Take some time for yourself with soothing classical music from the mindful mix, the Science of

Happiness Podcast.

For the last 20 years I've dedicated my career to exploring the science of living a happier more meaningful life and I want

to share that science with you.

And just one thing, deep calm with Michael Mosley.

I want to help you tap in to your hidden relaxation response system and open the door to that

calmer place within. Listen on BBC Sounds.

BBC Sounds, music radio podcasts.

I'm Laurie Taylor and this is the Thinking Loud Podcasts for BBC Radio 4.

To do nothing at all is the most difficult thing in the world, said Oscar Wilde.

Discuss.

Hello, back at work yet or still enjoying the last few days of freedom. Piho!

Well, that's a pretty routine question in this week after Christmas.

But as I found in my modest pilot study, it can elicit very different

replies. There are those for example who still seem to be reveling in the knowledge that you can stay in bed until midday,

watch old films or fill in crosswords or read good books all afternoon and then

drink themselves silly in the evening as tomorrow doesn't matter. But there are

others many others who reluctantly confess to the onset of a sort of terminal boredom who

complain about the absence of anything to do during these dog days of winter

deplore the open hours of nothingness, actively want to get back to the real world of work.

And still others, now presently cleaning the carpet and washing the plates and binning the rubbish left over from the New Year's

Eve party who will question the very idea that they have enjoyed any days of freedom whatsoever. Now what makes these different responses so interesting

...