8 books to kick off the new year on the right path

As we head into 2023, are you thinking about resolutions and hitting the gym hard yet again? Wellness, as we know, isn’t all about banging it out at the gym. Sometimes, it can be the knowledge gained from a good, well-informed book. Here are some of our picks for improving health and overall well-being.

'The Mystical Year: Folklore, Magic and Nature' by Alison Davies

The book is broken into seasons, then by months and told through the lens of stories, using folklore. Incorporating nature as well as mythical goddesses into the tales, each chapter retells customs and traditions during that month, along with practical suggestions on enhancing wellness. Spirituality is a focal point, and readers can expect to find easy do-it-yourself projects to try each month. A small and fun book to refer to throughout the year.

'The Happiness Year: How to Find Joy in Every Season' by Tara Ward

So many books have come out about happiness, yet this one is different and significant. Finding contentment through the seasons is a great way to begin the new year. The book offers insight into how the weather and each season can influence behaviors such as spring with hope and renewal, summer with outdoors, autumn with harvesting and winter with focusing on doing less. Fun tidbits about how to improve wellness during each month present readers with mindful health practices.

'Supper' by Flora Shedden

It’s no secret winter is a time for hibernating and getting cozy around the fireplace. Flora Shedden’s book is a collection of recipes for dining in. The delightful book offers an assortment of different dishes to test – both that require effort and some that are simple and easy for the novice chef.

Only have 30 minutes? No problem, with a chapter titled “In a hurry,” you are sure to find something. Even the quick and easy dishes sound heavenly, such as Grilled Mackerel with Parsley Salsa. The book has over 100 mouth-watering recipes to try. Cooking at home and using quality ingredients is a great way to kick off your wellness in 2023.

'Everyday Plant Magic' by Rachael Cohen

We all keep houseplants because they not only look good but can also improve air quality, which is great news. Intertwine that fact with some spirituality and you’ll find "Everyday Plant Magic," which is a guide on how to utilize your plant’s magical qualities with where they are placed. The book also introduces some easy feng shui tips and recommendations on healing crystals and gems. Even if you don’t buy into the magic part, know that you will at least be enhancing your living space for the new year.

'Rainbow Power: Manifest Your Dream Life with the Creative Power of Color' by Jerico Mandybur

We all know how certain colors affect our moods and can have different messages. Take the color red like a stop sign, it typically means danger whereas a green light is “go." The book goes a step further by introducing color magic as the intentional use of the color spectrum to tune into each color’s energetic and magical frequency. Fun and approachable, author Jerico Mandybur takes readers through each color’s meanings and how to incorporate them into various aspects of life such as creating a sacred space, art and journaling.

'365 Days of Art in Nature: Find Inspiration Every Day in the Natural World' by Lorna Scobie

In "365 Days of Art in Nature," readers are invited on a creative journey. Think about it like journaling but you get to draw, write and reflect on nature. As you partake in this adventure, perhaps you are less distracted by your phone and technology. Great for intentional participation and focus, this book is an excellent stress reliever as well. Pages are colorful and full of drawings with space for you to add your own.

'The Chef's Garden: A Modern Guide to Common and Unusual Vegetables' by Farmer Lee Jones

Part guide and cookbook, Farmer Lee Jones of Farmer Jones Farm, an expert on regenerative agriculture, shares tips on how to select and cook vegetables. Sift through over 100 recipes lovingly created at the Chef's Garden Culinary Vegetable Institute in Ohio. With a variety of dishes to choose from, there is no shortage of vegetables represented. The family-owned farm also sells boxes of vegetables shipped directly to homes across the U.S. Once you get your hands on this book, you'll want to make more vegetable dishes, not only because they taste good, but Farmer Lee Jones makes it easy with thoughtful and seamless instructions.

'Home by the Sea: The Surf Shacks and Hinterland Hideaways of Byron Bay' by Natalie Walton

Maybe it’s me, but this book is the perfect inspiration for refreshing your living space, whether you live near the sea or not. With beautiful interior design pictures, each home featured is in Australia’s Byron Bay, an artist’s community. The book takes readers through the 18 homes of designers, artists and crafters as they tell their stories of their homes and the beautiful community in which they reside. A great piece to be read over and over again as well as meant to be displayed in your home making for great conversation when guests come to visit.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: 8 wellness books to kick off the new year on the right path