Mindful Soldier: Building resilience to overcome life's challenges

by Ash Alexander-Cooper

Mindful Soldier is a potent blend of personal insights and practical psychology, empowering readers to uncover hidden reserves of resilience and determination.

272 pages, Hardcover

Published January 27, 2026

Reviews

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mindful Soldier is a book that effortlessly strikes the balance between mindset and practical action, offering strategies that feel realistic and easy to apply in everyday life.

What really stood out to me was how clear and relatable the message is. It reads conversationally, with some good humour woven throughout, and I genuinely felt privileged to learn from the experiences shared in the book. There is no unnecessary fluff, just thoughtful, genuine insights that encourage you to approach challenges with greater resilience and perspective.

I honestly can’t recommend this book enough, particularly for those looking to strengthen their mental toughness, heal from trauma, or continue growing their mindset. I don’t come from a military or police background. In fact, I’m still at university, which highlights just how relevant this book can be for anyone. We can all become more resilient and better humans, and I believe this is a worthwhile step for anyone willing to learn and grow.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ash’s account of challenge and developing the resilience needed to survive and thrive is personal, painful, emotive and inspiring. As a soldier, athlete, father and son, Ash has faced, sometimes by choice but often by circumstance, extreme situations from which he’s derived lessons helpful to all. In partnering with trauma specialist Dr. Jessica Miller he’s built a handbook with practical suggestions for how others can benefit from these experiences and the latest understandings from clinical psychology. It’s a book equally moving for the personal account as it is for the practical life lessons.

[Mr D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mindful soldier is powerful and so real
From personal life to serving .
And life's own challenges thrown into the frame .
having suffering for years without knowing reading mindful soldier, it certainly put a light at the end of a very dark tunnel I learned coping mechanisms that I had no idea existed .
And also helped me gain a bit of self gratitude and compassion for my self .
It's a must read for anyone on a journey from what ever walk of life that just needs that little bit of help .
I will Forever appreciated this opportunity to read this book !!

[Michael Coates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some extremely valuable take-homes to not only benefit my life but that will positively impact those around me. A book that has made me take action.

Such a valuable asset, 5/5

[Dr Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The truths (not tales) of a British solider that will move you in ways that are indescribable. From the open "Author's Notes" to the last sentence of the book. You will be genuinely engulfed in a life story of Ash Alexander-Cooper. I suggest you take your time to read because its worth every moment, every word and description of actions, events, and brutal honesty comes a cross between heroic, traumatic, and gratitude of overcoming the darkness.
If you are looking for lots of fantastic and unrealistic views and information - then maybe its not your cup of tea, but the truth that springs from each chapter makes you realize his story is both a triumph and tragedy. The author's positive views (in some cases) makes the story seem more unrealistic but for anyone who has been in the military or in war, know that everyone experiences the events differently. I applaud the author's eloquent and steadfast resilience because it says everything about the character of the man.
This review is about what I have pulled away from it, positively, genuinely, and humanely. Keep an open heart, and as you read it, you may learn about the choices we make are important lessons on the growth and resilience we all need to experience. Keep reading, and keep make choices in the overcoming challenges.
I highly recommend, it should be read slowly and more than once.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book struck a personal chord for me. Mindful Soldier speaks to those moments in life where you’re navigating challenge, pressure, or periods of self-doubt, and need perspective rather than platitudes. I found myself relating strongly to the underlying themes and reflecting on my own journey while reading.

There’s a quiet strength in the way Ash Alexander-Cooper approaches resilience and mindset—it feels lived-in, thoughtful, and sincere. While the context may be military, the emotional and mental lessons are universal.

A book I’m genuinely glad I read and I have purchased it for a couple of friends going through life challenges.

[Pru Alexander-Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an unusual and refreshing combination of fascinating anecdotes and stories, both personal and professional, yet told with the perfect mix of self-deprecating humour and emotional vulnerability.

The exercises in mindfulness and resilience at the end of each chapter really enhance the book. A recommended read that offers practical tools and relatable scenarios to many of life’s stressful situations.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mindful Soldier offers the reader a front seat witness to a life lived with passion and determination from a lifelong learner that is unafraid to turn the mirror on himself, however painfully that reflection might appear. By going first with humility and humour, Ash Alexander-Cooper creates space for the reader to embark on their own hero’s journey of self-examination and growth.

[Alison Wilsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book which brilliantly combines the primary author's traumatic experiences as a soldier with the wise counsel of a neuropsychologist and trauma specialist.