The pandemic of 2020 has turned our lives upside down. Home working and home schooling have become the norm for millions of us. And while you might think that the absence of long commutes, live entertainment and late-night socialising means we are more rested, many of us are more frazzled than ever, finding it difficult to separate work from downtime and unable to take proper time out for ourselves. And when we do, we often feel guilty that we aren’t doing something more productive. 

In this live event, Claudia Hammond explained that rest is not just a matter of doing nothing – it is a vital part of self-care. Her book, The Art of Rest, draws on ground-breaking research she uncovered through ‘The Rest Test’, the largest global survey into rest ever undertaken, which was completed by 18,000 people across 135 different countries. Much has been written on the value of sleep in recent years, 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 explained why rest matters, examined the science behind the results of what really works and offered a roadmap for a new, more restful and balanced life.

Hammond was in conversation with Helen Czerski, BBC science presenter.

Praise for The Art of Rest:

“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

“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