15+ Self-Help Books for Free! [PDF]

Self-help is the actions a person takes to improve his or her life or solve problems without the help of others.

If you are looking for more information on the subject, check out our collection of free self-help books, which will enable you to approach change in a more positive way.

Self-help books can improve our decision-making skills by encouraging us to set short- and long-term goals.

Literature focused on this topic often invites readers to explore their motivations and set time frames to meet their goals, but not before identifying their needs.

Visit our collection of more than 45 materials including books and self-help articles in PDF format, where we address each of the most important topics in self-help.

Self-Help Books

#1 Self-Help

Extension: PDF | 344 pages

Self-Help by Samuel Smiles is a timeless guide to personal development and character building, filled with inspiring examples. This book emphasizes the value of diligence, perseverance, and integrity, urging readers to take control of their lives and contribute positively to society.

#2 The Complete Guide to Self-Care

Extension: PDF | 32 pages

The Complete Guide to Self-Care by A. Battista is a curated collection of over 200 ideas to reduce stress and increase happiness. This PDF offers practical suggestions across emotional, mental, physical, social, and spiritual dimensions, providing a holistic approach to well-being.

#3 Self-Care Planning Guide For Individuals

Extension: PDF | 25 pages

Self-Care Planning Guide For Individuals por Healing Trust offers a structured approach to designing a personalized self-care plan. It guides readers through identifying needs, overcoming barriers, and creating a fulfilling self-care routine.

#4 Self-Care Guide

Extension: PDF | 21 pages

Self-Care Guide by Mind Peace offers practical strategies for cultivating well-being and managing stress, essential for overall mental health. It provides actionable advice and tools, encouraging readers to prioritize self-care and build resilience in their daily lives.

#5 Self harm – Coping strategies

Extension: PDF | 17 pages

Self harm - Coping strategies por Rethink offers a concise guide to understanding self-harm and its underlying causes. It presents practical coping strategies and distraction techniques to help individuals manage urges and find healthier alternatives.

#6 My self-care plan

Extension: PDF | 16 pages

My self-care plan by NHS offers a guide to understanding and implementing self-care strategies for improved mental health. Discover practical tips and activities designed to enhance wellbeing and build a personalized self-care routine.

#7 A Practical Guide to Self-Care for Helping Professionals

Extension: PDF | 14 pages

A Practical Guide to Self-Care for Helping Professionals by Julie Radlauer-Doerfler and John E. VanDenBerg is a guide for those in helping professions to prioritize their well-being. It provides techniques, strategies, and real-life examples to prevent burnout and promote sustainable self-care practices.

Personal Development Books

Personal development and self-help share the common goal of helping people improve their well-being and empower their lives.

Personal development books often focus on gaining skills and tools to grow as a person holistically. 

They provide an overview of topics such as effective communication, emotional intelligence, productivity, leadership, and time management, among others.

If you are looking for personal development books, we invite you to visit our complete section with free books and articles in PDF format.

Self-Esteem Books

Self-esteem is a person’s perception of his or her own worth. Low self-esteem can lead to feelings of insecurity, inferiority, and lack of confidence, negatively affecting personal life and relationships. 

Therefore, working on improving self-esteem is key to achieving well-being. Self-esteem books and materials offer valuable information about the causes of low self-esteem and provide strategies to help you change your attitude and perspective.

If you would like to learn more and at the same time strengthen your self-confidence, we invite you to enjoy the following self-esteem materials and a complete section with free books and articles.

#8 How to increase your self-esteem

Extension: PDF | 24 pages

How to increase your self-esteem por Mind offers practical guidance for anyone seeking to improve their self-worth. It explores causes of low self-esteem and provides actionable strategies, empowering readers to build confidence and seek further support.

#9 Building Self-esteem – A Self-Help Guide

Extension: PDF | 11 pages

Building Self-esteem - A Self-Help Guide por Charles G. Curie and Bernard S. Arons offers practical advice and strategies for enhancing self-worth. This insightful guide provides actionable steps and techniques to overcome negative thoughts and cultivate a positive self-image.

#10 Strategies To Build Healthy Self-Esteem (Article)

Extension: PDF | 7 pages

Strategies To Build Healthy Self-Esteem (Article) por Dr. Kim Maertz offers insights into understanding and improving self-esteem by outlining characteristics of individuals with high and low self-esteem. It presents practical strategies and daily affirmations for cultivating a more positive self-image.

