Rest
Reward yourself with peaceful energy flows
Thomas Jefferson swore by morning walks to “Shake Off Sleep.” He found that focusing on his natural surroundings was the key to an open state of awareness. Steve Jobs frequently hosted walking meetings as the CEO of Apple. Charles Dickens spent only a few hours a day perfecting his craft. Do you want to start working smarter, not harder? Check out Rest by Alex Pang to benefit from relaxing science.
Academic studies, detailed in Rest, challenge conventional notions that high levels of productivity stem from 12-hour days and relentless calendars. Instead, Pang argues that deliberate rest is not a luxury but a critical component of achieving high performance, creativity, and sustaining success. Drawing on neuroscience, psychology, and real-world examples, Pang shows how accomplished creatives like Charles Darwin, Winston Churchill, and Maya Angelou structured their days around meaningful work interlaced with deep rest.
Pang proposes “deliberate rest,” which involves intentional activities that restore the mind and body. This includes practices such as walking, napping, exercise, and hobbies that allow your subconscious to process information and spark creativity. He emphasizes that rest is not about idleness or escapism but about building sustainable rhythms.
The book also critiques burnout culture, offering compelling alternatives based on scientific research and real-life examples. Pang encourages readers to rethink repetitive habits so they can prioritize balance. Ultimately, Rest serves as both a practical guide and a philosophical reminder that working less can help us accomplish more. Namaste.
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Bibliography
Pang, Alex Soojung-Kim. Rest: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less. Basic Books, 2016.
"Feel Good Friday: Active Rest, exploring Alex Soojung-Kim Pang’s book ‘Rest’." OnOffice, 19 July 2024.