I''d got a fair share of surprise and scepticism when I told people I was writing a book about the brain at rest. The idea seemed to defy gravity. It was too radical. Too impractical. Some would laugh it off as a luxury while others would nod along perfunctorily. But as I shared the profound scientific benefits of intentional rest, the resistance often gave way to curiosity, sometimes even relief. When was the last time you let yourself do nothing - not scrolling while eating a sandwich, but nothing at all ? We are constantly told to make the most of our time. Stop procrastinating. Don''t sleep more than 7.5 hours a night. 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 minds wander, something magical happens: blood flow to the brain increases by 90 per cent, and suddenly we are able to think in completely new ways. 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.

Autorentext

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.

Klappentext

Learn how to protect your health, be more creative, and increase your happiness and productivity - all with zero effort - with the fascinating, must-read new book on the scientific benefits of doing nothing.

THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER
WATERSTONES NON-FICTION BOOK OF THE MONTH

'Inspiring and practical' Sunday Times

'A tonic for the frazzled mind' David Robson, author of The Expectation Effect

We are constantly told to make the most of every precious moment - but when we let our brains rest and our minds wander, something magical happens...

In The Brain at Rest, Dr Joseph Jebelli shares the transformative neuroscience that shows why doing nothing will change your life for the better.

Blending science and personal stories with practical tips, and drawing on groundbreaking new research, you will learn how:

· Napping and gentle exercise can enhance brain size
· Spending time in nature can boost creativity
· Silence fosters the growth of new brain cells

If you want to achieve a happier, healthier and more balanced life, this is the book you need.

Praise for The Brain at Rest:

'Stop what you're doing and read this book' Anna Lembke, bestselling author of Dopamine Nation

'This excellent book is precisely what we need to stop, reset, and rest' Johann Hari, bestselling author of Stolen Focus

'This book is magic' Chris Bailey, bestselling author of Hyperfocus and The Productivity Project

'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

• Waterstones Non-fiction Book of the Month, January 2026; #6 in the Sunday Times paperback non-fiction chart, January 2026.