Stress Management Books

Stress is a normal physiological response of the body to demands and pressures. However, continued high levels of stress can have negative consequences on physical and mental health. 

Therefore, learning how to manage and control stress becomes a necessity. By applying self-help techniques, one can learn to manage stress more effectively and reduce its negative impact on health.

Among the most effective self-help techniques for stress management are meditation, deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and regular physical exercise. 

We invite you to review the following materials and if you would like more information we have a complete section of free books on stress at your disposal.

#11 Doing What Matters in Times of Stress – An Illustrated Guide

Extension: PDF | 132 pages

Doing What Matters in Times of Stress - An Illustrated Guide by WHO provides stress management techniques for coping with adversity. It offers practical skills and illustrated guides, making it accessible for anyone seeking ways to reduce stress.

#12 Stress & Stress Management

Extension: PDF | 30 pages

Stress & Stress Management by Klinic Community Health Centre provides a foundational understanding of stress, its effects, and practical management techniques. Explore mindfulness, relaxation responses, and exercises to cultivate a healthier approach to daily stressors.

#13 Stress in the workplace

Extension: PDF | 22 pages

Stress in the workplace por ROSPA is a concise guide on understanding and managing work-related stress. It offers practical insights and preventative measures to improve well-being and productivity.

Mindfulness Books

Mindfulness is a meditation technique that has become very popular in recent years. It is based on the idea of being aware of the present moment and accepting emotions and thoughts without judgment. 

This technique has been integrated into self-help as an effective tool for improving mental and emotional health. Regular mindfulness practice can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.

It can also improve concentration and decision-making. Learn more with the following materials and our complete section of mindfulness books and articles.

Interpersonal Relationship Books

Self-help and interpersonal relationships are closely related, as the way we relate to others can have a major impact on our overall happiness and well-being.

These two areas are closely related, as our interpersonal relationships can influence our self-esteem, our emotions, and our ability to achieve our goals.

Our interpersonal relationships can be a source of support and motivation on our path to self-improvement and personal growth. Enjoy some more information with the following books and articles on interpersonal relationships.

#14 Exploring healthy relationships

Extension: PDF | 52 pages

Exploring healthy relationships por Splitz Support is a vital resource pack designed for 14-16 year olds. It focuses on preventing domestic violence and promoting healthy relationships and self-esteem.

#15 Building Healthy Relationships

Extension: PDF | 32 pages

Building Healthy Relationships por Saskatchewan Prevention Institute offers essential insights into cultivating positive interpersonal connections, with a special focus on dating relationships. This booklet guides youth in understanding the key elements of healthy interactions, promoting stronger bonds and personal well-being.

#16 Principles Of Interpersonal Relationship

Extension: PDF | 70 pages

Principles Of Interpersonal Relationship por Dr. O. O. Pitan es una guía sobre los conceptos, principios y técnicas para mejorar las relaciones interpersonales. Explora la dinámica de las relaciones en diversos contextos como la familia, el trabajo y la escuela, ofreciendo valiosas herramientas para una comunicación efectiva.

#17 Investigate the relationship between assertiveness and personality characteristics

Extension: PDF | 61 pages

Investigating the relationship between assertiveness and personality characteristics by Laura K. Kirst explores the connection between assertiveness and personality traits. This research provides valuable insights into how assertiveness relates to key interpersonal skills.

#18 Training Program on Effective Communication

Extension: PDF | 60 pages

Training Program on Effective Communication by Andhra Pradesh focuses on communication skills for managerial and organizational effectiveness. It covers various communication styles, feedback, and barriers, providing valuable insights for improving interpersonal relationships.

#19 Social skills intervention group

Extension: PDF | 54 pages

Social skills intervention group por MOSWPBS outlines a Tier 2 intervention for students needing social skills support. It provides strategies and resources for effective implementation in school settings, enhancing interpersonal competence.

#20 Relationships Toolkit

Extension: PDF | 20 pages

Relationships Toolkit por YW Calgary offers practical guidance for understanding and fostering healthy relationships. It explores different types of relationships and provides tools for communication, conflict resolution, and boundary setting, making it a valuable resource for personal growth.

#21 Developing effective communication skills in students

Extension: PDF | 19 pages

Developing effective communication skills in students por Shubhangi R. Khambayat explores innovative teaching methods to enhance students' communication abilities. This PDF offers valuable insights for educators aiming to prepare students for the competitive job market.

