At Friday Health, we aim to empower our patients to live long and healthy lives by providing holistic medical care. While we love to provide our patients with acupuncture, regenerative injection therapy, and IV nutrient therapy, these services are limited to the time we have with you in the office. Thus, this year we wanted to provide our patients with a list of books to empower you to reach your health goals, be it improving mental health and cognition, healing from trauma, or increasing longevity.
Reading Guide
Atomic Habits
By James Clear
This transformative guide explores the power of small, consistent changes to build lasting habits. Clear outlines practical strategies for breaking bad habits and forming good ones by focusing on systems rather than goals. From eating nutritious meals to exercising regularly, this book helps readers understand how to make sustainable changes that improve mental and physical well-being.
The Brain That Changes Itself
By Norman Doidge
The Brain That Changes Itself explores the concept of neuroplasticity, illustrating how the brain can adapt, heal, and even rewire itself in response to new experiences or injury and trauma. Through real-life stories, this book demonstrates the brain’s potential for transformation and provides the reader with a deeper understanding of how mindfulness practices and therapy can improve mental health and cognition. This is the perfect book for anyone seeking to overcome neurological challenges, chronic pain, or mental health issues.
Outlive; The Science & Art of Longevity
by Peter Attia, MD
Outlive provides a comprehensive look at the science behind living a longer, healthier life by delving into chronic disease prevention, physical performance optimization, and prioritization of quality of life in later years. This book equips readers with actionable advice on exercise, nutrition, and mental health practices that enhance longevity. If you are seeking a roadmap for proactive healthcare to achieve peak wellness throughout life, this is the book for you!
The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma
By Bessel van der Kolk
In The Body Keeps the Score, Renowned trauma expert, Dr. van der Kolk, explains how trauma impacts the brain and body, offering insights into recovery through innovative therapies such as EMDR, yoga, and somatic experiences. This book provides practical insights for overcoming trauma and building resilience by providing the reader with an in-depth understanding of the mind-body connection.
Come as You Are
By Emily Nagoski
Emily Nagoski’s Come As You Are redefines female sexuality, highlighting that every woman’s sexual experience is unique. Drawing on science and decades of clinical experience, Nagoski explains how factors like stress, body image, and emotional context impact desire and arousal. She introduces concepts like “brakes and accelerators” to help readers understand their responses and foster healthier, more satisfying intimacy. By promoting body acceptance, reducing stress, and improving communication, this book supports emotional well-being and helps individuals build healthier relationships, contributing to overall mental and physical health.
Mating in Captivity
By Esther Perell
In Mating in Captivity, renowned psychotherapist Esther Perel explores the paradox between desire and intimacy in long-term relationships. She challenges the common belief that emotional closeness and sexual passion always go hand-in-hand, arguing that too much familiarity can diminish desire. Through case studies and psychological insights, Perel provides practical tools to reignite passion while maintaining emotional connection. This book is the perfect guide to nurturing both emotional and physical intimacy. Perel’s insights help readers navigate relationship dynamics, reduce stress related to intimacy struggles, and build healthier connections, which can have profound effects on emotional and mental health.
Revenge of the Tipping Point
By Malcom Gladwell
In this follow-up to The Tipping Point, Malcolm Gladwell explores how small changes can spark unintended, often negative, societal consequences. Using examples like the opioid crisis and systemic fraud, Gladwell examines how small shifts—when unchecked—can escalate into larger issues. This book sheds light on the societal “tipping points” that drive health crises and systemic failures, empowering readers to foster healthier communities.
We hope this reading guide serves as a valuable resource to help you reach your health goals and live a fuller, healthier life. Happy reading, and here’s to a transformative year of growth, healing, and empowerment!
Disclaimer: The content provided on this blog is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. While we strive to present accurate and up-to-date information, the field of naturopathic medicine is continually evolving, and individual health circumstances vary. Therefore, the information herein may not apply to your specific health situation.
Please be aware that engaging with this blog does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. For personalized medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment plans, we recommend scheduling a consultation with a qualified naturopathic physician or other licensed healthcare provider.
In the event of a medical emergency, contact emergency services immediately.