13 Burnout Books That'll Help You Actually Break Up With Stress

13 burnout books

My therapist told me if I didn't think I was worthy enough to be honest with myself, I'd continue accepting things that make me feel bad like excess stress and over performance. First: ouch. Second, I'm at a point where I can admit I do have an unhealthy relationship with both that always lead to burnout.

Now that I'm ready to start embracing the art of slow living, there are a few burnout books I've been reading, taking notes from, and annotating. Honestly, I think we could all use a break from stress so I'm sharing the 13 burnout books that are helping me make a slow, but necessary change.

The Burnoutby Kinsella Sophie

Sasha's corporate life has left her feeling everything but inspired. Her days revolve around putting out 'fires' at work which means her personal life essentially doesn't exist. Deciding to leave that behind for a while, she books a trip to her favorite resort only to find that it doesn't look or feel like paradise once she arrives. She runs into Finn and he's just as stressed as her, but he wears his ornery feelings on his sleeves.

This leads to disagreements and a series of notes that leave them no choice but to talk to each other. Suddenly, there's so much to talk about and the discovery of a shared hobby begins bringing them closer than their burnout ever will.

Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily Nagoski and Amelia Nagoski

Emily Nagoski, PhD, and Amelia Nagoski, DMA, are two sisters who have written a manual that's meant to help you get to the root of your burnout. They combine science and resources that also help you deviate away from letting stress control your life. Additionally, the sisters have put together The Burnout Workbook: Advice and Exercises to Help You Unlock the Stress Cycle so you have more room to complete the exercises in Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle.

The 30-Day Burnout Fix: End Exhaustion, Break the Stress Cycle, and Reclaim Control Through Mindset Shifts, Behavioral Change, and Emotional Mastery by Janessa Rhoades

Reading about someone's experience with burnout makes us feel less alone and that's exactly what you can find in The 30-Day Burnout Fix. Janessa Rhoades is adamant about giving you action-based tools that you can apply to your daily life. It's similar to receiving 'homework' after your therapist session. In order to change the way you live, this book lets you know that you have to be willing to do the work.

Burnout Recovery: 15 techniques to overcome chronic stress, regain control, restore your energy and your focus by Amber Pierce

I love when burnout books tell you what you can expect in the title. While I'm all for an ambiguous fiction title, I prefer mental health books to be straight forward. Burnout Recovery is great to read if you feel similar because it breaks down how you can tell if you're about to become burned out, the stages of burnout, and there's even a quiz that helps you gauge how stressed you are.

From Burnt Out to Fired Up: Reignited Your Passion for Teaching by Morgane Michael

Although I'm not a teacher, I decided to read this book because I think it's important to recognize that everyone is capable of feeling burned out. I have a few associates who have talked about feeling stressed while teaching and it made me realize how much teachers can be taken for granted.

What From Burnt Out to Fired Up does is help teachers rediscover their passion and joy for teaching while learning to set important boundaries.

Therapist Burnout: Your Guide to Recovery and a Joyful, Sustainable Private Practice by Kelly Higdon & Miranda Palmer

This also goes without saying, but therapists are also capable of feeling the effects of burnout. As often as I rely on my therapist to help me work through my own issues, I sometimes wonder how she takes care of herself while helping clients. This book gives a little more insight into how therapists can do jus that without losing their desire to be of service to others.

Fist Pumps by Scott MacDiarmid, MD

Fist Pumps was another personal read because my sister is a Pharmacist and I've heard many stories about how medical industry professionals can be treated poorly by patients. I think it's easy for people in this profession and others to remember that they're worthy of rest, but Fist Pumps is a book that says, "No more!"

It's a great gift to give someone who works in the medical industry IMO.

I'm So Effing Tired: A Proven Plan to Beat Burnout, Boost Your Energy, and Reclaim Your Lifeby Amy Shah, MD

I'll be honest — the title alone convinced me to buy this book because I'm pretty sure I've screamed the explicit version of it within the past week. Aside from stating the obvious, Amy Shah, MD also asks you to consider how your diet may be affecting the way your body responds to stress. She even shares a hormone-balancing tea that's actually pretty tasty if I say so myself.

Brilliant Burnout: How Successful, Driven Women Can Stay in the Game by Rewiring Their Bodies, Brains and Hormones by Nisha Jackson, PhD

I can't get enough of evidence-based burnout books like Brilliant Burnout. After realizing my stress has been affecting my body, reading this book helped me realize that everything matters internally. Nisha Jackson, PhD does an excellent job of describing how to optimize one's hormones, brain, and body so that burnout can start taking a backseat.

