We explore the vital role of rest in our lives: why ignoring our natural circadian rhythms comes at a cost. From the history of working to the clock during the Industrial Revolution, to the modern-day hustle culture fueled by constant connectivity and the “Nerd Reich,” we unpack how work-life boundaries have blurred. Discover the science behind strategic pauses, micro-naps, and the “4 o’clock slump,” and why stepping away can unlock creativity and protect your wellbeing. Plus, hear an unexpected story about a mole who knows when to pause — and why you should too.
Learn practical ways to reclaim your time, take tactical breaks, and resist burnout in a world that demands constant productivity.
Books and Papers Referenced in This Episode
The Visual Detox by Marine Tanguy — explores creative strategies for reducing digital overload and improving mental clarity.
The Half Has Never Been Told by Edward Baptist - a deep dive into the brutal history of American slavery and its role in shaping modern capitalism.
Circadian Rhythm and Health:
World Health Organization (WHO), 2019 “Night shift work and circadian disruption are probably carcinogenic to humans.” WHO IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans, Volume 124
Attention Residue:
Leroy, Sophie. (2009). Why is it so hard to do my work? The challenge of attention residue when switching between work tasks. Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Volume 109, Issue 2, 2009, Pages 168-181
Glymphatic System and Brain Detox:
Xie, L., Kang, H., Xu, Q. et al. (2013). Sleep drives metabolite clearance from the adult brain. Science, 342(6156), 373-377. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1241224
Strategic Pausing in Surgery:
Catchpole, Ken, et al. (2007). Patient handovers within the hospital: translating knowledge from motor racing to healthcare. Quality and Safety in Health Care, 16(2), 120-124. https://doi.org/10.1136/qshc.2006.020230
Sound FX and Music
Sound Effects: https://freesound.org
Music: https://pixabay.com