#22 Conflict Resolution

Extension: PDF | 19 pages

Conflict Resolution por Neil Katz & Kevin McNulty introduces a foundational understanding of conflict dynamics and resolution strategies. This document offers practical models and techniques for managing disputes and enhancing communication, valuable for anyone seeking to navigate interpersonal challenges effectively.

#23 Effective communication techniques

Extension: PDF | 18 pages

Effective communication techniques por Sireen KHEMESH explores the fundamental aspects of communication in personal and professional settings. It provides valuable insights into understanding and improving interpersonal skills for better relationships.

#24 The Affiliative Role of Empathy in Everyday Interpersonal Interactions

Extension: PDF | 15 pages

The Affiliative Role of Empathy in Everyday Interpersonal Interactions por Whitney R. Ringwald And Aidan G.C. Wright explores empathy's role in social connections. It uncovers how empathy dynamically shifts across daily interactions, highlighting its significance in building and maintaining relationships.

#25 Assertiveness – theoretical approaches and benefits of assertive behaviour

Extension: PDF | 14 pages

Assertiveness - theoretical approaches and benefits of assertive behaviour por Ecaterina Postolati examines assertiveness as a balance between aggression and passivity, offering strategies for protection against manipulation. This is a concise and insightful exploration of assertiveness, valuable for understanding and improving interpersonal dynami...

#26 Social Skills Training with Children and Young People – Theory, Evidence and Practice

Extension: PDF | 13 pages

Social Skills Training with Children and Young People - Theory, Evidence and Practice por Susan H. Spence is a valuable resource for understanding social skill deficits and effective interventions. It offers insights into enhancing social competence in children and adolescents, making it a relevant read for those interested in this topic.

#27 Using Social Stories To Teach Social Skills

Extension: PDF | 12 pages

Using Social Stories To Teach Social Skills by Marguerite O'Hara offers a guide to improve social skills using tailored stories. It provides practical steps and case studies, making it a valuable resource for educators and parents.

#28 The role of empathy in interpersonal affect regulation in intimate relationships

Extension: PDF | 136 pages

The role of empathy in interpersonal affect regulation in intimate relationships por Lorena Leuchtmann explores empathy's crucial role in regulating emotions within couples. This thesis provides a framework to understand affect regulation, offering valuable insights for fostering healthier relationships.

#29 Negotiations and Resolving Conflicts – An Overview

Extension: PDF | 21 pages

Negotiations and Resolving Conflicts - An Overview por Professor E. Wertheim is a practical guide offering key principles for effective negotiations and conflict resolution. It provides actionable strategies to foster win-win outcomes and improve interpersonal relationships.

#30 Improving Interpersonal Relationship in Workplaces

Extension: PDF | 11 pages

Improving Interpersonal Relationship in Workplaces por Obakpolo Patricia examines the importance of positive workplace relationships for individual and organizational success. This paper offers valuable insights and recommendations for fostering better communication and collaboration among employees.

Motivation Books

Motivation is the driving force that leads a person to realize goals or objectives in his or her life. Those who are highly motivated have the energy, direction, and persistence to achieve their goals. 

Self-help books and materials play an important role in providing techniques, tools, and practical tips that lift and guide internal motivation.

Motivation is the main ingredient for action and change. If you want to work on your motivation here are some materials that may be useful to you, we also invite you to visit our complete section of free motivational books in PDF format.

#31 Self-Motivation- Workbook

Extension: PDF | 23 pages

Self-Motivation- Workbook por Jasboothespeaks provides a structured approach to personal motivation through insightful questions and actionable steps. It empowers readers to identify their passions, overcome obstacles, and achieve their goals.

#32 Strategies for Increasing Students’ Self-motivation

Extension: PDF | 17 pages

Strategies for Increasing Students’ Self-motivation por Sylvester J. O. Odanga explores techniques to boost academic motivation among students. It highlights the importance of self-discipline and goal setting, providing valuable insights for educators and parents.

#33 The Power of Motivation

Extension: PDF | 18 pages

The Power of Motivation por WhatDoTheyKnow explores the dynamics of motivation, both personal and within teams, leveraging established theories. It offers practical tips and quizzes to unlock inner motivators and effectively inspire others.

Healthy Habits Books

Healthy habits such as eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and maintaining good sleep hygiene are fundamental to improving physical and mental health. 

However, forming and maintaining these habits is not easy and requires motivation, willpower, and effective strategies. Self-discipline and personal growth achieved through self-help can make all the difference.