Mommy Burnout: How to Reclaim Your Life and Raise Healthier Children in the Process by Dr. Sheryl Ziegler

I'm not going to lie — becoming a mom made me question my sanity because it can be freaking tough to navigate. Even if you do have support, there are moments when guilt and burnout threaten to burn everything down, leaving you feeling exhausted. But, Mommy Burnout has been helping me take a moment to catch my breath so I don't lose my mind.

It's also an encouraging read that wants moms to get past this idea of being perfect because it honestly doesn't exist and can cause more harm than good. In other words, it's like reading something your own therapist may tell you.

Love Your Kids Without Losing Yourself: 5 Steps to Banish Guilt and Beat Burnout When You Already Have Too Much To Do by Dr. Morgan Cutlip

Because I can't get enough of mommy burnout books, I decided to read Love Your Kids Without Losing Yourself for good measure. If it's not obvious, I'm literally sick of mommy guilt and burnout on top of stress I feel in other areas of my life. What I can say is that this book helps moms to acknowledge how we feel without placing the blame on our kids. It's easy to take our frustrations out on others in general, but little people don't deserve our inability to self-regulate our emotions.

Reset: Live a Grace-Paced Life in a Burnout Culture by David Murray

Burnout culture is absolutely real and it's threatening to hinder how we live our lives + interact with others. While this is a Christian-based book for men, they're certainly important to consider because burnout isn't impartial to a particular group of people. I bought this to help my S.O. navigate his toxic work culture, expectations placed on him by society, and family. So far he's said that it's helping him to realize the importance of slowing down to allow more grace to enter his mind.

Burnout Immunity: How Emotional Intelligence Can Help You Build Resilience and Heal Your Relationship with Work by Kandi Wiens, Ed.D. - Available For Purchase April 23, 2024

This book isn't out yet, but I had to include it on this list because it's a highly anticipated read. Aside from learning about the what burnout is and how to reset our hormones so we can minimize our chance of experiencing it, emotional intelligence is also important to be aware of. Kandi Wiens, Ed.D. specifically switched careers to understand why so many are struggling with burnout at work and her incredible discoveries have led to Burnout Immunity.

Are you ready to add a few burnout books to your kindle this year?

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Lead images via Amazon

The best part of english classes was discovering new authors because of assigned summer reading. I'd pretend to "complain," but I loved when my mom took me to the public library to find books I'd eventually cherish. From Maya Angelou's pivotal memoir to Barbara Kingsolver's assessment of one family's mission work, I learned women could be powerful wordsmiths.

As much as I love reading contemporary romance books or political thrillers that remind me of Paradise, the following novels are the ones I revisit when my TBR list is too overwhelming!

Read the instant-classic books that introduced me to the most iconic female authors of all time

Amazon

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Pride and Prejudice was the only book that challenged me because it's the true definition of a "slow burn" read. Between you and I, Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy are the blueprint for the love stories found in Bridgerton because their romance wasn't rushed. The familiar strangers-to-lovers troupe is there, but Jane Austen took her time showing the seeds of how things blossomed between them.

Amazon

Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie

What was supposed to be a luxurious train ride turns into murder when the wealthy Samuel Edward Ratchett is discovered dead during a terrible storm. The guests are bewildered because it appears no one could've accessed his door from the outside, but his fatal wounds indicate otherwise. Detective Hercule Poirot is sure one of the guests is feigning innocence, but he'll have to deduce who was skilled enough to commit an undetectable murder.

Amazon

The Color Purple by Alice Walker

I was introduced to the film version of The Color Purple when I was a little girl and it left a memorable imprint on my mind. Starring Whoopi Goldberg and Oprah Winfrey, I believed they were Celie and Sofia for the longest. It's the reason why I devoured Alice Walker's book when I was old enough to read it. Mainly, the themes of sisterhood, sexism, racism, and love painted a vivid picture of life for Black women in the deep South. In their story, readers are sure to find something to relate to.

Amazon

White Teethby Zadie Smith

Zadie Smith's White Teeth outlines a friendship between two people from different backgrounds, showing how life isn't always confined to certain "rules." The things Archie Jones and Samad Iqbal found after fighting together in World War II have a profound effect on their friendship as well as their lives. From falling in love again to producing children who challenge the world around them, these two friends struggle to maintain a lease on the things they thought to be true.

