The anatomy of rest. 3/3.

Three part series in which presenter Claudia Hammond, in association with Wellcome, explores the concept of rest.

Part three of three. Presenter Claudia Hammond describes the Reading Room at Wellcome, where she hosts an evening presenting the results of The Rest Test in front of an audience. Poet Lemn Sissay recites a poem entitled “Rest”, which is dedicated to Carol Ann Duffy. Hammond interviews Professor Felicity Callard and Ben Alderson-Day about The Rest Test, and they discuss the results. The panel discuss “doing nothing” as a restful activity, and Jules Evans introduces the Epicurean philosophy of apathia. Next, they discuss exercising as a restful activity, and ask for feedback from audience members. Jazz Musicians Claire Martin and Jim Mullen perform the song “Where Do You Start?”. Martin and Mullen discuss how they like to rest. The panel discuss the relationship between rest and wellbeing. Comedian Robyn Ince explains how he finds rest in a state of solitude. Author Kathleen Jamie reads an extract from her work “Sightlines”, and discusses being in nature restful with the panel. Sissay reveals the Number 1 restful activity according to the results of The Rest Test, which the panel and the audience discuss. Sissay recites a poem entitled “Let There Be Peace”. Martin and Mullen perform a final song to end the event.

2016.

1 CD (30 min) ; 12 cm

Produced by Geraldine Fitzgerald.

Presented by Claudia Hammond.

BBC Radio 4.