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 …
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
This was a much-needed book for me, a workaholic who never taxes vacations and crams as much as possible into each day. Looking back, I know that I have indeed been more creative and did great on "work" projects when I had time to step back. I'll be doing so more again in the future.
This was a much-needed book for me, a workaholic who never taxes vacations and crams as much as possible into each day. Looking back, I know that I have indeed been more creative and did great on "work" projects when I had time to step back. I'll be doing so more again in the future.
A book exploring the relationship between work, productivity and rest. I thought it was a great promoter of active rest and having hobbies to keep busy in a fun way. Also clearly outlining the reduced productivity with continuously excessive working hours, instead of hyper focused work time, being completely in the zone for only a few hours per day of maximum efficiency. Great examples from many famous people and their routines which clearly evidence the lack of need for nonstop work to produce great results and innovation. Whilst I'm not in creative industry where I would have the potential to get my work done in fewer hours, I can see how many areas would do so. It also made me feel much better about not wanting to have time of doing nothing, and rather filling it with activities I enjoy. Also, sleep is very important on everything, so early nights …
A book exploring the relationship between work, productivity and rest. I thought it was a great promoter of active rest and having hobbies to keep busy in a fun way. Also clearly outlining the reduced productivity with continuously excessive working hours, instead of hyper focused work time, being completely in the zone for only a few hours per day of maximum efficiency. Great examples from many famous people and their routines which clearly evidence the lack of need for nonstop work to produce great results and innovation. Whilst I'm not in creative industry where I would have the potential to get my work done in fewer hours, I can see how many areas would do so. It also made me feel much better about not wanting to have time of doing nothing, and rather filling it with activities I enjoy. Also, sleep is very important on everything, so early nights will continue!
A great reference for keeping yourself focused on the important things, whatever they may be in your life. That project you're working on? Prioritize it. Literally make it the first thing you do every day. Make sure you're getting enough sleep. Make sure you don't fill time with noisy/wasteful distraction, but instead fill it with restful peace or activity.
That's my 4 line summary. Well worth reading. Bought a copy after reading a friend's.
A great reference for keeping yourself focused on the important things, whatever they may be in your life. That project you're working on? Prioritize it. Literally make it the first thing you do every day. Make sure you're getting enough sleep. Make sure you don't fill time with noisy/wasteful distraction, but instead fill it with restful peace or activity.
That's my 4 line summary. Well worth reading. Bought a copy after reading a friend's.