Amazon

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou's I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings tells of her upbringing in the south with her brother Bailey. From witnessing the strength of their grandmother to experiencing terror at the hands of a "trusted" adult, Maya learns valuable lessons about tenacity, wit, and kindness at a young age. It's these very things that make her one of the greatest literary minds whose work I've been fortunate to read.

Amazon

To Kill a Mockingbirdby Harper Lee

To Kill a Mockingbird broke me into pieces and stitched me back together after I read it for the first time. It's another book that touches on the limiting beliefs that the South is known for and its effect on those around them. Though beautiful, this region hasn't always been the kindest to Black people as evidenced by a one lawyer's determination to prove the innocence of a wrongly accused man.

Amazon

Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood

Margaret Atwood is known for writing dystopian books that paint a somewhat bleak picture of our future. In Oryx and Crake, readers are introduced to "Snowman" who ditched his former name Jimmy once a terrible tragedy changed the trajectory of the world around him. Not only is he alone as the last full being, he's also lost two people he loved dearly. The only thing that keeps Snowman going are Crake's children as he seeks to find the source of the greatest genetic breakdown known to mankind.

Amazon

The Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler

The Parable of the Sower follows Lauren Olamina as she goes from living a protected life to being unable to ignore the realities of those who aren't as fortunate as her. She witnesses how societal and socioeconomic changes affect others, not including the growing calls to pay attention to the climate. As scary as it is, Lauren decides to take a stand to help others and witnesses a rebirth that no one's able to ignore.

Amazon

Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng

I still remember watching Kerry Washington and Reese Witherspoon take on the characters found in Celeste Ng's Little Fires Everywhere during the height of the pandemic. It opened up conversations about motherhood and the choices women make that follow us even when we don't want them to. From confronting cover racism to realizing how a life unfulfilled leads to pushing children to live lives we've always wanted to, the world of Shaker Heights is taken for a wild ride when Mia Warren comes into town.

Amazon

The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver

Last but not least, there's this incredible work of Barbara Kingsolver. I find myself revisiting The Poisonwood Bible because the themes of it feel more relevant than ever. From the blind faith of Baptist preacher Nathan Price to his wife finally finding her voice after their youngest daughter died, neither they or their children leave the Belgian Congo unscathed. Despite their best efforts to adapt, this family learns that their ignorance stemming from a domineering patriarchal household caused them to be chewed up and spit out. That sometimes there's more than one way to find God, love, and justice if we're willing to look.

Subscribe to our newsletter for more spring book finds!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Get excited, because Trader Joe’s just brought back a seasonal flavor of one of their most beloved frozen desserts. Mini-sized and perfect for mid-day – or, let’s be real – midnight snacking, the Hold The Cone ice cream has gracefully returnedwith the taste of none other than coffee! Yum. TJ’s fans are already running to their nearest stores to grab a box (or two!), so you're definitely going to want to grab this limited-time item before it runs out.

Scroll on to discover more about the Coffee Bean Hold the Cone! Mini Ice Cream Cones from Trader Joe’s.

Trader Joe's

Trader Joe’s Hold the Cone! Mini Ice Cream Cones category includes classics like strawberry, chocolate, and chocolate chip, but a newcomer just joined the lineup: coffee bean! The cones are truly a cult-favorite item amongst shoppers, including myself!

Trader Joe's

According to Trader Joe’s, the Coffee Bean Hold the Cone! Mini Ice Cream Cones feature mini chocolate sugar cones lined with a “chocolatey” coating that are then packed with a rich and “strongly flavored” coffee bean ice cream.

Trader Joe's

Chocolate and coffee is a truly stunning food combo, so coffee and dessert lovers will adore this new iteration. Additionally, their small size makes them absolutely irresistible for snacking sessions – I could honestly eat the whole box in one sitting.

@traderjoesobsessed

TJ’s fan account @traderjoesobsessed shared the returning find with their Instagram followers, and it was an instant hit among those who know and love ‘em, and people who have never tried the cones before.

“Yassss my favorite flavor!!!” one person commented.

“I will be buying two boxes tomorrow,” another declared.

“I don’t understand why this is a seasonal flavor!” someone else pointed out.

Reddit

One box of the Trader Joe’s Coffee Bean Hold the Cone! Mini Ice Cream Cones is just $4, and that guarantees you 8 mini-sized ice cream cones to share – or keep all to yourself.

