Drop in for a friendly festive crochet session with the Sainsbury Library team on Thursday 18th December, between 1 and 3 pm.
No experience needed, and all materials are included.
Looking for a cosy way to unwind as winter settles in? Join us at Sainsbury Library for a special wellbeing session designed to spark creativity, relaxation, and community.
On Friday, 5 December 2025, from 2:30 to 5:00 PM, we’ll be gathering in the Library’s Annexe for a hands-on workshop where participants will crochet their very own spring-flower bookmarks. Whether you’re an experienced crafter or have never picked up a crochet hook before, this session is open to everyone. No prior experience is needed, and all materials will be provided.
This is more than just a crafting workshop – it’s an opportunity to slow down, connect with others, and enjoy a mindful break from the hustle of term. We hope you’ll join us for an uplifting afternoon of creativity and connection!
🌼 Activity: Crochet Spring Flower Bookmark Workshop
📍 Location: Annexe, Sainsbury Library
🕒 Time: 2:30 – 5:00 PM
📅 Date: Friday, 5 December 2025
📧 Contact: library@sbs.ox.ac.uk
The importance of mental wellbeing in both our personal and work lives are being increasingly recognised. Following the inclusion of the Science of Wellbeing module to Said’s MBA course, this opened the perfect opportunity for the expansion of our collection here in the Sainsbury Library.
We now have a both a loanable collection of physical books and a selection of eBooks available. Some of the topics include: self-help, psychology, workplace wellbeing, management, and neurodiversity.
Why workplace wellbeing matters: the science behind employee happiness and organizational performance – Jan-Emmanuel De Neve and George Ward
“In Why Workplace Wellbeing Matters, the authors clarify what workplace wellbeing is (and is not) and offer a framework for how businesses can approach and improve it…Their research demonstrates that improving wellbeing can boost productivity, aid in talent retention and recruitment, and ultimately improve financial performance.”
HBR Guide to Better Mental Health at Work – Harvard Business Review Press
“The HBR Guide to Better Mental Health at Work contains practical tips and advice to help you bring mental health out of the shadows and into everyday conversations.”
Wellbeing: Science and Policy – Richard Layard and Jan-Emmanuel De Neve
“Written by two of the world’s leading experts on the economics of wellbeing, this book shows how wellbeing can be measured, what causes it, and how it can be improved.”
Mindset – Carol Dweck
“Mindset reveals what all great parents, teachers, CEOs, and athletes already know: how a simple idea about the brain can create a love of learning and a resilience that is the basis of great accomplishment in every area.”
Surrounded by bad bosses and lazy employees: or, how to deal with idiots at work – Thomas Erikson
“Drawing on the simple four-colour system that made Surrounded by Idiots… Erikson shows how understanding your boss’ behavioural tendencies, as well as your own, will lead to a more harmonious and productive workplace. He also sets out what characterises an exemplary leader type and how you can adapt your behaviour to model it.”
Slow productivity: the lost art of accomplishment without burnout – Cal Newport
“Hustle culture. Burnout. Quiet quitting. Today we’re either sacrificing ourselves on the altar of success or we’re rejecting the idea of ambition entirely. But it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. There is a way to create meaningful work as part of a balanced life, and it’s called ‘slow productivity’.”
HBR’s 10 Must Reads on Mental Toughness – Harvard Business Review
“This book will inspire you to: thrive on pressure like an Olympic athlete; manage and overcome negative emotions by acknowledging them; plan short-term goals to achieve long-term aspirations; surround yourself with the people who will push you the hardest; use challenges to become a better leader; use creativity to move past trauma; and understand the tools your mind uses to recover from setbacks.”
Atomic Habits: an easy & proven way to build good habits & break bad ones : tiny changes, remarkable results – James Clear
“People think that when you want to change your life, you need to think big. But world-renowned habits expert James Clear has discovered another way. He knows that real change comes from the compound effect of hundreds of small decisions…He calls them atomic habits.”
