Cover Image: The Complete Guide to Self Care

The Complete Guide to Self Care

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

A very basic book on self-care and frequently in disagreement with itself. Simultaneously asking you to streamline your life as much as possible, and to do nothing. Asking you to love your body more and telling you to lose weight.
If you aren't familiar with meditation, the importance of taking time for yourself and moving your body, then this is a decent introduction, but otherwise skip it.

Was this review helpful?

I thought this was one of the best books for self care that I have completed in a long time. I really like that it was divided into 5 sections (Physical, Intellectual, Emotional, Spiritual and Social). I love the author's descriptions and her own experiences throughout but she does it tastefully without being preachy, which is so nice about this book. I enjoyed the recipes too and definitely am going to try them... a self care book with food; yes, please! Of some of the current self help books out there, I highly recommend this one because it is positive and not preachy. Very thoughtfully written.

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I will definitely be recommending this to my massage clients.

Was this review helpful?

A beautiful coffee table book with over 100 self-care exercises and tips, split categorically in to different aspects of one's life. For individuals familiar with basic self-care techniques, this book may seem somewhat basic - however, it's packed with stunning photographs and imagery, alongside easy-to-follow instructions.

I particularly found some sections and instructional guides, such as the mindfulness 'five senses exercise' and guide to stretches, more helpful than others (e.g. how to enjoy the sunlight'). It seems as if there are a smattering of seemingly obvious, or redundant instructional guides... but these may provide perspectives that many millennials, engrossed more in the wonders of technology than self care, may not have taken in to consideration.

Overall, great book. Would buy as a gift for a good friend or relative, especially throughout this pandemic. 4/5 stars.

Was this review helpful?

I requested this book on NetGalley. I was really attracted to the pastel colours and aesthetics of the cover page, so I really excited to dive into the rest of the book.

The book is separated into separate categories, including body, mindfulness, creativity, nature, and more. It includes a few outdoor activities, but also has an abundant number of prompts that could be done at home (especially nice for quarantine)

I absolutely recommend this book. It’s an amazing compilation of ideas and in-depth prompts that can last you months. Especially now that we’re in quarantine, I think this would be a nice essential book to have by your side. In addition to activities, it teaches recipes and natural home-made skin care concoctions, which caters to those who want a crafting experience.

I personally really enjoyed the mindfulness section, that gave ideas on ways to journal. In addition to the activity, the book follows up with many examples and extra prompts to get your started. I’ve also kept note of some activities that will allow my mind to wander, like making my own happiness playlist or to try calligraphy. It’s more than just a list, but a complete guide to self-care.

Was this review helpful?

This is one of the more holistic books on self-care i've found so far. Giving advice on incorporating self-care into aspects of your life such as your beauty routine, sleep routine, how you eat, and feeding your brain. I also really enjoyed the photography and art in the book.

Was this review helpful?

This is a fantastic book that focuses on all things self care. It has so many helpful tips and tricks, and is full of information that will help your wellbeing.

Was this review helpful?

This is a fun little quick read with ideas for self-care which includes things like meditation and chakras. The book itself is colorful and I enjoyed the photos and graphics. It reads like a laundry list of things one can do for self-care. Thanks to the publisher for the ARC.

Was this review helpful?

I liked "Complete Guide to Self-Care: Best Practices for a Healthier and Happier You", mainly because it was very clear from the start that the author wants you to go at your own pace and do whatever you want and can to spend some more time on you instead of whatever usually occupies your mind (family, friends, obligations, work, uni, etc.).

The book is full of suggestions from decluttering, to yoga to writing and comes with great exercises in every chapter, which gives you a start into any direction you want to take the suggestion in. Do you want to write about your day? Amazing, Kiki offers you a template to try it out. Do you want to go off on your own and just write whatever comes to mind? That is also A-Ok.

I love that this book doesn't tell you "you have to do this or else you fail". It is a gentle reminder that we need care as much as the people and things we take care of every day. The care might look a little different for a lot of people, however some are universal (enough sleep, hydration, exercise etc.). This book is here to give you a nudge and to encourage you, not to shame or force you into anything.