You can find this new drop in between TJ’s freezer aisles next to so many more sweet finds like the Blood Orange Mochi and the Speculoos Cookie Butter Ice Cream. I’m craving ice cream already!

Subscribe to our newsletter to discover more epic Trader Joe's products + new items!

This Women’s History Month, celebrate strong, complex, and unforgettable female characters who challenge the status quo. These books with strong female leads span centuries and continents, offering a powerful look at resilience, rebellion, and reinvention. Whether you’re in the mood for historical heroines seeking justice, fierce detectives uncovering dangerous secrets, or contemporary women navigating love, loss, and identity, these must-reads showcase the many ways women carve their own paths — no matter the obstacles in their way. So here are all the books with strong female leads we're excited about this year!

Scroll to see all the empowering new books you should read with strong female leads in 2025!

Amazon

The Queen’s Spade by Sarah Raughley

Nineteen-year-old Sarah Bonetta Forbes, once a princess of the Egbado Clan, wants revenge against the British Crown. Stolen from her homeland and turned into royal property, she vows to destroy those responsible, starting with her own godmother, Queen Victoria. To bring down the monarchy, Sally must navigate court politics, manipulate the Queen’s inner circle, and align with a dangerous London crime lord. She even exploits the affections of Prince Albert, using him as a pawn in her deadly game. But when Queen Victoria forces her into marriage, Sally faces an impossible choice. With her freedom slipping away and her heart on the line, she must decide how much she is willing to sacrifice for vengeance.

Amazon

An Intrigue of Witches by Esme Addison

History professor Sidney Taylor is stuck shuffling papers in DC after an inconvenient discovery stalls her career. When an anonymous invitation offers a million-dollar reward to find a missing artifact in Robbinsville, North Carolina, she can’t resist — especially with a chance to visit her grandmother. Following centuries-old clues, Sidney embarks on a thrilling treasure hunt, but soon realizes she’s entangled in a dangerous conspiracy. As secret societies, ancient bloodlines, and witches come into play, she uncovers a truth that shakes her to the core. What she finds isn’t just an artifact — it’s a revelation that threatens the very foundation of America itself.

Amazon

Kinda Koreanby Joan Sung

In this powerful coming-of-age memoir, Joan Sung reflects on her Korean American identity while learning to forgive her Tiger Mom. Raised in a home shaped by intergenerational trauma, Sung bravely breaks the silence that haunts her family. With honesty and courage, she shares her journey of growing up with a mother who struggled to understand American society. As she navigates the challenges of being both Korean and American, Sung exposes the microaggressions, fetishization, and racism she faced. She connects her personal experiences with the broader issues affecting Asian American communities, exploring how the COVID pandemic brought long-standing violence and discrimination to the forefront.

Amazon

Junie by Erin Crosby Eckstine

Junie, a sixteen-year-old enslaved on Bellereine Plantation, has lived her life tending to the white master’s daughter, Violet, and grieving the death of her sister, Minnie. When guests arrive from New Orleans, bringing changes to Violet’s life, Junie’s world is turned upside down. In an act of desperation, Junie awakens Minnie’s ghost, and her sister remains tethered to the living world unless Junie can release her. With the help of Caleb, the coachman, Junie discovers hidden secrets about Bellereine. As the Civil War looms, she faces a life-altering choice about love, freedom, and the sacrifices she must make in the fight for her future.

Amazon

Fog and Fury by Rachel Howzell Hall (July 1, 2025)

After a decade with the LAPD, Sonny Rush moves to quiet Haven, California, to care for her mother and join her godfather’s PI business. Her first case finding a missing goldendoodle with a Versace collar seems harmless enough. But Figgy’s disappearance quickly leads to an unexpected reunion with her wealthy ex and a much darker mystery. When a teenage boy’s body is found on a popular trail, Sonny realizes Haven is not as idyllic as it seems. As she digs deeper, she uncovers secrets more twisted than anything she encountered in LA. A cryptic warning from a local makes one thing clear. In Haven, nothing is what it seems and finding the truth might cost Sonny everything.

