6 Books All College Student Should Read

College students are assigned books to read all of the time, so why should they ever want to read one on their own time? Well, this list of books put together by our Aspire Team can be very useful for your mental health, self-esteem, and provide inspiration for your future! 

Book #1 on Anxiety

If you find yourself constantly stressing out about every little thing in your life, try reading Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers. This book was written in 1994 by biologist Robert M. Sapolsky, where he talks all about stress management. He focuses on animal stress versus human stress. In animals, stress comes through in episodes and will often pass; think of it like when an animal has to run from prey. Their fight-or-flight reaction kicks in. But in humans, stress can often be chronic and lead to anxiety. For example, a constant worry of losing your job. And when humans have chronic stress and worry, they can often give themselves physical conditions that make them sick, hence the name of the book. 

Book #2 on Self Comparison

If you are constantly comparing yourself to others, try out The Self-Love Experiment by Shannon Kaiser. She talks about fifteen principles to guide you into being kind, compassionate, and accepting of yourself. It is also mentioned that no matter what you want to achieve, whether that be weight loss, finding your dream job, meeting your soulmate, or getting out of debt, you have to learn to love yourself first. 

Book #3 on Highly Sensitive People

If you are often described by others as being too sensitive or too shy, try reading The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You. Elaine N. Aron writes about coping mechanisms for when you are feeling overwhelmed by everything. She also gives tips on how to reframe your mindset in order for you to enjoy going out into the world. 

Book #4 on Self-Love

Brené Brown’s The Gifts of Imperfection is a great read for college students who are struggling with self-love. She focuses on boosting your self-esteem and backs up all of her suggestions with research. This book would be a great read for someone who is searching for authenticity, love, and gratitude in themselves as well as in others. 

Book #5 on Feeling Lost

If you are soon to be a college graduate or are feeling lost with where you are heading with your life, check out Am I There Yet?: The Loop-de-loop, Zigzagging Journey to Adulthood by Mari Andrew. This book will make you feel nostalgic for your childhood with its illustrations yet comes packed full of advice for a twenty-something adult who is lost on their path. It also reflects on Andrew’s own life to prove to the reader that even if you don’t know where you are going, someday, you will figure it all out and be okay.

Book #6 on People Pleasing

If you are often feeling overwhelmed with helping other people work through their problems, feel ignored when it’s your turn to vent, or just have a hard time telling people no, you should read When It's Never About You: The People-Pleaser's Guide to Reclaiming Your Health, Happiness and Personal Freedom by Ilene Cohen. Being a people pleaser is not always a bad thing, but it can leave you feeling physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausted. This book teaches you how to say no and still be a “good person” and break away from your patterns of selflessness. 

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

If you are still feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or lost even after reading one of these books, reach out to our Columbia, MO counseling practice for help. We have several therapists who thoroughly enjoy working with young adults in counseling for college students to help them navigate through this crazy time in your life. If you are ready to start meeting with a therapist who really gets what you’re going through as a college student in Columbia, MO, contact us.

Other Counseling Services at Aspire

Our therapists understand that college, both undergrad and graduate school alike, bring on an immense amount of pressure and change. So, if you are experiencing anxiety, depression, or grief due to all that’s going on, they get it. Plus, if you are wondering about your sexual orientation or gender identity, as many college students are, they can help with that too. If you have more questions or are ready to begin sessions at our therapy practice in Columbia, MO, contact us.