The Brain at Rest: How the Art and Science of Doing Nothing Can Improve Your Life
Joseph Jebelli, PhD
Jun 2025 · Penguin
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5 reviews
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About this ebook
From Joseph Jebelli, PhD, neuroscientist and author of In Pursuit of Memory, a groundbreaking exploration of the science of doing nothing and its benefits for the brain and body
We are constantly told to make the most of our time, to work harder, to stop procrastinating. But what if all that advice was wrong, and letting the brain rest, and the mind wander, could improve our lives? In The Brain at Rest, Dr. Joseph Jebelli shows readers the way to happier, healthier, and more balanced lives in a deeply researched and entertaining guide to combat overwork and burnout.
Through a blend of science, personal stories, and practical, actionable tips, Dr. Jebelli proves that the brain's "default network" turns itself on when we turn off the constant need to always do and achieve. By activating our default network through long walks, baths, and spending time in nature, we can all be more content, less stressed, and actually more productive.
Perfect for anyone feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, or hungry to achieve their goals in a healthy, sustainable way, The Brain at Rest is the definitive, science-backed guide to achieving contentment, creativity, and success by letting your brain decompress.
We are constantly told to make the most of our time, to work harder, to stop procrastinating. But what if all that advice was wrong, and letting the brain rest, and the mind wander, could improve our lives? In The Brain at Rest, Dr. Joseph Jebelli shows readers the way to happier, healthier, and more balanced lives in a deeply researched and entertaining guide to combat overwork and burnout.
Through a blend of science, personal stories, and practical, actionable tips, Dr. Jebelli proves that the brain's "default network" turns itself on when we turn off the constant need to always do and achieve. By activating our default network through long walks, baths, and spending time in nature, we can all be more content, less stressed, and actually more productive.
Perfect for anyone feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, or hungry to achieve their goals in a healthy, sustainable way, The Brain at Rest is the definitive, science-backed guide to achieving contentment, creativity, and success by letting your brain decompress.
From Joseph Jebelli, PhD, neuroscientist and author of In Pursuit of Memory, a groundbreaking exploration of the science of doing nothing and its benefits for the brain and body
We are constantly told to make the most of our time, to work harder, to stop procrastinating. But what if all that adv...
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Ratings and reviews
5 reviews
Andrea Romance
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June 24, 2025
As this book reveals, the brain never really rests—taking time away from task-based work is critical to productivity. Allowing the mind to wander helps us make connections and allows the unconscious mind to work on problems. The book is engaging and easy to read. Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
About the author
Dr. Joseph Jebelli received a PhD in neuroscience from University College London and 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.
Dr. Joseph Jebelli received a PhD in neuroscience from University College London and 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 ...
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