Amazon

(S)Kin by Ibi Zoboi

Two teenagers connected through family secrets and ancient magic unite in Ibi Zoboi’s new novel. Fifteen-year-old Marisol is the daughter of a soucouyant, a fireball witch who must feed off the lives of others every new moon. She hoped their old traditions would be left behind when they emigrated from the islands, but her mother keeps her bound to her magical past. Brooklyn isn’t a place for witches, with its bright lights and locked doors. Seventeen-year-old Genevieve, struggling with a worsening skin condition, longs for answers about her estranged mother. When a new nanny arrives to care for her family’s twins, a hidden connection to Marisol is revealed. As the girls uncover secrets, they realize that their magic, hidden beneath their skin, may prove more destructive than they imagined.

Amazon

Cover Story by Celia Laskey (March 25, 2025)

Ali is a Hollywood publicist responsible for keeping gay celebrities in the closet, which is ironic since she is a lesbian herself. When she is assigned rising star Cara Bisset, whose breakout role is in a straight romantic blockbuster, managing Cara’s image becomes her toughest job yet. Cara is bold and unwilling to hide who she is, leading to a series of close calls. Ali is sent on a global press tour to keep her in line but instead finds herself drawn to Cara’s confidence. Still grieving the loss of her partner, Ali begins questioning the closeting system she has upheld. As Cara’s fame grows, they must decide whether to play it safe or risk everything for love.

Amazon

The Book Club for Troublesome Women by Marie Bostwick (April 22, 2025)

Margaret Ryan has the perfect life by 1960s standards—three children, a husband, and a home in a suburban neighborhood. But when she meets Charlotte Gustafson, the newest neighbor, Margaret is pulled into a life-changing journey. She starts a book club, inviting Charlotte and two other women, Bitsy and Viv, to read The Feminine Mystique. As the women bond over the book, they begin to realize that the American dream they were sold doesn’t fulfill their deeper desires. Together, they form a strong sisterhood and unknowingly set off a feminist revolution.

Amazon

Portrait of a Feminist by Marianna Marlowe

In Portrait of a Feminist, Peruvian American feminist Marianna Marlowe shares her journey from childhood in California, Peru, and Ecuador to adulthood as an academic, wife, and mother. Through braided memories, she explores the development of her feminist identity and the influence of patriarchy in her life. Marlowe examines the challenges of growing up in a family shaped by cultural and religious differences, confronting issues like misogyny, unequal marriages, and class structures. With insightful writing, she reflects on how feminism has shaped her and raises critical questions about its future evolution and relevance in today’s world.

Amazon

Isola by Allegra Goodman

Marguerite’s life of privilege is shattered when she is orphaned, and her guardian squanders her inheritance. Forced to accompany him on an expedition to New France, their journey takes a tragic turn. Marguerite is accused of betrayal, brutally punished, and abandoned on a remote island. Stripped of her former life and surrounded by harsh elements, she must rely on her inner strength and a newfound faith to survive. As the island is blanketed in ice, Marguerite’s fight for survival becomes a testament to resilience and defiance. Isola is a captivating historical epic inspired by the real-life struggles of a sixteenth-century heroine, Marguerite de La Rocque.

Amazon

The Widow’s Webby Susan Moore

When tech mogul Brad Jones is found drowned off the Marin coast, his death is ruled a suicide. But his wife, Dr. Anna Jones, a renowned cyber-psychologist, suspects foul play. Driven by grief and doubt, she begins to investigate Brad’s past, uncovering secrets that lead her into the world of Silicon Valley’s elite. As Anna digs deeper, she crosses paths with Scott and Kristy Lyle, powerful figures with high-level connections. The more Anna uncovers, the more she realizes Brad’s death is linked to a dark secret that powerful people will kill to protect. Caught between truth and danger, Anna must decide if she will risk everything to expose the deadly forces at play.

Amazon

Shooting Stars Above by Patricia Leavy

Tess Lee is a world-famous novelist whose books inspire people to believe in hope, yet she struggles to find own happiness. Jack Miller is a federal agent working in counterterrorism, scarred by years of violence and dedication to his job. When Tess and Jack meet, their connection is instant, but old wounds soon resurface. Jack struggles with the loss of a loved one, and Tess faces her painful childhood. As they struggle with their pasts, they must decide if unconditional love can heal their invisible scars and help them find light after years of darkness.

