With most of us confined to our living spaces, ejected from our usual routines and trading our tailored trousers for sweatsuits (that part we’re not mad about), self-care is more important than ever. Social distancing has left us with hours to fill and a general sense of unease, so there’s no better time to catch up on the latest self-help books. The next time you’re craving a dose of motivation between binge sessions of Tiger King, crack open these inspiring reads that will help you spring clean your mind and figure out your next steps while you’re hunkering down at home.

Whether you’re a self-help devotee or merely improvement-curious, here are five of the best recent releases to crack open.

If you’re a boss-to-be who dreams of smashing glass ceilings

More Than Enough by Elaine Welteroth, $35, chapters.indigo.ca

The synopsis: In this part memoir, part self-help book, Elaine Welteroth shares her inspiring, boundary-breaking journey from her childhood as a mixed-raced girl in Newark, California, to her high-profile career as editor-in-chief of Teen Vogue in New York City.

Instagram-worthy quote: “Sometimes just being yourself is the radical act. When you occupy space in systems that weren’t built for you, your authenticity becomes your activism.”

Memorable takeaway: Black female leaders face numerous challenges their white peers don’t. The chapter “Lemonade” is an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at the challenges Welteroth faced while climbing the ranks at Condé Nast during her time at Teen Vogue, constantly having to prove herself and carve a path for others. “We set forth a mission to do more than just entertain; we created a platform that empowered, educated and amplified under-represented voices,” she says.

If you’re ready to dismiss your inner critic and start channelling Lizzo energy

Girl, Stop Apologizing by Rachel Hollis, $23, chapters.indigo.ca

The synopsis: As women, we’re told to be accommodating, carry the emotional weight of the family and apologize for taking up space. Author Rachel Hollis is here to change that. She starts by breaking down a list of common excuses and mindsets to let go of, like: “I can’t pursue my dream and still be a good mother/daughter/employee.”

Instagram-worthy quote: “Like many women, I’m still in the process of overcoming a lifetime of people-pleasing.”

Memorable takeaway: We need to stop asking for permission. “You’re allowed to tell people who you are and what you need instead of first asking if they’re all right with it. You’re allowed to simply exist without permissions or opinions or qualifiers.”

If you’re a self-help skeptic who wants to cut through the fluff

How To Be Fine by Jolenta Greenberg & Kristen Meinzer, $32, chapters.indigo.ca

The synopsis: Every two weeks, BFFs and hosts of the podcast By the Book, Greenberg and Meinzer follow the advice of a new self-help book — and tell us exactly what they learned. Their hilarious and heartwarming account is divided into three parts: things that worked (declutter, get off your phone, get outside), things that didn’t (meditate, wake up early, go on a diet) and things that they wished more books recommended (don’t let your virginity story define you).

Instagram-worthy quote: “If not for By the Book, I never would have penned that Amish romance novel I’d always joked about writing. I never would have travelled back to my past lives. And I’m not sure I would have had some of the difficult conversations I’ve had with my husband about our marriage,” writes Meinzer.

Memorable takeaway: Sometimes, the things you’re told will improve your life don’t actually work for you. “I hate meditating,” writes Meinzer. “As a woman of colour who also happens to be an abuse survivor, I’ve been told way too often in my life that being quiet and being still will make things better — when that absolutely has not been the case.”

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If you’ve been dreaming of pursuing your side hustle full-time

Don’t Keep Your Day Job by Cathy Heller, $38, chapters.indigo.ca

The synopsis: Quitting your 9-to-5 can seem like a terrifying thought, but author Cathy Heller — who hosts the podcast of the same name — will inspire you to turn your side project into a full-time gig. She interviews successful entrepreneurs about the ups and downs of starting your own business, like Jen Sincero, author of the bestselling self-help book, You Are a Badass.

Inspirational quote: “Success is how often you’re swimming in that joy of being alive. Success is the feeling that you’re on an adventure that’s going to continue evolving exactly as it should. Success is feeling purpose and being paid for it.”

Memorable takeaway: Rejection is redirection. So many of us are scared of failure and not being perfect at something right away, but the reality is, we’re the ones who get in our own way. Try your hand at calligraphy, record your own podcast, write the first chapter of your novel — the hardest part is getting started.

If you base all your daily activities on your Co-Star horoscope

The Astrological Guide to Self-Care by Constance Stellas, $27, chapters.indigo.ca

The synopsis: Espousing the idea that the stars can enhance your self-care routine, this astrology manual outlines more than 50 recommendations per sign for relaxation and rejuvenation, whether you’re an outgoing Leo (look into rosemary essential oil) or a passionate Scorpio (take a dip in a mud bath).

Instagram-worthy quote: “For air signs who love language and are often great problem-solvers, a crossword puzzle is a great way to exercise your mind.”

Memorable takeaway: We should pay more attention to our ruling planet(s), zodiac polarity (yin or yang signs) and governing element (fire, earth, water or air). For example, Aries is a yang, fire sign ruled by Mars, so for them, self-care is all about channelling their fiery spirit in healthy and healing ways.

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