The organized mind: thinking straight in the age of information overload – Daniel J. Levitin
“Modern society is in a state of information overload. Neuroscientist Daniel J. Levitin investigates how and why our brains are struggling to keep up with the demands of the digital age…In a world where information is power, The Organized Mind holds the key to harnessing that information and making it work for you.”
Surrounded by Idiots: the four types of human behavior and how to effectively communicate with each in business (and in life) – Thomas Erikson
Erikson reveals “his simple yet ground-breaking method for assessing everyone we communicate with based on four personality types: Red, Blue, Green and Yellow. From body language to conflict handling, this entertaining read will give you all the tools you need to understand and influence those around you – in and out of the office – and ensure the idiot out there isn’t you!”
The motherhood penalty: how to stop motherhood being the kiss of death for your career – Joeli Brearley
“The Motherhood Penalty is an expose of the unscrupulous work practices and antiquated systems that we’ve been conditioned to accept and a toolkit for how to challenge them. It’s full of practical advice to help you navigate systemic barriers when they slap you in the face.”
I Didn’t Do the Thing Today – Madeleine Dore
“After five years of searching for the secret to productivity, Madeleine Dore discovered there isn’t one-instead, we’re being set up to fail. I Didn’t Do the Thing Today is an inspiring call to take productivity off its pedestal, to embrace the joyful messiness and unpredictability of life.”
50 Ways to Manage Stress – Stella Cottrell
“This practical book will inspire and encourage students to shape new habits and make stress-management a natural part of their everyday routine…throughout, it encourages students to take charge of their wellbeing and strike a healthy study-life balance.”
Stress control – Jim White
“This accessible, jargon-free book combines clinically proven methods from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), positive psychology and mindfulness to give you the tools you need to improve your mind, your body and your life.”
Addicted to Anxiety – Owen O’Kane
“Addicted to Anxiety will help you understand your anxiety from the perspective of addiction, identifying your triggers and learning how to break your habits so you can actively replace them with new, more productive behaviours for a calmer, happier life.”
We also have a wide range of eBooks available – below are some of our new acquisitions. For more titles, visit our Annexe room in the library to see our display of eBooks, linking to access through SOLO.
Lost connections why you’re depressed and how to find hope – Johann Hari
“Depression and anxiety are now at epidemic levels. Why? Across the world, scientists have uncovered evidence for nine different causes. Some are in our biology, but most are in the way we are living today. Lost Connections…shows that once we understand the real causes, we can turn to pioneering new solutions – ones that offer real hope.”
Succeeding with adult ADHD: daily strategies to help you achieve your goals and manage your life – Abigail Levrini and Frances Prevatt
“With her extensive experience researching and treating adults with ADHD, Levrini provides user‑friendly strategies for setting meaningful and realistic goals, developing a plan to achieve the goals, and staying on track while following the plan.”
Be well, learn well: improve your wellbeing and academic performance – Gareth Hughes.
“Gareth Hughes explores the different dimensions of student wellbeing (physical, psychological, social and academic) and helps students understand the connection between their wellbeing and academic performance.”
Beyond these books we also have multiple puzzles and origami available in the library to have a mindful break from your busy workdays.
We continue to have a recommendations box in the library – come along and give us your wellbeing and pleasure book recommendations!
For more resources, see our posts about other recent book displays.
The Neurodiversity Celebration Week programme features a wide range of speakers from around the globe who are leading experts in neurodiversity and inclusion. Many of them are also well-respected authors, and Saïd Enabled would like to highlight six books written by Neurodiversity Celebration Week speakers – all of which are available electronically via the Bodleian Libraries (links below, Oxford SSO required). The Sainsbury Library is also displaying a range of titles on this theme during the week. Whether you are curious to learn more about research into the value of neurodiversity within organisations or looking for practical tips to support yourself or your neurodivergent colleagues and friends, there is something here for you!
