Mindfulness

Wondering where to find the best books on mindfulness? We have interviewed some of the best known experts in the field, to ask them to tell us about the books that they most regularly recommend.

Mindfulness is the mental practice of slowing down, and being fully 'present' in our own bodies – connecting with our own bodies and emotions, and recognising what is going on in the world around us at any one particular moment. It is closely linked to meditation, and it is often encouraged as a method by which to lower stress and improve our mental wellbeing, with particular benefit to those suffering from anxiety and depression.

Our book recommendations come from experts including Andy Puddicombe, who recommended the books that inspired him to become a Buddhist monk – and later found the hit meditation and mindfulness app Headspace; the clinical psychologist Dr Genevieve von Lob, who discussed mindfulness in the context of parenting; and Tessa Watt, a Cambridge historian turned mindfulness guru, who runs training for using mindfulness in the workplace, selected some introductory books for those trying mindfulness for the first time.

Dr Michael Gervais, a 'performance psychologist' who works with international-level sports stars and business executives, also discussed mindfulness as a key pillar in the psychology of success.