Top Mindfulness Books for Breaking Habits & Building Mental Resilience

1. The Craving Mind: Understanding Addiction & Mindfulness

Judson Brewer (Yale University Press)
Key Takeaways:
- Explains the brain's habit loop (trigger-behavior-reward)
- How mindfulness breaks addictive patterns (smoking, phone use)
- Science-backed methods to rewire cravings

Why Read It? Brewer, a psychiatrist and mindfulness researcher, reveals why we're wired to crave and how to harness awareness for lasting change.

2. Dancing in the Rain: Mindfulness for Educators

Jerome T. Murphy (Orca Book Publishers)
Core Themes:
- Compassionate leadership in education
- Managing stress with mindful self-awareness
- Embracing challenges metaphorically as "dancing in the rain"

Best For: Teachers and administrators seeking resilience tools.

3. The Mystery of Sleep: Science-Backed Rest Solutions

Meir Kryger, MD (Yale University Press)
What’s Inside:
- Sleep disorders and their root causes
- How circadian rhythms affect health
- Age-specific sleep requirements

Key Benefit: A comprehensive guide to diagnosing and fixing sleep issues.

4. Grit: The Psychology of Perseverance

Angela Duckworth (HarperCollins)
Defining Traits of Grit:
- Passion + long-term perseverance
- Resilience through failure
- Actionable strategies to cultivate grit

Pro Tip: Duckworth’s research shows grit outpredicts talent for success.

5. Mindful Games for Kids & Families

Susan Kaiser Greenland (Shambhala)
Activities Include:
- 60 mindfulness exercises for focus/calm
- Teaches emotional regulation
- Builds compassion & connection

Perfect For: Parents, therapists, and educators of children/teens.

6. Unplug: Meditation for Beginners

Suze Yalof Schwartz (Harmony Books)
Highlights:
- Simple meditation techniques for skeptics
- Designed for busy lifestyles
- No spiritual jargon—just practical steps

Ideal Reader: High-achievers needing stress relief.

Bonus: Mindfulness Podcast Episodes

Quirks & Quarks – "The Science of Mindfulness" (analyzes research)
On Being – Maria Popova on "Curating Identity"
Love + Radio – "No Bad News" (digital detox case study)

Source: Originally featured in Mindful magazine (April 2017).

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Top Books on Mindfulness, Habits & Mental Wellness