The information, techniques, and practical advice in healthy habits books and articles can propel you forward in your overall development and facilitate the formation of habits to improve your quality of life.

#34 Exercise & Physical activity

Extension: PDF | 124 pages

Exercise & Physical activity por National Institute on Aging is a guide to help older adults improve their health through physical activity. It offers practical tips, sample exercises, and strategies to make exercise a lifelong habit.

#35 Your guide to healthy sleep

Extension: PDF | 72 pages

Your guide to healthy sleep por NHLBI is a practical resource for understanding sleep stages, sleep disorders, and factors affecting sleep quality. Discover actionable tips for better sleep and improved overall health.

#36 The habits of an improver

Extension: PDF | 36 pages

The habits of an improver por Bill Lucas with Hadjer Nacer is a thought paper exploring the mindsets, knowledge, and skills conducive to improvement, particularly in healthcare. It frames improvement capability through five desirable habits, offering valuable insights for educators and practitioners alike.

#37 Healthy diet

Extension: PDF | 20 pages

Healthy diet por WHO offers a concise overview of dietary guidelines and practical advice for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This document emphasizes the importance of balanced nutrition for preventing malnutrition and noncommunicable diseases, making it a valuable resource for public health.

#38 Benefits of Exercise – Physical Activity

Extension: PDF | 20 pages

Benefits of Exercise - Physical Activity por PCNA highlights the importance of physical activity for cardiovascular health and overall well-being. This guide offers practical tips for starting and maintaining an exercise program, suitable for various fitness levels.

#39 The Effects of Regular Exercise on the Physical Fitness

Extension: PDF | 12 pages

The Effects of Regular Exercise on the Physical Fitness Levels por Ozlem Kirandi examines the impact of consistent exercise on fitness levels in sedentary individuals. It offers valuable insights into how regular physical activity positively influences various body measurements and overall well-being.

#40 A good night’s sleep

Extension: PDF | 12 pages

A good night’s sleep por Kaiser Permanente offers practical tips and advice on improving sleep habits. It covers topics such as sleep hygiene, daily habits affecting sleep, and managing stress, providing actionable strategies for better rest.

#41 Time Management

Extension: PDF | 12 pages

Time Management por Dr. K.V.S.Raju and Dr. T. Jagannadha Swamy offers effective strategies to boost productivity, reduce stress, and achieve goals efficiently. It provides practical advice for individuals seeking to improve their daily routines and enhance their work-life balance.

Books on Self-improvement

Self-improvement involves developing the skills and attitudes necessary to reach our maximum potential and live a full and satisfying life. 

This process requires constant personal growth, change, and evolution. Self-help plays a fundamental role in providing practical strategies and proven tools that accelerate personal growth.

We invite you to visit our complete section of free self-improvement books and articles in PDF format.

Self-help Books for Anxiety

Anxiety is an emotional disorder that affects a large number of people around the world. It is a condition that can manifest itself in a variety of ways and with varying degrees of intensity.

Self-help can offer several tools and techniques that can help people reduce the symptoms of anxiety and improve their overall emotional well-being.

Below you can enjoy some resources for anxiety management, and if you wish to expand your knowledge, we invite you to visit our complete section of free books and articles on anxiety.

#42 What is Anxiety – A guide to help you cope

Extension: PDF | 32 pages

What is Anxiety - A guide to help you cope por Adult Mental Health Team. This PDF provides an overview of anxiety, its symptoms, and triggers, along with practical strategies to manage it. Learn to challenge unhelpful thoughts and implement coping mechanisms for a healthier life.

#43 Anxiety – Self-help Guide

Extension: PDF | 28 pages

Anxiety - Self-help Guide por MCGILL offers practical strategies to understand and manage anxiety symptoms. This guide helps you recognize triggers and develop coping mechanisms for a more balanced life.

#44 Relaxation

Extension: PDF | 15 pages

Relaxation by University of Michigan provides a guide to relaxation techniques for anxiety management, supplementing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). It offers practical strategies like breathing exercises, mindfulness, and progressive muscle relaxation, essential for calming the body and mind.

Books on Emotions

Self-help and emotions are closely related. Most self-help books focus on how to manage emotions to have a happier and more fulfilling life. 

By recognizing and understanding our emotions, we can take steps to improve our lives and achieve our goals.

By working on managing our emotions, we can improve the way we relate to others and develop a greater ability to handle stress and adversity. 

We hope you find these materials useful, and if you would like more information you can visit our collection of books and articles in PDF format on emotions.

