Rest: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less

Product Description

[Read by Adam Sims]

”
Rest is such a valuable book. If work is our national religion, Pang is the philosopher reintegrating our bifurcated selves.”–Arianna Huffington,
New York Times Book Review

For most of us, overwork is the new normal and rest is an afterthought. In our busy lives, rest is defined as the absence of work: late-night TV binges, hours spent trawling the internet, something to do once we’ve finished everything else on our to-do lists. But dismissing rest stifles our ability to think creatively and truly recharge. In
Rest, Silicon Valley consultant Alex Pang argues that we can be more successful in all areas of our lives by recognizing the importance of rest: working better does not mean working more, it means working less and resting better. Treating rest as a passive activity secondary to work undermines our chances for a rewarding and meaningful life. Whether by making space for daily naps, as Winston Churchill did during World War II; going on hours-long strolls like Charles Darwin; or spending a week alone in a cabin like Bill Gates, pursuing what Pang calls ”deliberate rest” is the true key to fulfillment and creative success. Drawing on rigorous scientific evidence and revelatory historical examples,
Rest overturns everything our culture has taught us about work and shows that only by resting better can we start living better.

Review

Arianna Huffington in an interview with Lifehacker.com

“[Pang] writes with an admirable focus on balance, on pleasure as well as success; in the end, it’s difficult to argue with his conclusions.”
Kate Tuttle, Boston Globe

“Consider this a much-needed guide for the overworked: a credible, factual case for chilling out and getting rest, by a well-known Silicon Valley consultant.”

VanityFair.com

“Finally, a full-throated, exhaustively researched argument for why we should all work less and rest more-not just because we’ll feel better (no small thing) but because we’ll actually be more creative and productive as a result.”
Mason Currey, author of Daily Rituals: How Artists Work

“Alex Pang wants us to treat work and rest as equals. In his fascinating, well-researched and highly readable new book
Rest, he makes an excellent case for the critical importance of rest in our lives, drawing from the rest habits of some of our most famous scientists, writers and creatives from history, from neuroscience research as well as examples from some of the most productive people working today. You will consider how and why you rest in a completely new light after reading this book.”
Wendy Suzuki, Ph.D. professor of neural science and psychology at New York University and author of Healthy Brain Happy Life

“Finally, indisputable proof that to raise happy, healthy, and productive adults, parents and educators must teach the next generation how to practice intentional rest…how to partner work with play, exercise, and sleep.”
Nanci Kauffman, head of Castilleja School

“I love this book.
Rest weaves fascinating research and captivating stories into a wise prescription for a healthier, more creative, and more fulfilling life in a technology saturated world. At heart, it is rest, in the many ways Pang describes, that contributes to our ability to be the best of what we can be.” —

“You’re holding some terrific advice in your hands on the virtues of walking, napping,