The Neurodiversity Celebration Week Events Schedule lists webinars that you can register to attend for free. The sessions are very varied, so there is something for everyone! Even if you are unavailable to attend live, we would recommend registering to receive a copy of the recording to enable you to watch it at a more suitable time.
Amanda Kirby is chairing Event 1: Celebrating Different Minds – An Introduction to Neurodiversity and both Amanda Kirby and Theo Smith are speaking at Event 12: Shaping Neurodiversity through Innovation & Technology.
Neurodiversity at Work is a practical guide that explores the benefits of valuing those who think differently within the workforce. Drawing on research and case studies from leading organisations such as Microsoft, the authors demonstrate the importance of recognizing and harnessing the unique strengths of neurodivergent individuals in improving business outcomes and brand impact, as well as employee wellbeing. The book was the winner of the Diversity, Inclusion & Equality Book 2022 at the Business Book Awards, and features chapters on inclusive recruitment, line management conversations, and the workplace of the future.
Read this book if: you want to understand the business case for neurodiversity inclusion and catch the vision for a truly diverse workforce.
Smith, T. & Kirby, A. (2021) Neurodiversity at Work: Drive innovation, performance and productivity with a neurodiverse workforce. London: KoganPage.
Kay Sargeant is on the panel of speakers at Event 13: Neurodiversity at Work Q&A: Designing Neuro-inclusive Working Environments.
Kay Sargeant draws on her experience as a certified interior designer and Director of Thought Leadership at the global design and architecture firm HOK’s Interiors group in reimagining the workplace through a neuroinclusive lens. Designing Neuroinclusive Workplaces, published in March 2025, considers the sensory and cognitive impact of the spaces in which we work, especially on those with neurodivergent conditions, and makes the case for inclusive choices at every stage of the design process to “boost productivity” and “transform high-stress environments into more welcoming and functional spaces for everyone”.
Read this book if: you want to discover how aspects of our physical environment at work can promote inclusion, productivity and wellbeing.
Sargent, K. (2025) Designing Neuroinclusive Workplaces: Advancing sensory processing and cognitive well-being in the built environment. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.
Ludmila N. Praslova is on the panel of speakers at Event 23: Is the Business World leading society on Neuroinclusion?
The Canary Code describes how neurodivergent individuals can often be ‘canaries in the coalmine’, falling foul of psychologically unhealthy working environments before others do. However, Ludmila Praslova sets out clear inclusive principles for organisations to follow, to improve the experience of work for everyone. With simple takeaways and real-life examples, she shares practical steps to put these principles into action at every level of an organisation, from everyday changes to system-wide shifts. There are several chapters on leadership, including the challenges faced by leaders who are neurodivergent themselves, and useful appendices such as checklists for neuroinclusive hiring and running neuroinclusive meetings.
Read (or listen to) this book if: you’re looking for practical tips on improving inclusion that you can start implementing today. If you’re not sure which of the six books to pick, The Canary Code has a bit of everything!
Praslova, L. N. (2024) The Canary Code: A guide to neurodiversity, dignity, and intersectional belonging at work. Oakland, CA: Berrett-Koehler Publishers, Inc.
Dr. Maureen Dunne is on the panel of speakers at Event 23: Is the Business World leading society on Neuroinclusion?
The Neurodiversity Edge sets out the case for neuroinclusion as not just a positive thing for organisations to do, but vital for organisations to thrive and deal with the challenges of a rapidly changing environmental, social, political and technological landscape. Dr. Dunne argues that neurodivergent individuals bring unique skills and ways of thinking to the workplace, and organisations which overlook these are in danger of groupthink, stagnation and losing out to competition. This book builds on her experience working with the World Economic Forum where she founded the Davos Neurodiversity Summit to bring fresh thinking to the world’s greatest challenges.
Read this book if: you’re curious about how organisations can harness the strengths of neurodiverse teams to tackle big problems and adapt to changes.
