Our Top 10 Relationship and Wellness Books to Start the New Year Right!
- Shaka Wood
- Dec 18, 2024
- 4 min read
As we enter a new year, many of us are seeking ways to heal, connect, and grow—both personally and in our relationships. At Elevated Vita, we believe that knowledge can be one of the most powerful tools for transformation. Whether you’re looking to deepen your understanding of yourself, your loved ones, or the relationships you cherish, these carefully curated books offer invaluable guidance.
Here are our Top 10 Favorite Relationship and Wellness Books to help you start the year with intention, healing, and connection:
1. The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work by Dr. John Gottman and Nan Silver
Why We Love It: Based on decades of research and clinical practice, Dr. Gottman’s principles provide a roadmap for creating and sustaining a healthy, long-term relationship. From understanding the dynamics of conflict to enhancing emotional intimacy, this book is foundational for anyone serious about improving their partnership.
Key Takeaway: Small, intentional changes can strengthen the bond between partners and lay the foundation for lasting love.
2. The State of Affairs: Rethinking Infidelity by Esther Perel
Why We Love It: Esther Perel, a renowned therapist and relationship expert, challenges the conventional understanding of infidelity. With compassion and nuance, she explores why people stray, how relationships can survive betrayal, and how we can redefine trust.
Key Takeaway: Betrayal can serve as a turning point for reinvention, growth, and deeper intimacy when approached with honesty and curiosity.
3. When the Body Says No: The Cost of Hidden Stress by Dr. Gabor Maté
Why We Love It: Dr. Gabor Maté expertly connects emotional stress to physical illness, exploring the mind-body connection with empathy and insight. For those seeking healing, this book highlights how unaddressed trauma and stress manifest in our bodies.
Key Takeaway: By learning to listen to our bodies and address unresolved emotional pain, we can reclaim our health and well-being.
4. Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment and How It Can Help You Find—and Keep—Love by Dr. Amir Levine and Rachel Heller
Why We Love It: This book breaks down the science of attachment styles (secure, anxious, and avoidant) and how they impact our relationships. Understanding your attachment style can help you create healthier, more fulfilling connections.
Key Takeaway: Self-awareness is key to recognizing patterns and building secure relationships.
5. Hold Me Tight: Seven Conversations for a Lifetime of Love by Dr. Sue Johnson
Why We Love It: As the creator of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Dr. Sue Johnson provides a practical, evidence-based guide for building emotional intimacy. Her “seven conversations” focus on creating trust, safety, and deep emotional bonds.
Key Takeaway: Vulnerability and open communication are the cornerstones of lasting love.
6. The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk
Why We Love It: This groundbreaking book explores how trauma impacts the brain and body and offers pathways for healing through body-based therapies. It’s an essential read for anyone working to overcome trauma or support others in their healing journey.
Key Takeaway: Healing from trauma requires a holistic approach that addresses both the mind and body.
7. Mating in Captivity: Unlocking Erotic Intelligence by Esther Perel
Why We Love It: In this modern classic, Esther Perel explores the paradox of intimacy and desire in long-term relationships. She offers fresh insights into maintaining passion and cultivating erotic connection.
Key Takeaway: Balancing intimacy and independence can reignite desire and connection in relationships.
8. Radical Acceptance: Embracing Your Life with the Heart of a Buddha by Tara Brach
Why We Love It: Tara Brach blends mindfulness, meditation, and self-compassion practices to help readers accept themselves fully. This book is ideal for anyone struggling with self-judgment or feeling “not enough.”
Key Takeaway: True healing begins when we offer ourselves kindness and embrace life as it is.
9. All About Love: New Visions by bell hooks
Why We Love It: bell hooks redefines what it means to love—from romantic partnerships to community and self-love. She blends personal reflections with cultural analysis to explore how love can be a transformative force.
Key Takeaway: Love is an action, not just a feeling, and it requires intentional practice.
10. Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself by Dr. Kristin Neff
Why We Love It: Dr. Kristin Neff’s research-backed guide teaches readers how to treat themselves with the same compassion they extend to others. It’s a must-read for anyone seeking to break free from self-criticism and cultivate inner strength.
Key Takeaway: Self-compassion is a powerful tool for resilience, healing, and growth.
Final Thoughts
Each of these books offers unique wisdom to support you on your journey toward a better life and deeper relationships. At Elevated Vita, we encourage you to approach the new year with openness, curiosity, and a commitment to your personal growth. Whether you’re healing old wounds, nurturing a relationship, or discovering yourself anew, these resources can help you create a more intentional and connected life.
Happy reading and happy healing!
Let us know which of these books resonates most with you, or share your personal favorites in the comments below. Together, let’s make this year one of growth, love, and wellness.
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