Reading opens up a world of possibilities. It helps exercise the brain and get smarter. Books are a perennial source of fresh ideas. Reading the right stuff helps become more confident, thereby being more successful. A reading habit makes for a more fulfilling life. Few hobbies come within striking distance of the many benefits of reading.
Migrant workers often face initial challenges acclimatizing to a new place. The internet is a treasure trove of information and inspiration. Here is a short compilation of reading resources to help adapt to new situations and enrich the mind.
Book: Feeling Good
Let’s start with the gold standard in self improvement. Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy by David D. Burns is the go-to book for anyone prone to depression, anxiety, or self doubt. It is one of the top recommendations of many psychologists. This phenomenal book is equally relevant outside of the mental health circle. The practical ideas in this book can help anyone assuage feelings of guilt and procrastination. It is a highly rated universal guide to building self esteem and living a better life.
Blog: James Clear’s personal blog
James Clear, author of the widely popular self-help book Atomic Habits, maintains an excellent blog. He regularly writes on subjects such as behavioral psychology, personal development, and fitness, among many others. His writing is concise and clear, and his techniques are highly practicable. This blog is a great place to start on a journey of self-improvement.
Book: The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F**k
This book by author Mark Manson is highly recommended by critics and readers alike. The expletive-laden title tends to put off many readers. Before dismissing this book outright, consider that it delivers on what it promises on the cover. The techniques described here are surprisingly simple, yet effective. Anyone can use them to make their lives more fulfilling and productive.
Book: The Expert Expat
The Expert Expat: Your Guide to Successful Relocation Abroad by Melissa Hayes and Patricia Linderman should be on the reading list of all expats, migrant workers, and aspiring migrants. The ideas in the book are not locked to any particular country. They hold good for migrants working in all parts of the world. Full of personal stories and anecdotes, the book shows ways in which one can adapt to a new country before and after relocating.
Blog: International Citizens
InternationalCitizens.com is a huge catalog of resources about living abroad. The articles answer a range of questions on subjects like the cost of living, healthcare, taxes, and international money transfers. They are well-written and provide a depth of information.
Blog: Ria Money Transfer
It’s no surprise that one of the most popular international money transfer services in the world maintains a superb blog which is highly relevant to migrants. The Ria Blog is a must-subscribe resource for every expat who prioritizes keeping up-to-date on the latest developments. In addition to remittance and currency news the blog features migrant stories, current events, and resources that can benefit international students. The blog is regularly updated with new articles, stories, and news.
Book: Raising Global Nomads
Raising Global Nomads by Robin Pascoe is a frequently recommended book for expat parents. Although the book gives parenting tips when residing in a foreign country, it is not exclusively for parents. Pascoe’s writing is funny and insightful. It is full of useful observations, particularly on the subject of dealing with culture shocks.
Book: Psychology of Culture Shock
Authors Colleen Ward, Stephen Bochner, and Adrian Furnham delve deep into this topic. It is one of the few books that shed light on ‘reverse culture shock’, which many expats experience upon return to their home countries. The book offers some excellent and very practical advice which can help new migrants adapt quickly.
Mobile App: BestifyMe
For those who prefer mobile screens to print, BestifyMe is arguably the best place for self-help and personality development articles. All articles featured on the app are curated by people who are in the know. The content is optimally sized and easy to read. BestifyMe is available on Android and iOS. It comes as an ad-supported free version and a subscription-based premium version which also unlocks access to premium content.
About the author:
Hemant G is a contributing writer at Sparkwebs LLC, a Digital and Content Marketing Agency. When he’s not writing, he loves to travel, scuba dive, and watch documentaries.
