Contrary to popular belief, spending time on you isn't selfish. It's necessary. If you're guilty of constantly thinking not-so-happy thoughts or being there for everyone except yourself, the following self-love books will teach you to actually relax, practice self-care, and brighten your mindset. Written by life coaches, best-selling authors, and badass celebrities, these confidence-boosting reads will show you how to love yourself. They're almost like having your own personal Oprah at the ready.

1. The Self-Love Experiment by Shannon Kaiser

This book literally has "self-love" in the title, so you know it's good. By using her own experiences, Kaiser unveils key tactics that lead you to be comfortable with accepting and loving yourself first in order to reach success.

2. The Self-Care Solution by Jennifer Ashton, M.D., M.S.

Written by Dr. Jennifer Ashton, the chief medical correspondent for ABC News, this self-care guide offers realistic monthly challenges—think: doing cardio in May, upping your stretching game in November, drinking water in June (done!), taking more steps in July, and committing to laughter in December—to help you rejigger your life in a way that's actually doable. All of these experiments are led by Dr. Ashton, who talks the reader through her own experiences trying them herself, including the science-backed benefits and struggles she faced. So, it's like you've got a friend joining you as you try to reach achievable goals, while she cheers you along.

3. What a Time to Be Alone by Chidera Eggerue

Dubbing herself "The Slumflower," Eggerue uses charming candor, and even her own original artwork, to emphasize the fact that being alone can sometimes be the best thing you can do for yourself. Seriously.

4. You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero

Much like its memorable title, this self-love book works to help you strengthen your confidence and fully embrace your best self.

5. Girl, Stop Apologizing by Rachel Hollis

From the author of bestseller, Girl, Wash Your Face, comes this equally inspiring call for all women to stop letting their ties to others define them and instead to follow their own dreams—and stop apologizing for it.

Read the full story here: 20 Self-Love Books That Will Lift You Up

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