6 Non Fiction Books To Read In January That Will Easily Make 2026 The Healthiest Year Yet
Looking for the best books to read in January 2026? These are the best non fiction books to read in January that will change the way you look at health.
When the new year rolls around, many of us are looking for new ways to prioritise health- but knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. Between conflicting advice and unrealistic routines, it’s easy to lose momentum before January even ends.
As someone who loves to learn, I have quite the catalogue of non fiction books attached to my audible. And out of the many I have read or listened to, these are the books that have revolutionised how I prioritise my well being in the absolute best way.
I’ve found that the right book can completely change how you approach your wellbeing. These non-fiction books to read in January 2026 focus on sleep, habits, hormones, and long-term health in a way that feels empowering rather than restrictive.
With these best non fiction books to read in January 2026, you will have a whole new outlook on how you can better care for yourself.
This post is all about the best non-fiction books to read in January that can help you build healthier habits and a more informed relationship with your body in 2026.
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Best Books to read in January:
These books focus on sustainable health changes rather than quick fixes, making them ideal for readers who want to build better habits without pressure.
1. Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams by Matthew Walker
This book is truly revolutionary. Walker writes a deeply complex, yet widely accessible, explanation of our most fundamental human function- sleep. We all know its important, but few of us actually get enough, or know what truly happens to our minds and bodies when we don’t.
Instead of viewing sleep as optional, this book completely reframes it as the foundation of physical and mental health. Matthew Walker breaks down the science of sleep in a way that is surprisingly accessible, explaining how sleep affects memory, mood, immunity, and long-term health.
This is an ideal January read because it encourages realistic, sustainable change rather than drastic resolutions. After reading it, I became far more intentional about rest – not as a luxury, but as a non-negotiable part of wellbeing. It’s especially valuable if you feel constantly tired but aren’t sure why.
2. This Is Your Brain on Birth Control: How the Pill Changes Everything by Sarah Hill
Every woman needs this on their bookshelves. Understanding what many woman are so freely given and taking, with little to no understanding of its actual repercussions, is a right. There is not enough out there educating woman on their deeply personal journeys with menstruation, and Hill does an excellent job at diving into the nitty gritty of the health industry. Hill gives an UNBIASED account, she is neither for or against the pill, giving women the ability to make an educated decision- judgment free- about what is right for them individually.
January is a particularly fitting time to read this book because it encourages informed, intentional health decisions at the start of a new year. Rather than framing birth control as something to fear or blindly accept, it empowers readers with knowledge, helping women reflect on what feels right for their own bodies, goals, and lifestyles.
3. The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
It is so easy to fall into the trap of allowing ourselves to make decisions out of what is familiar and comfortable- it’s human nature to want to do anything the laziest way possible. But what happens if we never change? And what happens if we do?
The Power of Habit explores why we repeat the same behaviours, even when they no longer serve us, and how those patterns can be changed. Charles Duhigg explains habits through real-life examples, making complex psychology feel practical and relevant.
January is the perfect time to read this book because it shifts the focus away from willpower and toward systems. Rather than trying to “be better,” it helps you understand how small, consistent changes lead to long-term health improvements.
4. Ultra-Processed People: Why We Can’t Stop Eating Food That Isn’t Food- Chris Van Tulleken
Tulleken breaks down what ultra-processed foods really are, how they’re designed to keep us consuming more, and the impact they can have on both physical and mental health. The science is detailed but presented in a clear, engaging way that feels informative rather than overwhelming. I particularly enjoyed listening to it in audio book form as it featured an interview with his twin brother- xand, and his experience with ultra processed food.
I enjoyed Tulleken’s honesty and found his exploration of food and health very relevant to my own eating habits.
January is an ideal time to read this book because it reframes “healthy eating” as a structural issue rather than a personal failure. Instead of promoting restriction or guilt, it helps you understand why food choices can feel so difficult, and how small, informed changes can support better long-term health without perfection.
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Non-Fiction Health Books on My January 2026 Reading List:
I’ve included these because they come highly recommended and align closely with the themes of mind–body health and informed self-care. These are books I hope to read this January.
5. The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma- Bessel Van Der Kolk
This book explores how trauma is stored in the body and how healing can occur beyond traditional talk therapy. It’s often recommended for readers interested in the mind–body connection and emotional wellbeing.
6. It’s Not Hysteria: Everything You Need to Know About Your Reproductive Health- Karen Tang
This book aims to fill the gaps in reproductive health education, offering clear and compassionate explanations about common health concerns many women experience but are rarely taught about.
This post was all about non fiction books to read in January 2026 that will inspire you to prioritise and achieve better health.
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