#BookReview THE ART OF REST by CLAUDIA HAMMOND #nonfiction #audiobook

ABOUT THE BOOK

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. 

PUBLISHED BY CANONGATE BOOKS

MY REVIEW

I listened to the audioversion of this book.

I found this to be a really interesting listen exploring the art of ‘rest’ and how we all interpret it, especially in this modern world where we all expect to be busy 24/7. Rest doesn’t mean sitting and doing nothing and this book explores the top 10 ways – the results from a rest test survey- of which we can all take a bit more time to rest and find a way of slowing our mind and bodies down.

I have M.E so am very aware of how rest can help me in my recovery. Whenever we are told to get some rest, I’m sure most of us think that it involves just lying down, watching tv, but this book shows that is not the case.. When is rest just being lazy? And more than ever how many of us never feel properly rested, even after a ‘lazy’ day with so many distractions.. yes social media, I’m looking at you!

I was pleased to discover that I’m doing rest right listening to this book! Just by switching off your brain you can find yourself resting, so just going for a walk, listening to music, getting in touch with nature are high on the list. And top of the list overall was reading!! And I can totally connect with that one! The world seems to disappear when you’re involved in a good book and that can only be a good thing for your mind and body

I liked the tips included throughout the book of helping you with resting and it was full of good common sense – something lacking in the world right now! Recommended!

★★★★

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