Want to know how to solve tough problems, be more creative and protect your health, all with zero effort? This is the surprising science of the brain at rest, a 'stealth help' book for readers of Why We Sleep.
We are constantly told to make the most of our time. Stop procrastinating. Optimise. To be happy, creative and successful requires discipline and focus. The most important thing is to be efficient with every precious hour. But when we let our brains rest, and our minds wander, something magical happens- the brain's 'default network' switches on, and suddenly we are able to think in completely new ways.
Blending science and personal stories with practical tips, Dr Joseph Jebelli reveals how neuroscience is solving the mystery of the brain at rest, with profound implications for intelligence, creativity and even life expectancy.
If we dare to break the taboo surrounding rest, we will find that long baths, walks in nature, meditation and simple daydreaming are the key to a happier, healthier - and ironically, more productive - life.
About the Author
Dr Joseph Jebelli received a PhD in neuroscience from University College London, then worked as a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Washington. He has written two books, How the Mind Changed and In Pursuit of Memory, which was shortlisted for the Royal Society Trivedi Science Book Prize and longlisted for the Wellcome Book Prize. He lives in London.
Industry Reviews
The Brain at Rest is a tonic for the frazzled mind. Joseph Jebelli makes a powerful argument for the importance of the brain’s downtime in living a happy, healthy and meaningful life. By doing less, we can achieve so much more – and this inspiring book shows us how. -- David Robson, author of The Expectation Effect, The Intelligence Trap, and The Laws of Connection
This book is a much-needed pause button, offering practical, science-backed solutions for reclaiming your life from distraction and overwhelm – showing you that productivity and health can coexist in harmony. -- Nir Eyal, author of Indistractable
In a stressed-out society where we think we should be constantly on the go, this excellent book is precisely what we need to stop, reset, and rest. I learned so much from it. -- Johann Hari, author of Stolen Focus: Why You Can't Pay Attention
Addicted to work? Stop what you’re doing and read this book. By combining cutting edge science with compelling personal anecdotes, Jebelli weaves a fascinating tale of the virtues of the resting brain. He also reminds us that scrolling on our smartphones may feel like a break but is not in fact a break for our brains. Just one more reason to get off our phones, go outside, and let ourselves wander. -- Anna Lembke, MD, author of Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence
Joseph Jebelli’s The Brain at Rest introduces you to the most important part of your brain you've never heard of: the default network, a unique – and uniquely powerful – set of links between regions of the brain that switch on when we think about the past, imagine the future, and are faced with creative challenges. Unfortunately, modern life seems determined to push the default network to one side, but The Brain at Rest explains why things as simple as walks in the woods, a good night’s sleep, and simply people-watching at a cafe, can improve our happiness, keep our brains and bodies healthy, and help have more productive days. -- Alex Soojung-Kim Pang, PhD, author of Work Less, Do More and Rest
A wonderfully written and much needed exploration of the art and science of doing nothing. The Brain at Rest is an accessible and enjoyable journey into the neuroscience of mind wandering, tree-hugging, and play. -- Monty Lyman, author of The Immune Mind
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