#46 Managing Strong Emotions – A guide to help you cope

Extension: PDF | 32 pages

Managing Strong Emotions - A guide to help you cope por NHS offers practical strategies for understanding and regulating intense emotions. This PDF provides actionable techniques and insights to improve your emotional well-being and resilience.

#47 Emotion Regulation – Managing Emotions

Extension: PDF | 17 pages

Emotion Regulation - Managing Emotions por NHS. This guide provides essential insights into understanding and managing emotions effectively. Learn about emotional dysregulation, the emotion triangle, and practical strategies for healthy emotional reactions.

#48 Living With Difficult Emotions

Extension: PDF | 12 pages

Living With Difficult Emotions by Indigodaya is a self-help booklet offering guidance on understanding and managing challenging emotions like anger, shame, fear, and sadness. It provides practical strategies and encourages self-compassion for readers seeking emotional well-being.

Books on Addictions

Addiction is a pattern of behavior that becomes compulsive and difficult to control, which can have negative consequences for health and well-being.

Self-help through books, programs, or therapy is an important tool for those seeking to overcome an addiction.

With the support and guidance of an expert, addicted individuals can develop effective strategies to deal with the distorted emotions and thoughts that lead to addictive behaviors.

Take advantage of these and more free books and articles on addictions to learn more.

#49 Addictions and Recovery

Extension: PDF | 89 pages

Addictions and Recovery por Alan Boyd & Sharon Therien and Dr. Dina Macaluso is an expert resource guide offering a comprehensive overview of addictions, from understanding the definition and causes to exploring risk factors and treatment options. It serves as a valuable tool for individuals, families, and professionals seeking guidance on addictio...

#50 Self help guide for addiction

Extension: PDF | 60 pages

Self help guide for addiction por Mental Health Commission of Western Australia offers practical advice and exercises to help individuals understand and manage their substance use. It guides users through decision-making, coping strategies, and lifestyle changes, empowering them to take control of their recovery journey.

#51 Self-Help Approaches for Addictions

Extension: PDF | 23 pages

Self-Help Approaches for Addictions por Clayton Neighbors, M. Christina Hove, Nicholas A. Nasrallah and Megan M. Jensen offers a concise overview of self-help strategies for overcoming various addictions, providing practical guidance for individuals seeking to manage substance use on their own. Explore accessible techniques and resources, empowerin...

Self-Help Books for Women

Self-help for women is a topic that has become increasingly relevant in recent years. As women look for ways to empower themselves and overcome the challenges of everyday life, self-help has become a powerful tool for achieving these goals. 

Self-help books for women can provide tips, strategies, and motivation to help them achieve their personal and professional goals.

If you are interested in exploring the world of self-help for women, here are some free books and articles in PDF format.

#52 Self-Care Manual for Women

Extension: PDF | 39 pages

Self-Care Manual for Women by Katie Boyle offers practical guidance to help women establish and maintain self-care practices tailored to their unique needs. This manual empowers women to prioritize their well-being, providing actionable techniques and strategies to enhance their overall quality of life.

#53 Self-help – resource guide

Extension: PDF | 23 pages

Self-help - resource guide por Women and Girls Network, offers vital guidance and tools for women navigating the aftermath of sexual violence. It empowers survivors with self-care techniques, understanding reactions, and accessing support for healing and reclaiming control.

#54 A Woman’s Guide to Building a Girl’s – Healthy Body Image and Self-Esteem

Extension: PDF | 22 pages

A Woman’s Guide to Building a Girl’s - Healthy Body Image and Self-Esteem por YWCA offers practical advice for parents and caregivers to help young girls develop positive self-esteem and a healthy body image. This guide addresses societal pressures, media influences, and provides strategies for fostering self-acceptance.

#55 Empowering Women at Work

Extension: PDF | 110 pages

Empowering Women at Work by ILO provides guidance on company policies for gender equality. This valuable resource offers frameworks and practices to promote women's empowerment in the workplace.

#56 Empowerment of women

Extension: PDF | 15 pages

Empowerment of women by UN Women outlines strategies to promote women's economic independence and improve gender power relations. It highlights risk and protective factors related to violence against women, offering valuable insights for self-help and empowerment initiatives.

Well, this was our collection of Self-Help Books in PDF format. We hope you liked it and find your next book!

If you found this list useful, don’t forget to share it in your social networks. Remember that «Sharing is Caring».

Do you want more Self Improvement books in PDF format?