The Art of Rest: How to Find Respite in the Modern Age

Description

Today busyness has become a badge of honour. We want to say we're busy, yet at the same time we feel exhausted. Instead we should start taking rest seriously as a method of self-care and this book can help us to work out how. The Art of Rest draws on ground-breaking research Claudia Hammond collaborated on - 'The Rest Test' - the largest global survey into rest ever undertaken, which was completed by 18,000 people across 135 different countries. Much of value has been written about sleep, but rest is different; it is how we unwind, calm our minds and recharge our bodies. And, as the survey revealed, how much rest you get is directly linked to your sense of well-being. Counting down through the top ten activities which people find most restful, Hammond explains why rest matters, examines the science behind the results to establish what really works and offers a roadmap for a new, more restful and balanced life.

Claudia Hammond is an award-winning writer and broadcaster and lectures in psychology at Boston University's base in London. As the presenter of All in the Mind she is BBC Radio 4's voice of psychology and mental health. She has been awarded the President's Medal from the British Academy, the British Psychological Society's Public Engagement & Media Award, Mind's Making a Difference Award and the British Neuroscience Association's Public Understanding of Neuroscience Award. She is the author of Emotional Rollercoaster, Mind over Money and Time Warped, winner of the British Psychological Society's Best Popular Science Book Award and the Aeon Transmission Award. @claudiahammond | claudiahammond.com

Fascinating, entertaining and lucidly written . . . If we accept that reading is the most restful activity . . . The Art of Rest ought to be equivalent to a scientific siesta. The only trouble is that this outstanding book is far too stimulating to be restful * * Observer * * Claudia Hammond's superb book reminds us of a truth that's too often forgotten: that rest isn't just an indulgence, but an essential part of a life lived well -- DR RANGAN CHATTERJEE * * bestselling author of The 4 Pillar Plan * * At a time when our waking lives appear to be more frantic and distracted than ever before, switching off has never been more of a challenge. The Art of Rest equips us with fresh research and information on how to rest more, and rest better, to get the most out of life. Reading it is a rest itself -- MATT HAIG A soothing balm for a frazzled generation -- ADAM RUTHERFORD * * author of A Brief History of Everyone Who Ever Lived * * Not only is The Art of Rest an enjoyable read, touching on scientific evidence in a light, accessible manner, it delivers on its promise too . . . Reading, according to Rest Test participants, is one of the best ways to rest. So if you want to change your 24/7 lifestyle, opening The Art of Rest may well be a good start * * New Scientist * * Hammond valiantly unearths some great nuggets . . . quirky humour and sunny enthusiasm kept me reading * * The Times * * A clarion call . . . It reminds us that in these frazzled times, rest is not an indulgence but an essential * * Sunday Telegraph * * The prolific and brilliant Claudia Hammond has done it again, this time with the science of how to make the most of our lives in work, rest and play -- KEVIN FONG * * author of Extreme Medicine * * A thoughtful and enlightening book, perfectly mixing anecdote and evidence -- ROBIN INCE [Hammond] helps guide readers who have been too guilty or anxious to make time for themselves to make a start in finding the best ways to switch off * * Herald * *