Warning: some people might find this podcast seriously restful.

If that sounds appealing, it should do, because rest is something we all need to prioritise. So says this week’s guest, Claudia Hammond, who argues that being busy isn’t a badge of honour – and taking time out is definitely not lazy. We examine the science behind our struggles to relax and she shares some brilliant insights on our attitudes to downtime, the top 10 activities most likely to help us switch off, and what the benefits are for our health, wellbeing and productivity.

If you need a reminder of why rest is so important – and permission to do it, without feeling guilty – this is it. So put your feet up (or head out for a walk, if you find that more restful), and listen in. 

Disclaimer: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.*

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Watch the video version of this interview in full below.

Connect with Claudia:

Website      Twitter      Instagram

Claudia’s books:

• The Art of Rest: How to Find Respite in the Modern Age
• Time Warped: Unlocking the Mysteries of Time Perception
• Emotional Rollercoaster: A Journey Through the Science of Feelings

Articles:

• Evening Standard – Give it a rest: how to switch off in 2020
• Happiful – Claudia Hammond on Rest and Relaxation
• The Guardian – The Art of Rest by Claudia Hammond review – too stimulating by far…

Further Learning:

• Research Gate – Busyness as a badge of honour for the new superordinate working class
• Journal Research Group – Conspicuous Consumption of Time: When Busyness and Lack of Leisure Time Become a Status Symbol
• BBC – The Tiny Breaks That Ease Your Body and ReBoot Your Brain
• THE REST TEST: PRELIMINARY FINDINGS
• Durham University – Rest and Wellbeing – The World’s Largest Survey
• BBC – The ten most restful activities
• Pacific Standard – Being a Coach Potato Not So Bad Afterall
• BBC – Do people choose pain over boredom?
• BBC – Loneliness Experiment

Dr Chatterjee’s resources:

• Podcast #53 – How to Do Less, Do it Better and Live More with Elizabeth Emens
• Podcast #70 – Why Sleep is the Most Important Pillar of Health with Professor Matthew Walker
• Find Dr Chatterjee’s 4 Pillar of Health in The 4 Pillar Plan
• Available in the US & Canada with the title How to Make Disease Disappear
• Order Dr Chatterjee’s book The Stress Solution.
• Dr Chatterjee’s NEW book Feel Better in 5 is out now.

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*DISCLAIMER: Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.