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The Brain at Rest

Why doing nothing can change your life

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The Brain at Rest

By: Joseph Jebelli
Narrated by: Joseph Jebelli
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

Blending science and personal stories with practical tips, neuroscientist Dr Joseph Jebelli reveals how new research is solving the mystery of the brain at rest, with profound implications for intelligence, creativity and even life expectancy.

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, Dr. Jebelli reveals how napping can enhance brain size, spending time in nature can boost creativity and problem-solving skills, and how silence fosters the growth of new brain cells. Authoritative and inspiring, The Brain at Rest offers practical advice for achieving a happier, healthier, and more balanced life.

'A tonic for the frazzled mind' DAVID ROBSON
'This excellent book is precisely what we need to stop, reset, and rest' JOHANN HARI
'Offers practical, science-backed solutions for reclaiming your life' NIR EYAL
'Addicted to work? Stop what you’re doing and read this book' ANNA LEMBKE
'The most important part of your brain you've never heard of' ALEX SOOJUNG-KIM PANG
'If you want to accomplish more, without any relaxation guilt, this book is for you' CHRIS BAILEY

© Joseph Jebelli 2025 (P) Penguin Audio 2025

 Biological Sciences Creativity Mental Health Neuroscience & Neuropsychology Personal Development Personal Success Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Science Human Brain

Critic reviews

‘Jebelli’s spotlighting of the cognitive benefits is supremely helpful… The Brain at Rest is inspiring and practical and, I hope, signals a wider change in how we think about work.’ (Johanna Thomas-Corr)
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)
All stars
Most relevant
lovely voice and feel much more calm and relaxed listening to him. highly recommended

sense and sensibility

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As a recovering workaholic, the shift Jebelli is inviting isn’t doing rest better, but relating differently to rest. A few gentle ideas i have now experimented with (without turning them into self-improvement projects) like pausing and resting without guilt, has improved my health, and given meaning.

I recommend you read this

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Excellent read! Really enjoyed learning about the default network. With lots of useful tips. Thank you

Loved it!

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Listened to it instead of working - so already following the advice. Some nice concepts including not feeling guilty of my afternoon naps

Interesting listen

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This book was recommended to me by a neuroscientist friend and I found it very thought-provoking, informative, and persuasive. The knowledge and sincerity of the author came across very strongly. I am hoping that understanding more of the scientific value of mind-wandering will enable me to do it more freely in future. We are all so heavily socially conditioned to feel guilty about being idle that it’s hard to adjust, but as a result of reading this book, I’m convinced that it’s important and worthwhile. Thank you, Joseph!

Informative and persuasive

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