Top Resources to look after your Self-Worth Wellbeing — Picked by a Chartered Psychologist

Resources I’ve found meaningful—both personally and professionally—for building self-awareness, emotional depth, and cultural insight.

Building and nurturing self-worth is not a one-size-fits-all journey. For many of us—especially those navigating cultural differences, identity questions, or emotional challenges—it takes time, space, and the right kind of resources to grow in confidence.

What is Self-Worth?

Self-worth is a deep-rooted belief in our values and inherent goodness, and this is regardless of our external achievements or opinions. It refers to how we feel worthy of love, belonging, and how we respect simply for being. 

Self-worth is a pillar of our mental health and well-being. When we have a healthy sense of self-worth, we are more likely to attain greater resilience, positive relationships and certainly a greater sense of happiness; on the other hand, having low self-worth can lead to us feeling anxious, depressed, and isolated.

Self-worth is not a given. It needs to be built. By embracing challenges, viewing failures as learning opportunities, and persisting in the face of obstacles, individuals can cultivate a stronger sense of self-acceptance and self-efficacy.

As a Chartered Psychologist, I often get asked, “What would you recommend for someone who wants to feel better about themselves?” This article brings together books, online courses, and creative tools that I personally recommend. They are resources that blend science, cultural insight, and emotional nourishment.

Wellbeing Resources which boost your self-worth.

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📖 Books That Uplift and Empower

Here are some standout books I recommend again and again, for clients and fellow professionals alike:

✨ The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown

A compassionate, research-based guide to letting go of who you think you’re supposed to be, and embracing who you truly are. Brown’s work on vulnerability and belonging remains a cornerstone in my, and many others' wellbeing growth journey.

✨ The Body Keeps the Score by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk

An essential read for those who have gone through, and would like to understand more about how trauma lives in the body — and how healing happens through connection, mindfulness and movement.

I find this a good self-read aside receiving support from the others.

✨ The Road Less Traveled by M. Scott Peck

The book signifies a journey of self-discovery and personal growth that often requires courage, independence, and a strong sense of self-belief, all of which contribute to a healthy self-worth.

I find this a very beautiful read, and I can go back to the reading over, and over again when I want a moment of self-connection and archoring my self-belief.

✨ Mindset by Dr. Carol S. Dweck

Our mindset — which is our general attitude and beliefs about ourselves and the world, significantly influences our sense of self-worth.

I find this book not just an empowering read, but also a clear tool guide to help us develop a greater resilience: a growth mindset (believing abilities can be developed), particularly in face of challenges and adversities. This is how I define a person with higher self-worth. 

🎓 Free Online Learning That Makes a Difference

Online courses can be a powerful gateway into self-work, especially when they’re accessible and backed by research.

💡 The Science of Well-Being – by Dr. Laurie Santos (Yale University, via Coursera)

This globally popular course explores what really makes us happy, and how to make scientifically informed changes to our mindset and behaviour. Grounded in positive psychology, it’s both interactive and practical.

Course Link on Coursera →

💬 The Science of Well-Being for Teens – also by Dr. Santos

A newer version of the course, tailored specifically for younger people navigating social pressures and identity challenges.

I particularly recommend this to families which would like to learn about wellbeing and happiness with the own young ones, or young people who would like to find a easy-to-read learning to do own the own.

📚 Understanding Intersectionality and Identity

For those navigating layered experiences of culture, race, gender or marginalisation, here are deeply insightful readings that honour complexity:

• Intersectionality by Kimberlé Crenshaw – Foundational work by the scholar who coined the term.

• Sister Outsider by Audre Lorde – Essays that speak with poetic clarity about injustice, identity and resilience.

• Women, Race, and Class by Angela Davis – A historical and political lens on feminism and social inequality.

These works support deep reflection on how power, identity and belonging intersect—and why it matters for our psychological wellbeing.

🎨 Creative Tools for Self-Discovery and Group Dialogue

Creativity isn’t just fun—it’s a profound way to connect with our inner world and with others.

🃏 Dixit (Board Game)

A beautifully illustrated storytelling card game, Dixit encourages imagination, empathy and metaphorical thinking. I’ve used it in therapeutic settings and workshops to support emotional expression and relational insight.

🎨 DixIt Yourself! – by SALTO Youth

An adapted version of the game, created for intercultural dialogue, this resource is brilliant for group discussions on identity, inclusion and difference.

🧠 Cultural Diversity & Inclusion for Professionals

If you work within systems—whether schools, organisations or leadership roles—self-worth can’t be separated from equity.

I highly recommend the Diversity Management Training (offered through platforms like Coursera or FutureLearn). It’s an honest, thoughtful, and sometimes confronting look at how inequality shows up in professional life—and how we can build safer, fairer environments for all.

🪞 Final Thought (on Self-worth wellbeing resources)

Self-worth is not built in isolation. It grows in dialogue—with others, with our own inner world, and with the resources that help us feel seen and understood.

I hope this guide supports your journey—whether you’re dipping your toes into personal growth, or deep in the work already.

🔐 Confidentiality Note

This content is for educational and reflective purposes only. It is not a substitute for individual therapy.