The Brain at Rest: Why doing nothing can change your life
Jun 2025 · Random House
Ebook
256
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About this ebook
Want to increase your productivity, be more creative, and protect your health, all with zero effort? Discover the surprising science of the brain at rest in the inspiring new book from the critically acclaimed neuroscientist.
'Jebelli’s spotlighting of the cognitive benefits is supremely helpful... The Brain at Rest is inspiring and practical' Johanna Thomas-Corr, Sunday Times
'If you want to accomplish more, without any relaxation guilt, this book is for you' Chris Bailey, bestselling author of Hyperfocus and The Productivity Project
We are constantly told to make the most of our time: to stop procrastinating, to 'optimise' and 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 we are able to think in completely new ways.
Drawing on groundbreaking new research, neuroscientist Dr Joseph Jebelli reveals the simple and easy steps to change your life for the better, including how:
· Napping and gentle exercise can enhance brain size
· Spending time in nature can boost creativity and problem-solving skills
· Silence fosters the growth of new brain cells
Blending science and personal stories with practical tips, The Brain At Rest is the life-changing guide to living a happier, healthier – and ironically, more productive – life.
Praise for The Brain at Rest:
'Addicted to work? Stop what you’re doing and read this book' Anna Lembke, bestselling author of Dopamine Nation
'A tonic for the frazzled mind' David Robson, author of The Expectation Effect
'This excellent book is precisely what we need to stop, reset, and rest' Johann Hari, bestselling author of Stolen Focus
'Offers practical, science-backed solutions for reclaiming your life' Nir Eyal, bestselling author of Hooked and Indistractible
'The most important part of your brain you've never heard of' Alex Soojung-Kim Pang, PhD, author of Work Less, Do More and Rest
‘A powerful, heartfelt manifesto for rest’ Dr Hannah Critchlow, author of Joined-Up Thinking
'Jebelli’s spotlighting of the cognitive benefits is supremely helpful... The Brain at Rest is inspiring and practical' Johanna Thomas-Corr, Sunday Times
'If you want to accomplish more, without any relaxation guilt, this book is for you' Chris Bailey, bestselling author of Hyperfocus and The Productivity Project
We are constantly told to make the most of our time: to stop procrastinating, to 'optimise' and 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 we are able to think in completely new ways.
Drawing on groundbreaking new research, neuroscientist Dr Joseph Jebelli reveals the simple and easy steps to change your life for the better, including how:
· Napping and gentle exercise can enhance brain size
· Spending time in nature can boost creativity and problem-solving skills
· Silence fosters the growth of new brain cells
Blending science and personal stories with practical tips, The Brain At Rest is the life-changing guide to living a happier, healthier – and ironically, more productive – life.
Praise for The Brain at Rest:
'Addicted to work? Stop what you’re doing and read this book' Anna Lembke, bestselling author of Dopamine Nation
'A tonic for the frazzled mind' David Robson, author of The Expectation Effect
'This excellent book is precisely what we need to stop, reset, and rest' Johann Hari, bestselling author of Stolen Focus
'Offers practical, science-backed solutions for reclaiming your life' Nir Eyal, bestselling author of Hooked and Indistractible
'The most important part of your brain you've never heard of' Alex Soojung-Kim Pang, PhD, author of Work Less, Do More and Rest
‘A powerful, heartfelt manifesto for rest’ Dr Hannah Critchlow, author of Joined-Up Thinking
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.
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