Under the right conditions, hobbies and physical activities become deep play, taking on additional layers of meaning and personal significance. Historical figures, like Winston Churchill, relished his deep play. Which, for him, was painting. “I know of nothing which, without exhausting the body,” he said, “more entirely absorbs the mind.”

Ol’ Churchill knew that his deep play was important not just for the fun of it, but for the positive impacts on his work. Something Alex Pang knows all about.

Alex is the author of Rest: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less. He’s made it his life’s work to show that success doesn’t demand longer hours. It demands more rest. And deep play is a central part of it.

But what exactly is it? How can you find the deep play that’s right for you? And can it revolutionize your work?

A few curiosities you’ll uncover in this episode:

• The 4 elements of deep play

• Why Winston Churchill likened painting to battle

• The often-misunderstood relationship between work and rest

Did You Know?

“It is not enough merely to switch off the lights which play upon the main and ordinary field of interest. A new field of interest must be illuminated. The tired parts of the mind can be rested and strengthened, not merely by rest, but by using other parts.” – Winston Churchill

Credits

Curious State is a Quick and Dirty Tips podcast hosted and produced by Doug Fraser.

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Have a question? Or a topic you’d like covered on the show? Maybe you just love sending emails? Whichever shoe fits, tie it on and send me a message at curious@quickanddirtytips.com.