Many begin their wellness journey by dipping their toes in the ever-expanding lake of available self-help resources in the form of books, podcasts, magazines, and courses. However, considering the wellness market is a booming multi-billion-dollar industry, it can be challenging to find reputable information with actionable guidance and advice. Luckily, I’ve done some legwork on this front and have two recommendations for those beginning or continuing on their wellness journey.

First up is a free online course titled, “The Science of Well-Being.” This course was developed and is delivered by professor Dr. Laurie Santos from Yale University, and can be found at coursera.org. The Science of Well-Being is delivered on-demand over a 10-week period, and is designed to increase individual happiness while building more productive habits. Course material comes in the form of videos, articles, and quizzes, and easily lends itself to group participation amongst family members or office staff. There is even a teen-specific version of this course available. If you take the course and want to hear more of what Dr. Santos has to say, check out her podcast “The Happiness Lab.”

Second is a book, titled, The Gift: 12 Lessons to Save Your Life, by Dr. Edith Eger. I was first introduced to Dr. Eger through her inspirational best-selling book The Choice, which tells her personal account of surviving concentration camps, as well as her journey of healing afterwards. In The Gift, Dr. Eger details both personal stories and patient interactions she has had within her own practice to provide readers with a practical how-to guide on changing thoughts and behaviours we may have that no longer serve us. Each chapter or lesson ends with a series of questions and actionable assignments to give readers the keys to disabling the destructive patterns and behaviours that can keep us imprisoned. This, in turn, gives us the tools we need to find freedom and enjoy life.