gift idea, this book makes a striking coffee table adornment and can be opened daily at random to inspire bold actions and immense self-love. 

The chapters are short and the points are bold; all illustrated with images of women and non-binary characters wearing statement accessories and clothing emblazoned with empowering messages. The book analyses and advises on identity, inclusion and diversity, romantic relationships, social media and friendships with a no-nonsense approach.

In his uplifting book, Bill Bailey shares pearls of straightforward wisdom through lively anecdotes, worded in the trademark quirky style of his stand-up comedy. He acknowledges the importance of catch-all mantras and sage life advice, but also stresses the mental health benefits of throwing out unwanted clothing and putting the lids back on jars.

We think this lighthearted guide to living more joyfully would serve as a great gift for anyone who squirms a little bit at the concept of 'self-help'. It is peppered with charming illustrations, many by Bailey himself. Unfortunately, it's not available on audiobook yet, but it shouldn't be too long before busy Bill finds the time to record his readings for eager-eared fans.

We really like this book which centers around the Korean concept of 'nunchi' which refers to an ability to read the room, use intuition and gauge how others are thinking and feeling to influence situations in our own favour. Everyone loves the idea of a superpower, and nunchi is just that.

Translating to English as 'eye-measure', this powerful technique is hailed as the reason for Korea's economic boom; an ability to assess what the world was asking for and to provide it. This book applies the theory of quiet observation to work, friendships and romance; a truly eye-opening read for anyone unaware of this fascinating approach to life.