Complete Guide to Self-Care is therefore the perfect book for anyone who has been trying to take care of themselves but need that extra special nudge. And lovely pictures to go with it. Absolutely recommend for anyone who wants to change something for themselves and don't know where to start.

Was this review helpful?

Here’s a book that seems to capture the zeitgeist right now. With so much of the world in ‘lockdown’, self-care has assumed an unprecedented importance.
In this book, the term ‘self-care’ has a pretty broad remit, ranging from exercise and sleep, through the kind of activities you can do in isolation ( writing, reading , music ) to a brief section on ‘spiritual’ self-care (not for me!)
There are probably few ideas in here that you haven’t heard before, but the little exercises dotted throughout and the aspirational , light-filled photos , make this a little treat to enhance your social- distance lifestyle.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC.

Was this review helpful?

(Also posted on my GR acc)

Oh my! What a pretty book! I never thought I've seen a prettier book ever!

And on that note, I really love how the book totally incorporate between telling and doing. We had two or three exercises/'doings' in each section so we wouldn't feel lost.

I particularly love the use of pretty pictures, the layout, and the overall theme. It truly embodies the self-care thing.

Was this review helpful?

I really liked the easy to read layout of this book. Lots to dip in and out of and some great tips. I liked the illustrations and particularly the part on routines.

Was this review helpful?

This book came to me at the perfect time. " The Complete Guide to Self-Care has helped me to get through this time of chaos and uncertainty in the world. I am a preschool teacher in Istanbul, who is off now for 3 weeks because of the coronavirus. Let's just say being at home alone after being surrounded by children and other adults had left me lonely. Thankfully this book has given me so many wonderful ideas about how to nurture and love myself that I am enjoying this seclusion. I have created a vision board of the things that I want to see, do and learn while at home. It has given me much needed time to reflect on the things that I need to take care of myself as well as shown me how to support and love the people I hold near and dear to my heart. I believe in order to be a better person, mother, wife, sister, and friend, that you must take care of yourself both mentally as well as physically. You must love yourself first in order to love others well. This book renewed my spirit in a way that I never expected. Thank you for letting me review this advance copy.

Was this review helpful?

The formatting of the book wasn't engaging to me. The activities presented were very specific to a specific brand of self-care.

Was this review helpful?

Wonderful book filled with lovely tips for self-care.

The pictures are amazing and every page is a joy to read. I really liked the recipes and exercises.

Was this review helpful?

What a lovely book. Beautifully presented, easy and simple to follow guide to placing a bit of love around ‘you’. The ideas for each category were really practical and useful. A lovely book, and a perfect present.
Thank you for the opportunity to read and review.

Was this review helpful?

This book is so awesome. Amazing step by step guides for self care in all aspects of your life with even ideas on how do it yourself versus buying store products!! Highly recommend this book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Was this review helpful?

***Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***

This is one of those books that I plan on buying the hardcover copy when it comes out. It is full of beautiful and inspiring pictures and it immediately soothes my soul.

Was this review helpful?

I received an advanced reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

This is a beautiful book teaching you how to take care of yourself and helping you to understand self live ultimately comes from you yourself and how important this is.
This book has good guides and pointers as well as activities to do to help you achieve certain areas it covers in the book.
I loved lots of the ideas in this book and will be trying out at least 4.
The information is easy to understand and relate to too.

Was this review helpful?

Complete Guide to Self Care by Kiki Ely is a brilliant coffee table book. Perfect to pick up when you need some me time. It features lots of advice on different ways to look after yourself and get the self care you need.

Was this review helpful?

Super duper happy that I got the chance to read it. I'm really glad because this book is a really good one who gives you some tips and some receipts to take care of yourself. For me, the best part, was about food, about how to disconnect social media and also have some gratitude with yourself.

I know that this is a book that I'm going to buy just to re-read some parts and to make the exercise. I feel like it's the start of a long journey...

Was this review helpful?