Looking for more books to add to your shelf? Be sure to sign up for our newsletter to get all our fave recs!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

With an acting career that spans over four decades, Tom Hanks (born Thomas Jeffrey Hanks) is revered as one of the most beloved and well-respected actors in Hollywood. Whether he’s portraying a lovable man-child in Big or voicing a trustworthy cowboy sheriff doll in Toy Story, the now 68-year-old actor and filmmaker has managed to capture the hearts of audiences around the world, solidifying himself as an American cultural icon. Aside from having many prestigious awards under his belt, Hanks’ impressive acting catalog includes a movie or two that is an absolute must-watch. (Ahem, I’ve watched You’ve Got Mail more than a dozen times, but who’s counting?)

From Cast Away to Apollo 13, here’s a list of the best Tom Hanks movies everyone should watch at least once—if you haven’t already!

1. Forrest Gump

Paramount Pictures

One of the most memorable quotes from this widely-praised classic comes from Forrest Gump himself, where the titular character repeats a phrase often used by his late mother: “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.”

That’s just one of the inspirational lessons you will take away throughout the film. Serving as an adaption of Winston Groom’s 1986 novel of the same title, Forrest Gump follows an Alabama man who doesn’t let his intellectual shortcomings stand in his way. From fighting on the front lines of the Vietnam War to captaining a shrimp boat, Forrest Gump is living his life to the fullest.

But he yearns to be with his childhood love, Jenny, who goes on to live a troubling life. Not only was Forrest Gump a box office success (garnering a whopping $678.2 million worldwide during its theatrical run, btw) but it was admired by critics and fans alike, earning an 8.8 out of 10 rating on IMDb and a 75 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. While this Tom Hanks movie has faced some controversy over the years, its redeeming qualities make it one of the most iconic movies of the 90s.

2. Toy Story

Disney

Woody is the true definition of best friend goals. Woody’s unwavering fearlessness and ability to go to infinity and beyond for Andy (AKA his owner) and his fellow toys is quite endearing. It’s hard to picture anyone other than Tom Hanks voicing the iconic vintage doll. From the moment Woody is first introduced on screen, Hanks brings a story of charm and je ne sais quoi to the character that can’t be replicated.

While the Toy Story movie franchise consists of four movies (with a fifth movie currently in the works, ICYMI), the first Toy Story movie will always be a fan favorite, earning an 8.3 out of 10 rating on IMDb and a perfect 100 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes.

3. Philadelphia

TriStar

Moving, poignant and unforgettable. Those are the three words that describe Hank’s phenomenal (and don’t forget Oscar-winning!) performance in 1993’s law drama Philadelphia. Meet Andrew Beckett, a lawyer working at a prestigious law firm in Philadelphia. In a desperate attempt to save his career, he keeps his HIV diagnosis and homosexuality a secret from his co-workers.

However, an employee discovers his secret, and as a result, Beckett is let go from the law firm. Angered by the firm’s decision, Beckett enlists the help of a Black lawyer named Joe Miller (played by Denzel Washington) and sues his former employer for discrimination.

From the talented ensemble cast to the film’s underlying message of social injustice and prejudice, Philadelphia is an absolute must-watch from beginning to end. And the ratings speak for themselves: Philadelphia has a 7.7/10 on IMDb and 81 percent on Rotten Tomatoes.

4. ​Big

20th Century Fox

If you ask me, Big is like the big brother to 13 Going on 30 and 17 Again. Directed by Penny Marshall (who you may recognize from the TV sitcom Laverne & Shirley!), Big follows a 12-year-old boy named Josh Baskin, who wishes he was “big.”

One day, he wakes up as an adult. However, Josh longs for the days of childhood. But what makes this film so great? Hanks brings such a childlike innocence to the role that you can’t help but smile whenever he appears on screen. Whether he’s playing with toys or gleefully playing a sonnet on a life-size piano keyboard with his feet, Big makes you feel an enchanting sense of nostalgia, where you can think back to a time when life was so carefree and being a child wasn’t a distant memory. Also, it has a 7.3/10 rating on IMDb and a whopping 98 percent on Rotten Tomatoes.

5. Sleepless in Seattle

TriStar

As someone who has watched Sleepless in Seattle more than once, I can’t say enough how much this timeless rom-com deserves a spot on this list. From the undeniable chemistry between Hanks and Meg Ryan to the talented ensemble cast, this is a movie I put on whenever I’m in the mood for a genuine, heartwarming romance. What’s not to love?

Following the death of his wife, Sam Baldwin and his son move to Seattle for a fresh start. One night, Jonah calls into a radio station to find his dad a new wife. While driving late at night, a journalist named Annie Reed is listening to the same radio segment and she falls for Sam, but—get this—she’s engaged.

