HOW MUCH REST DO YOU GET?

The Art of Rest by Claudia Hammond book

Do you get enough rest? Are you busy all the time? Is your busyness a 'badge of honour' or grinding you down? How do you relax and recharge? If you've ever asked yourself these questions: read on.

We love a good book recommendation, and recently read 'The Art of Rest' by psychologist, journalist and BBC broadcaster Claudia Hammond. On 'The 2020 Book Award Shortlist', released by the British Psychological Society, Hammond's book is based on The Rest Test a huge survey involving 18,000 people in 135 countries.

This exploration of rest, and what it means to us, led by Professor Felicity Callard, was a collaboration by the Wellcome Collection, Hubbub and Durham University. About the study, Callard says:

“The survey shows that people’s ability to take rest, and their levels of well-being, are related. We’re delighted that these findings combat a common, moralizing connection between rest and laziness.”

What is 'rest'?

  • The book discusses the fact that 'rest' is relatively hard to define. It's generally agreed that rest is distinct from sleep - and requires you to be conscious. But rest can mean different things to different people.
  • Do we mean a rested mind? Or body? When Doctors prescribe 'rest' what do they want a patient to do? Not do?
  • The Rest Test created a survey to better understand what rest, and restful activities, mean to people as well as to explore the impact rest has on people's health and well-being.
Ten Best Ways to Rest

The survey asked people to list their top three favourite ways to relax. Here were the most popular:

1. Reading a book
2. Get out into nature
3. Spend time alone
4. Listen to music
5. Do nothing in particular
6. Walking
7. Having a bath
8. Daydreaming
9. Watching TV
10. Mindfulness

How do you get your rest?

  • Throughout the book, Hammond emphasises that rest is personal. Your restful activities may or may not be on this list, but it's a good place to start.
  • Similarly, it's important to balance rest and activity. Too much time on your hands, and restful activities become unsatisfying. Too much activity and you need to rest more urgently.

If you want to know more by Claudia Hammond and 'The Art of Rest' you can explore her website and tune into her BBC Radio 4 Podcast 'All in the Mind'

A collection of artworks to celebrate rest and explore these findings is in progress.

For now, check out our 'Think and Listen Well' series. 

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