Truly Rest

The books, in order

1. 1

   Psychology · 15 min

   The Things You Can Only See When You Slow Down

   Haemin Sunim

   Intense emotion tends to pass like a wave: naming it and taking a breath helps you avoid acting at your worst moment.

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2. 2

   Health · 15 min

   Why We Sleep

   Matthew Walker

   A bad night's sleep doesn't vanish the next day. It leaves a buildup that your body bills you for all week.

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3. 3

   Health · 17 min

   Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art

   James Nestor

   The sinuses release a meaningful amount of nitric oxide only when air passes through the nose, and this gas helps widen blood vessels and get oxygen circulating better.

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4. 4

   Health · 16 min

   The Relaxation Response

   Herbert Benson

   According to the author, the state of deep calm that took years of practice in religious traditions could, to a large extent, be brought on by almost anyone in a few minutes, using just four simple elements.

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5. 5

   Mental Health · 17 min

   Full Catastrophe Living

   Jon Kabat-Zinn

   The body's alarm system was designed for dangers lasting minutes, but today bills and emails set it off, and the wear and tear comes from its staying switched on all the time.

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6. 6

   Productivity and Focus · 14 min

   Four Thousand Weeks

   Oliver Burkeman

   According to the book, choosing one thing means giving up many others, and the discomfort of missing out on some of them is part of living well, not a sign that you made a mistake.

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7. 7

   Mental Health · 15 min

   Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers

   Robert M. Sapolsky

   Among the baboons Sapolsky followed, a spot in the hierarchy and the mood of the group changed the stress profile, and in humans social position also shows up linked to health.

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