Unable to get him off her mind, Annie takes a leap of faith and writes to Sam, asking him to meet up on top of the Empire State Building on Valentine’s Day. If that doesn’t scream romance, then I don’t know what does. Though Sleepless in Seattle received a 6.8/10 rating on IMDb and 75 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, it remains one of my fave Nora Ephron films and Tom Hanks’ swoon-worthy portrayal of Sam is chef's kiss.

6. ​Cast Away

DreamWorks

If you were questioning Tom Hanks’ range as an actor, just put on Cast Away (which has a 7.8/10 rating on IMDb and 88 percent on Rotten Tomatoes) one time and you’ll see for yourself. I mean, the man is acting alongside a volleyball named Wilson for most of the movie, for crying out loud.

Hanks is a force to be reckoned with in this film, where he plays a FedEx executive who survives a plane crash and becomes stranded on a deserted island. As he fights to survive, he dreams of one day reuniting with a person he holds near and dear to his heart: his soon-to-be fiancée.

7. ​Saving Private Ryan

DreamWorks

The first time I watched Saving Private Ryan was in Social Studies class. Middle school, to be exact. Set during WWII, Saving Private Ryan follows Captain John Miller and his regiment as they embark on a journey to locate Private James Ryan, whose three brothers have been killed in combat.

This movie will stick with you after the screen fades to black and the end credits roll. And Hanks’ ability to capture Captain John Miller’s sincerity and valiantness with so much authenticity was nothing short of spectacular. But that’s not the only reason why it deserves a spot on everyone’s watch list. While it’s certainly not an easy watch, this film tells an impactful yet inspiring story about resilience, loss, and the disastrous conditions of war. Not to mention, it has an impressive 8.6/10 rating on IMDb and 94 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. Need I say more?

8. ​Catch Me If You Can

DreamWorks

What do you get when you put Tom Hanks and Leonardo DiCaprio in a crime-action comedy? Catch Me If You Can, that’s what! Serving as a live adaptation of Frank Abagnale Jr.’s autobiographical book of the same name, Catch Me If You Can revolves around the young conman, who becomes the most successful bank robber in the history of the U.S. before the age of 19.

Frank has done it all: he’s worked as a doctor, a lawyer, and as a co-pilot for a major airline. In a cunning game of cat and mouse, FBI Agent Carl Hanratty (played by Hanks) tries to bring Frank to justice, only for Frank to be one step ahead. It garnered an 8.1/10 rating on IMDb and a 96 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. And don’t even get me started on Hanks and DiCaprio being the ultimate on-screen duo.

9. ​Apollo 13

Universal Pictures

“Houston, we have a problem!” If you heard this iconic phrase before, I bet you didn’t know that it came from the 1995 docu-drama Apollo 13. Aside from its stellar ensemble cast, the film was also praised for its accurate retelling of the Apollo 13 lunar mission.

The year is 1970. A crew of three astronauts boarded a NASA spacecraft in hopes of landing on the moon. When an oxygen tank explodes during their mission, the crew must find a way to survive and make it safely back to Earth. Not only is it regarded as one of the best movies of all time, but it also received praise from critics, earning a 7.7/10 rating on IMDb and a 96 percent on Rotten Tomatoes.

10. Splash

Buena Vista Pictures

Last but not least: Splash. Sure, the plot may be a bit cheesy. But it has everything that makes an '80s rom-com great. Strong chemistry? Check. Quirky humor? Oh, there’s a lot of that! Splash follows a man who's reunited with a mermaid that saved him from drowning 20 years ago.

Now, as an adult, he falls in love with the mermaid after she ventures onto dry land to find him. However, their perfect love story is cut short when a scheming scientist tries to expose her secret to the world. Now, I know what you’re thinking: This movie has a 6.3/10 rating on IMDb and it somehow received a 95 percent on Rotten Tomatoes (with an audience rating of 65 percent.) But Splash is an overall good time. If you’re looking for a chuckle or two, you’ll get it with Splash. (And can I just say that Tom Hanks is so charming and funny in this film?!)

What’s your favorite Tom Hanks movie? Did we miss one on the list? If so, let us know in the comments and read up on the 10 Cringy 90s Movies That Would Never Be Made Today for more!

I don't know whether to treat my period acne as guests or annoying pests. I'm familiar with balancing my hormones, but even that seems to be a great mystery when painful breakouts appear on my forehead or chin. Even relying on a face wash fromFarmacy Beautyisn't always a match for their stubbornness.

