Self-help with Shelf Help

Toni Jones, founder of Shelf Help, is one of the most inspiring people I have had the pleasure of meeting. I met Toni at Shelf Help’s 1st birthday event which I enjoyed so much that I now attend every Shelf Help event and also host the monthly Shelf Help book club in Essex.

If you are a fan of self-help books, you need to check Shelf Help out, becoming a part of their community is one of the best things I have done. I am delighted that Toni has taken the time to share her nuggets of wisdom with us all.

Read on to find out more about Toni and Shelf Help.

For anyone who doesn’t know you, please could you share a bit about yourself and Shelf Help?

I'm a recovering journalist - my full-time roles have included Fashion Editor at The Sun and a Women's Editor at the MailOnline and I have also written for The Telegraph, The Evening Standard, Women's Health and Grazia - and I'm now the founder of Shelf Help which is a book club and community dedicated to celebrating self-help.

What inspired you to create Shelf Help?

It was something that I needed that didn't exist! A place to connect with other self-help geeks, share learnings and get some support on my journey to more self-awareness.

What is on your self-care checklist?

Sleep/early nights (this has been a revelation to me - I used to think sleep was for losers!)

A quiet and calm morning routine including (when I'm being my best self :)) meditation, reading, journalling (love the 5 Minute Journal), affirmations, ideally a run and/or yoga.

What has been your biggest lesson when you are trying to find balance in your life?

It's ok not to be the last person at the party. Or even to not go to the party. I used to say yes to way too many things. Now I am much more careful about what I say yes to and how I spend my time. I treat myself like a priority.

What are your top 3 tips that you believe can support people on their journey to improved mental wellbeing?

1. Learn about yourself. This sounds easier than it is, Do this by spending time by yourself - start to listen to that voice inside your head - and if it's not saying nice things, learn how to change that.

2. Introduce some routines into your life. Morning and evening ones are the most powerful (The Miracle Morning is one of my favourite books). Small, sustained changes will make the biggest difference to your life over time.

3. Watch what you consume. Be intentional about what you watch/read/listen to, even who you hang out with (in real life and online). Feed yourself the good stuff and you'll start to feel good. (I 've gone from working 12 -hour days in the world's most infamous newsroom to not watching/reading any news - and I'm SO much happier and positive)

Where do you see the self-help movement going in the foreseeable future?

I see it getting bigger and better and cooler. Shelf Help is all about celebrating self-help and I want people to know that working on ourselves isn't only for when we are feeling broken, it's something we should be doing all the time.

If you are interested in finding out more about Shelf Help, I have put the details of their Instagram and website below.
    Instagram - @shelfhelp.club
Website - https://www.shelfhelp.club/