Life can feel non-stop sometimes, can’t it? Screens pinging all day, weekends filling up before they’ve even started… no wonder so many of us feel frazzled. The little routines we build each day can either keep things steady or tip us completely off balance.
That’s why more and more of us are picking up books about simple living and mindful habits — to find small ways to reset, enjoy calmer mornings, and make more space for family, friends, and the things that really matter.
I shared a book with you the other day that I really enjoyed about habits and that started me down a rabbit hole of looking at other books that I want to read at some point so here we are again talking about habits. 😁
I’ve rounded up some brilliant reads that focus on practical habits you can actually use. We’re not talking about huge life overhauls here — just small steps you can slot into daily life, whether that’s a quick 10-minute reset before bed or a simple routine to keep stress at bay.
Why Simple Living Books Matter
Simple living doesn’t mean throwing everything out. It’s about choosing less, but making that choice stick with mindful routines. And it really does help with some of the biggest stress points families face:
Too much screen time: The average adult spends over five hours a day online. That’s almost a whole shift at work! And over an hour and a half of that is spent on social media! No wonder there’s little time left for family life.
Clutter stress: Studies show messy homes can raise stress hormone levels. It’s not just about tidiness — clutter really does affect how we feel.
Always feeling rushed: Surveys by the Nuffield Foundation (2022), the review of early childhood shows that around 3 in 10 parents say they feel hurried most days, not because of emergencies, but just the everyday schedule.
These habit books are chosen because they give you doable ideas — things that fit into family life, not just fancy theories.
Top Books on Simple Living and Mindful Habits
1. Mindset Shifts – Why Less Often Means More
The More of Less by Joshua Becker: Sparked by a day in the garage when he realised “stuff” was stealing time with his son. A powerful reminder that fewer things can mean more time together.
Soulful Simplicity by Courtney Carver: After a health scare, she simplified everything — clothes, commitments, clutter — and found her stress dropped. Families always on the go will relate.
Discipline Equals Freedom by Jocko Willink: A no-nonsense take — if you want freedom in life, you need a bit of discipline first.
2. Habits That Hold Your Day Together
The Art of Stillness by Pico Iyer: Shows how even five quiet minutes can feel restorative.
High Performance Habits by Brendon Burchard: Six simple daily practices — like setting intentions each morning — that even kids can join in with at the breakfast table.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey: A classic for a reason, especially Habit 3: “Put First Things First.” A handy one for family planners.
3. Decluttering Beyond the Wardrobe
The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning by Margareta Magnusson: A gentle guide to decluttering now so loved ones aren’t left with the burden later.
Bright Line Eating by Susan Peirce Thompson: Applies minimalist thinking to food and eating habits.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (again!): Still one of the most useful frameworks for both home and work life.
4. Everyday Family Simplicity
Minimalism for Families by Zoë Kim: Perfect if you’re drowning in toys or overwhelmed schedules. Her toy rotation idea is genius.
Manage Your Day-to-Day by Jocelyn Glei: Great for setting small daily routines, like a phone-free hour in the evening.
The Joy of Missing Out by Tonya Dalton: Helps parents cut out energy-draining commitments and enjoy what really matters.
How to Turn Reading Into Habits
Reading the books is only half the job. Here’s how to make the lessons stick:
Pick one book, one habit. Start small — clear one drawer, set one morning intention.
Match habits to the seasons. Spring declutter, summer outdoors, autumn meal planning, winter cosy evenings.
Make it visible. Pop a habit tracker on the fridge so everyone can join in.
Don’t stress about perfection. You’ll miss days — the win is starting again, not being flawless.
Start Small, Start Now
These books remind us that peace doesn’t come from adding more, but from choosing less. Whether it’s Becker’s story about the garage, Carver’s closet clear-out, or Covey’s timeless habits, each one has a tip you can try this week.
And if you don’t have much time? You don’t need to buy them all as there’s an app for that – try non fiction book summaries which can give you the key lessons in just 15 minutes — perfect for busy parents who want the advice without another thing to add to the to-do list 😀
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