Content warning: mentions of mental health issues like PTSD, and abuse

For May, which is both Women’s Health and Mental Health Awareness Months, I’ve been thinking about a book that I read a while back called The Body Keeps the Score, by psychiatrist and post-traumatic stress (PTSD) researcher Dr. Bessel van der Kolk.

(I believe I found out about this book from Emily Nagoski’s masterpiece sex bible Come As You Are, which gives me the idea that I should create a women’s health recommended book list!)

The book has remained popular since it was published in 2014, probably because it is sadly very relatable to many people from various walks of life. Dr. van der Kolk shares new scientific discoveries in the area of how trauma affects both the body and brain (which, if you love yoga like me, you know are all connected!) He uses examples of rather extreme cases such as combat veterans and those who either currently live with or grew up with some type of abuse to illustrate how neurofeedback, yoga, meditation, and more can help retrain our plastic, moldable brains. Even though this book discusses many heavy subjects, Dr. van der Kolk gives readers and people who may have suffered real pain hope that they can get on a path to recovery and live a happier, more peaceful life.

This book isn’t just for those who have suffered more “extreme” trauma–it can be for those who deal with commons issues like anxiety or depression, or anyone who has suffered trauma of any kind, which is just about anyone. Many physical issues also have a mental/psychological component, since the body and mind are intimately connected.

And even if you are lucky enough to have never experienced any trauma at all, Dr. van der Kolk’s expert insights can help all of us learn about how our brains and bodies work and how they connect to each other. I will also say, as someone who gets easily lost and confused in scientific jargon, that the book is very inviting and accessible to any reader who is generally interested in learning more about these topics.

I’ll also add that what I learned from this book inspired my habit of and love for yoga, which I try to do at least a little bit of almost every day, even when I’m not feeling great–it almost always makes me feel better! I’ve found that it not only helps me feel calmer and overall better mentally, but it’s been great for me physically as well. (Check out Yoga with Adriene if you’re new to yoga and want a friendly guide to get started!)

I highly recommend The Body Keeps the Score, especially this Women’s Health and Mental Health Awareness Months. Check it out!

Have you read this book? Let me know below!

Note: I am an Amazon Affiliate member, so I receive a small commission from any products purchased from my links, at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional and do not claim to offer medical advice in these posts. These are meant to be informational only. Please consult further with your doctor for specific advice and treatment plans.

Photo by Matthew Ball on Unsplash