The Brain at Rest: Why doing nothing can change your life

(Hardback)

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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.

Reviews

Addicted to work Stop what youre 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
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

Author Bio

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.