Book Books for my day 7 TMS break

[Mani]

Tomorrow is day 7 in the SEP, which means its time for a 'take care of yourself' day. Well, isnt that lovely? You've probably grown accustomed to me these last few days. I'm planning on just documenting everything note worthy that I'm doing. Its therapeutic to me and people in the future will be able to see all my struggles. Tomorrow I'll be starting:

'Healing and hopes for your nerves' and

'When your body says no'

I'm excited to treat this like my new project. I need to distance myself from it as much as possible. No big pressure or nothing. Just my little long term project

I'm very open to more book suggestions. I have a lot of free time and id love to spend it reading about everything. These two are covering anxiety and more integral tms and im very curious to read a book more for other types of tms like long covid or ocd. Just something which doesnt keep referring to pain. I'd love something to focus more on the mental side of TMS (anxiety ocd insomnia whatever whatever). I will consider every and any book y'all throw at me

Joining this forum has been the best decision of my recent life. I finally find myself almost finding joy in this. I know that ill probably hate it tomorrow or whatever but these short bouts of happiness are awesome anyway. Just being in this space talking about the not physicalness of the pain is so incredibly helpful. I am finding an outlet and its obviously made possible by the lovely folks that keep responding. I'm so happy to have finally joined this community. Much love!<3

 

[BloodMoon]

Just something which doesnt keep referring to pain. I'd love something to focus more on the mental side of TMS

Much of the good material out there/books talk about pain a lot, so I won't mention my top favourite books as they do the same.

However, I also found these books really good...

'One Small Step Can Change Your Life: The Kaizen Way' by Robert Maurer

Rick Hanson's work; he blends neuroscience with mindfulness to foster inner peace and strength via simple daily practices. His book 'Just One Thing' offers 52 short exercises, such as savouring pleasures or relaxing into imperfection, to rewire the brain for contentment and calm. And his book 'Buddha's Brain' delves deeper into how thoughts shape neural pathways for happiness and resilience, using accessible techniques like gratitude and self-compassion.

'Joy on Demand' by Chade-Meng Tan

'How to Love Yourself' by Teal Swan

'Beyond Anxiety' by Martha Beck

 

[Diana-M]

These books have been very helpful to me.

Feeling Good, by David Burns

The Secret Language of the Body: Regulate Your Nervous System, Heal Your Body, Free Your Mind, by Jennifer Mann and Karden Rabin

 

[Mani]

Much of the good material out there/books talk about pain a lot, so I won't mention my top favourite books as they do the same.

However, I also found these books really good...

'One Small Step Can Change Your Life: The Kaizen Way' by Robert Maurer

Rick Hanson's work; he blends neuroscience with mindfulness to foster inner peace and strength via simple daily practices. His book 'Just One Thing' offers 52 short exercises, such as savouring pleasures or relaxing into imperfection, to rewire the brain for contentment and calm. And his book 'Buddha's Brain' delves deeper into how thoughts shape neural pathways for happiness and resilience, using accessible techniques like gratitude and self-compassion.

'Joy on Demand' by Chade-Meng Tan

'How to Love Yourself' by Teal Swan

'Beyond Anxiety' by Martha Beck

Thank you!

Although im very satisfied that youre listening to my questions, id love to hear the books thatve done the most for you and why!

 

[Mani]

These books have been very helpful to me.

Feeling Good, by David Burns

The Secret Language of the Body: Regulate Your Nervous System, Heal Your Body, Free Your Mind, by Jennifer Mann and Karden Rabin

Thank you too!

I'll buy the secret language right this instant

People say its too much fluff. Well — I'm a sucker for scientific facts with hardly any relevance. I'm sold!

 

[Diana-M]

I'm a sucker for scientific facts with hardly any relevance.

Well… I think you’ll find it has relevance!

 

[BloodMoon]

Although im very satisfied that youre listening to my questions, id love to hear the books thatve done the most for you and why!

Okay, so...

I second @Diana-M's recommendation of 'The Secret Language of the Body: Regulate Your Nervous System, Heal Your Body, Free Your Mind' by Jennifer Mann and Karden Rabin. Why? Because if someone's stuck in TMS loops from old stress or trauma, I'd say go for this one—its A.I.R. method (Awareness, Interruption, Redesign) is a game-changer for tuning into your body's signals and rewiring that nervous system. It helps unpack how emotions get trapped physically and helps set you free with real neuroplasticity tools.

The Pain Reprocessing Therapy Workbook: Using the Brain's Neuroplasticity to Break the Cycle of Chronic Pain'by Vanessa M. Blackstone and Olivia S. Sinaiko. Why? Because it walks you through exercises that interrupt pain cycles and teach your mind it's safe again.

'The Mindbody Syndrome (TMS): A Path to Recovery & Freedom' by Kevin Martillo Viner. Why? Because this builds straight off Sarno's ideas with simple mind-training steps to shift from pain-focused to fully recovered. It's all about that "aha" moment where you realize symptoms fade once you embrace the truth and stay present. (The author recovered from TMS and was a member of this very forum.)

'101 Ways to Find Calm' by Rebeka Bullagh. Why? Because this book's got 101 body-based 'tricks' like breath work and gentle yin yoga to soothe your vagus nerve and process emotions without overwhelm. It's like a daily toolkit for calmer days and stronger resilience. NOTE: This book is full of cutesy illustrative drawings - look past this if you are put off by that because I have found that the advice works profoundly well.

'The Hidden Psychology of Pain' by Dr James Alexander. Why? Because it's a deep dive into why TMS happens—spotting subconscious roots like childhood stuff and separating real danger from brain hype. It empowers you with understanding that leads to breakthroughs for recovery.