Why is it so hard to relax?

Welcome to What’s Up Docs?, the podcast where doctors and identical twins Chris and Xand van Tulleken explore the ideas shaping our health and wellbeing.

In this episode, they look at relaxation. We are all aware that relaxation has an importance in our lives, when things get too much we book holidays and time off work. But what does it actually mean to relax and are the activities we chose actually allowing us to escape our stresses?

To help answer these questions, they’re joined by philosopher and journalist Dr Julian Baggini.

If you want to get in touch, you can email us at whatsupdocs@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08000 665 123.

Presenters: Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken

Guest: Dr Julian Baggini

Producers: Claire Justin and Faye Lyons-White

Executive Producers: Jo Rowntree and Rami Tzabar

Researcher: Claire Justin

Executive Producer: Rami Tzabar

Visual Producer: Leon Gower

Technical Lead: Reuben Huxtable

Digital Lead: Richard Berry

Composer: Phoebe McFarlane

Sound Design: Melvin Rickarby

At the BBC:

Assistant Commissioner: Greg Smith

Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts

A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4