Dunne, M. (2024) The Neurodiversity Edge: The essential guide to embracing autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other neurological differences for any organization. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Dr. Nancy Doyle is on the panel of speakers at Event 23: Is the Business World leading society on Neuroinclusion?
Drawing on her experience as founder and Chief Science Officer of Genius Within, an international B-corp focused on neurodiversity inclusion, and as a neurodivergent leader herself, Nancy Doyle has written this book as a manual for leaders and aspiring leaders who think differently. She shares personal stories from a wide variety of contributors with lived experience, exposing the ‘unwritten rules of leadership’, and giving realistic advice on navigating the strengths and challenges of the path to becoming a leader as a neurodivergent person.
Read this book if: you’re a leader or considering leadership, and you have – or think you might have – a neurodivergent condition. It’s also a great read if you want to understand the lived experience of neurodivergent leaders.
Doyle, N. (2025) Learning from Neurodivergent Leaders: How to start, survive and thrive in leadership. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
Onyinye Udokporo is on the panel of speakers at Event 23: Is the Business World leading society on Neuroinclusion?
Dyslexia and Me is Onyinye Udokporo’s personal story of learning to embrace her dyslexia diagnosis and forging a path for herself as a successful entrepreneur and educator. Dealing with themes of intersectionality and representation, she aims to be the role model for others that she wished she had had whilst growing up in London as a young girl of Nigerian heritage.
Read this book if: you’re looking for inspiration and encouragement to overcome obstacles and find your strengths.
Udokporo, O. (2023) Dyslexia and Me: How to survive and thrive if you’re neurodivergent. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
Don’t feel like reading? Check out these podcasts featuring Neurodiversity Celebration Week speakers:
Do you have any recommendations of books and resources on neurodiversity? Let us know in the comments.
For World Mental Health Day 2024, mental health in the workplace is the focus. With 875,000 workers suffering from work related stress, depression and anxiety in 2022/23 and 15% of UK workers estimated to have existing mental health conditions (Mental Health Foundation Statistics), awareness and action for mental health is necessary. Addressing mental health in the workplace is for the benefit of everyone – for both the individual and the workplace (mental health is the 5th most common reason for sickness absence) and thus is a priority to tackle from a personal and organisational level. Work can be good for your mental health in giving a sense of purpose but balance between work and life is key. This mental health day we have collated a selection of self-help and work-life balance books to help in taking a step for better mental health. You could also come and take a break at the Sainsbury Library at our colouring and puzzle station or try your hand at some origami! Find more in our recommendations of 7 Fun Things to do in the Library.
The Sainsbury Library has decided to shine a spotlight on well-being, mental health, and self-help. University is often stressful but the final term even more so! We have put together different resources and displays to support wellbeing and mental health.
Have you got any study tips? Do you have particular activities that help your wellbeing?
We have created a padlet to share top tips for wellbeing and studying. Please contribute by sharing your tips and read what other people have posted. Even if you do not have anything to share, we hope you still learn something useful.
We have our usual jigsaw puzzle for readers to complete, alongside colouring books with coloured pencils provided. We have also put out individual colouring sheets that can be taken to desks. We found a lot of fun designs including smiling dogs (Pomeranians and dachshunds), lazy cats, dragons and flowers.
We also have an origami section which includes paper and three fun books with instructions:
Our book display showcases books within the Sainsbury Library collection, but also the wider Bodleian with graphic novels, illustrated books and online audiobooks. The Bodleian Libraries is one of six legal deposit libraries in the country this means we have a lot of books that you might not expect to find in university libraries.
For more information about each book go to the ‘About the Books’ below.
Graphic novels/illustrated books, read in library
Managing stress, online audiobooks:
Oxford SSO required for access:
Motivation and thinking, physical books:
Happiness and self-help, physical books:
Our window display shows data on the business of mental health and wellbeing. It showcases data and charts relating to stress, corporate wellness services and fitness trends.