But esthetician Danielle Gronich wants to dispel the idea hormonal acne's impossible to treat. Plus, she's exposing the truth about ingredients that could be causing flareups 👀. Known as The Acne Guru, Gronich has over 10 years of experience treating cystic acne, and is the founder of both the San Diego Acne ClinicCLEARSTEM Skincare.

Ready for our acne to be in great hands?

Scroll to learn The Acne Guru's top 4 tips for treating stubborn hormonal breakouts

What's the biggest myth about hormonal acne?

Taylor Nicole/Dupe Photos

I love relying on TikTok to find cute matcha drink recipes to remake, but I know some of the skincare advice shared on the app shouldn't be followed. But there's one thing in particular Gronich isn't a fan of.

"The biggest myth about hormonal acne is that you have to be on birth control in order to solve it. This myth is all over social media, but I believe it comes from the medical world not really understanding hormones and having to rely on prescriptions to override them."

Would you believe me if I told you she's not wrong? I've been on birth control off and on since I was teenager, but I've yet to see it get to the root of my acne problem!

What are different types of hormonal acne?

Anna Nekrashevich/Pexels

Did you know not all hormonal acne stems directly from your period? According to Gronich, "there are many different triggers" for it with "the most common ones being stress and high sugar or processed foods" because they "impact our hormones." However, that's not all!

"Also extremely common is PCOS, estrogen dominance, progestin-related acne from certain birth control controls like the hormonal IUD, and then there is another type of hormonal acne caused by the vitamins and supplements we take," she adds. Going a step further, Gronich says "certain vitamins and supplements can spike testosterone or interfere with other enzyme processes that throw off our hormones."

I guess this is why my doctor always recommends I consult with her before taking random tablets so I'm not disrupting anything in my body!

Why do I see breakouts on my forehead, cheeks, or chin sometimes?

Polina Tankilevitch/Pexels

Remember the face mapping tool we were introduced to years ago? There's truth to them which is why Gronich created a Pore-Clogging Ingredient Checker for you to get more insight about what you're putting on your skin. But back to what your breakouts are trying to tell you!

Given Gronich's experience, she knows "different areas of the face can represent different parts of the body." She sees "hormonal acne most on the chin and jawline" because "we have the deepest hair follicles there." Want to know what this means for our body's reaction to certain foods and products?

"Dairy has insulin-like growth factor hormone so many people who consume dairy regularly get hormonal acne right on their chin. Some people are taking too much vitamin B 12 which throws off their hormones and you see it on the jawline," she says.

Then there's our relationship with using a ton of beauty products. Gronich is firm about telling "people to remove pore-ingredients from their skin care ad makeup" because "acne that's all over your face" is the direct result of "something that's being put all over your face." Not being aware of what we're using "will flare with our PMS cycle, so we accidentally think it's hormonal," accodring to her. But nope!

"...it can also just be caused by those hidden pore-clogging ingredients," she states.

Okay, how do I treat what feels like hormonal acne?

Yan Krukau/Pexels

No matter your skin type, there's a few ingredients you can use to treat hormonal acne over time. "People can treat their hormonal acne with mandelic acid, and spot treatments like sulfur," Gronich shares. She also says, "Benzoyl peroxide can be a useful tool as well but must be used carefully so as not to over strip the skin. Don't take this advice lightly because I accidentally created more issues when I used this haphazardly.

If you don't want to use Benzoyl peroxide, she says you try "ice rolling." The amount of times you can use this tool depends on your skin type. "...if you are oily, you can use these treatments every day."

How do I treat dark spots left over from hormonal acne

Ron Lach/Pexels

Gronich's tips for treating dark spots are making me rethink my shower habits because I've been doing the opposite of what's considered helpful for my skin. She says, "Avoid using hot water in the shower as it continually inflames the skin and further damages the delicate scar tissue!" Furthermore, you can "use anti-inflammatory products," according to her.

"Serums that contain hyaluronic acid can be very helpful, as well as gentle massaging to activate circulation which stimulates our wound healing response in the skin. Red light therapy can also be fantastic for scarring, along with professional micro needling treatments," she remarks.

The best things you and I can do are being mindful of what we eat, supplements we take, and what we put on our faces. Also, a lot of patience goes a long way when treating hormonal acne.

Subscribe to our newsletter for more spring beauty stories!