The term wellness takes on a different meaning for everyone. Of course, it can mean going to your doctor, taking certain medications and supplements after visiting said doctor, getting the right tests done to make sure everything is working correctly, eating well, and exercising regularly. It can also mean taking care of yourself mentally, whether it's seeing a therapist, taking some time for yourself, or just doing something that relaxes you (whether it's big or small). While there is no one-size-fits-all interpretation, I think we can all agree that wellness, in the vaguest, most general sense, is about taking care of yourself, both mentally and physically, in whatever way works for you.
One path you can explore is alternative or unconventional wellness—forms of wellness that are more spiritual or rituals or methods that are done for the betterment of body and mind. That can be methods such as astrology, human design, meditation, feng shui, and more. While these forms of wellness might not be talked about as often in the mainstream, for many people, they provide benefits and guidance, and we've been exploring those benefits lately on THE/THIRTY.
Want to know more about these forms of wellness? Or maybe you're already well-versed in these topics. Or maybe you're skeptical about it all. In the spirit of exploration, we rounded up a list of books for reference and learning—some are personal favorites, while others are top-rated reads. Take a look below to discover what forms of wellness might be helpful for you in your life.
A lot of people use astrology to navigate all parts of their lives, from their careers to their relationships. For many, astrology can provide some insight and introspection. Well-known on Twitter for their short and unique horoscope musings, the Astro Poets have a new book that will be a resource for both those who are new to astrology and those who ask for someone's birth date and time on a first date.
This book debuts on October 29, 2019.
Like astrology, human design takes into account your birth date, time, and place to give you your unique design, of which there are over two billion types or configurations. Your own specific human design is your "manual," or guide, for how to go about your life—how you react to situations, make decisions, and communicate and how you can embrace those qualities to be successful in life. For the ins and outs of human design, you can read the book written by the man who founded it, Ra Uru Hu.
Essential oils can be used in many health and self-care rituals, whether you're looking to relax, relieve cold symptoms, or reduce acne scars. This new book by the co-founder of the popular essential oil brand Vitruvi, Sara Panton, shows you how you can incorporate the oils into your routine. Panton shares recipes for mixing oils to create self-care essentials like face masks and scrubs. You'll also find suggestions for rituals and tips to help you relax, sleep better, and feel more energized.
This book debuts on October 15, 2019.
Want to incorporate more mindfulness rituals into your own life? This book gives you plenty of ideas for meditation, aromatherapy, astrology, crystals, tarot, and more. It also gives background on some ancient spiritual practices so you can better understand the history and beliefs of each.
You might think of a neon sign and a crystal ball when you think of tarot, but that's just a stereotype. In her new book, Minerva Siegel explains how you can use tarot cards as a form of self-care by using the wisdom of readings and rituals to connect and learn more about yourself. You won't find any predictions for your imminent doom here—just how to get in touch with your subconscious.
The healing properties of crystals have been buzzed about the past couple of years, but it's not just a trend; it's been a practice for many for a long time. This book is a crash course in crystals—author Yulia Van Doren shares the properties and powers behind 51 crystals and how you can use them in your daily life, whether it's to turn off negative energy or create a more balanced space at home.
Some people believe that everyone has centers of energy within them called chakras. When you learn to harness or heal them, you'll be able to improve your emotional and physical well-being. This book provides different techniques to heal your chakras, whether it's by meditating, using essential oils, or practicing yoga.
Meditation can provide so many benefits as a form of self-care—the biggest being stress-relief. Many who practice meditation say they feel more centered, balanced, and happier. This book gives you over 3000 tips and mantras for incorporating meditation into your everyday life. And with its portable size, you can tuck it into your tote if you want a minute of stillness during your busy day.
Some believe that dreams are the key to our subconscious, and some research found that dreams can affect our mental health and also might inform our decision-making. If you are apt to believe this, then you might believe that you're able to learn more about yourself and the inner workings of your mind through dreams. This card deck of the 60 most common dreams might give you more insight into what your subconscious is telling you.
Ayurveda is an ancient Indian medical system based on a natural and holistic approach to physical and mental health, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. There are many books out there about Ayurvedic medicine and diets, but this book looks at the rituals and practices you can do for healing. Some exercises include yogic breathing, meditations, and journaling prompts.
Feng shui is an ancient Chinese practice centered on the belief that a space must be configured in a certain way to have harmony and a balance of energy. This book gives tips on how to design and decorate your space for your health, based on the main philosophies and beliefs of feng shui. It also includes advice on how to achieve inner balance and maintain healthy relationships.
Smudging has been a ritual for Native Americans for ages—used to rid negative energy and imbalance. This book provides techniques and rituals to promote the ancient practice in your own home or environment.
Journaling is another wellness and self-care practice that can benefit your mental health. Irreverent and humorous, this book takes a unique approach to the self-care routine. There are positive affirmations, introspective prompts, and self-care explainers in this Amazon best seller. A lot of reviewers say it also makes a great gift for friends, too.
For ages, many people have believed that the phases of the moon have an impact on your health. This book is a guide to taking the phases of the moon and using them to cultivate peace, purpose, and abundance in your personal and professional life.
Numerology is another practice that can provide a peek into your subconscious and personality. This book combines astrology, numerology, and "pure psychic intuition" to give you a closer look at yourself, and some advice and guidance based on your birthday profile.
Next up: What Real-Life Witches Think About Crystals and Tarot Becoming Trendy
This article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used in the place of advice of your physician or other medical professionals. You should always consult with your doctor or healthcare provider first with any health-related questions.
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