In today’s world, we need mindfulness more than ever. Why? because we live in an age of constant distraction.

Thanks to technological advancements like smartphones, social media apps, binge-able Netflix shows, and highly addictive video games, humans seem to need this sort of stimulation in order to function.

As a result, many of us have lost the art of hitting the pause button on all the noise. Because TikTok reels and Instagram posts are constant distractions, mindfulness meditation is now a lost skill.

But what does mindfulness meditation achieve, anyway?

Mindfulness allows us to detach from the busy outside world and recenter our focus, so we can find peace within and get grounded. Through mindfulness, we can learn to be more tuned in to the present and to detach from judgment and transcend it. (That sounds like a pretty amazing skill if you ask me.)

That said, let’s check out some of the best mindfulness books to help you relax, refocus, and live a healthier, more present life.

“Practicing Mindfulness: 75 Essential Meditations to Reduce Stress, Improve Mental Health, and Find Peace in the Everyday”

Practicing Mindfulness is a highly effective book written by mindfulness expert Matthew Sokolov. Matthew knows what he’s talking about. Professionally, he served as a mindfulness meditation teacher at California’s Spirit Rock Meditation Center.

Throughout his career, Sokolov’s helped numerous people with addiction issues find their path toward healing with the help of mindfulness meditation. His patients gain mental clarity so they can tune out their spiraling thoughts which contributes to their ability to manage and overcome their addictions. Yes, this modality really is that effective.

This little book truly helps those who are struggling with their mental health so they can see the world through a more peaceful lens.

“Stop Overthinking: 23 Techniques to Relieve Stress, Stop Negative Spirals, Declutter Your Mind, and Focus on the Present (The Path to Calm)”

Nick Trenton’s Stop Overthinking is the ideal choice for those who identify as “overthinkers.” If you feel like that tiny voice in your head is constantly pointing out all the negativity in your life, and you just can’t tune out this dreaded mentation, this book can really break that pattern of thought.

Nick stresses how much mindfulness can transform your daily life so that you can grow from the biggest pessimist to a downright optimist. And truly, who wouldn’t want that?

“Think Like a Monk”

Jay Shetty is one of the hottest wellness podcasters out there. The “On Purpose” host is constantly on the move, interviewing celebrity guests from The Kardashians to Selena Gomez.

You’d think with his hectic schedule, he’d never take the time for mindfulness meditation. But believe it or not, the popular podcast host carries the mindfulness lessons he’s learned throughout his life wherever he goes.

In his book Think Like a Monk, Jay shares his firsthand experiences from his three years as a monk. That’s right. Despite his present fame and fortune, he once spent years without standard clothes a proper bed.

Shetty was willing to give up all his material possessions in exchange for an immersive Buddhist practice. He discovered that empathy, peace, mindfulness and love are the only paths to abundance and success. And thanks to his bestselling book, he reveals how we can practice the mindfulness techniques of monks — without giving up our blue jeans for a monk’s robe.

“The Little Book of Mindfulness: 10 Minutes a Day to Less Stress, More Peace”

Often, the people who most require mindfulness in their lives are those who have the least amount of time to do it. Hectic schedules, important business meetings, and personal obligations — all before 10 am — make it close to impossible to hit the pause button.

Busy individuals are often the least likely to sit down and get still, so they need For only 10 minutes a day, Dr. Patrizia Collard’s The Little Book of Mindfulness guides readers to a more soothing, peaceful path.

“Mindfulness Colouring Book”

Sometimes, the best way to lose yourself in mindfulness meditation is to stop reading about it and start doing it. Emma Farrarons’ Mindfulness Coloring Book is an excellent way to engage in mindfulness through Art Therapy.

Art therapy is a technique supported by psychologists that allows individuals to express their feelings through artistic outlets. In this case, people can revert to a simpler time in life when coloring flowers and animals was all they needed to feel content.

So what are you waiting for? Unleash your inner child, grab those crayons, and get to it!

“A Walk In The Wood: Meditations on Mindfulness with a Bear Named Pooh”

If you’re interested in “clearing the cobwebs from your mind,” as this book poetically suggests, this is the perfect one for you. A Walk In The Wood: Meditations on Mindfulness with a Bear Named Pooh is a fantastic pathway towards a clearer, more peaceful mind.

What makes this book different from the rest is that it is displayed in a narrative format. So you get lost in a story rather than reading a bunch of droning academic jargon. You can practice your meditations along with Pooh and experience a fresher, happier morning.

And don’t let the Pooh’s “childish” point of view fool you. Although this book is great for kids, it’s also quite engaging and informative for adults.

“10% Happier”

Dan Harris’#1 New York Times bestseller 10% Happier is the ideal book for all those mindfulness meditation doubters out there. There’s no denying there’s a massive amount of “non-believers” who think mindfulness is just a bunch of bunk. I mean, how can taking a couple of deep breaths while focusing on your surroundings solve any of your problems in the real world?

Dan Harris, a famous news anchor, was also a skeptic. He found the idea of mindfulness meditation utterly unbelievable. That is, until he suffered a panic attack while on live TV. Due to his constantly hectic schedule and never-ending deadlines, the stress piled up. Dan was forced to do something about his public breakdown.

So he went on a journey of self-discovery to learn how he could be happier — or, at the very least, 10% happier. All through the powers of mindfulness.

"Wherever You Go, There You Are"

Wherever You Go, There You Are is a powerful text written by one of the most foundational and influential figures in modern mindfulness teachings. Jon Kabat-Zinn is a key experts who brought the art of mindfulness into the Western zeitgeist.

A fantastic primer for both beginners and experts alike, this book teaches readers how to set aside time to tune inwards and gain a newfound appreciation for life’s smallest pleasures.

With mindfulness techniques, Jon Kabat-Zinn demonstrates how you can transform simple tasks like eating breakfast and walking the dog and make them profound. Who doesn’t want that?