THESUNDAY TIMESBESTSELLING WATERSTONESBOOK OF THE MONTH

We are constantly told to make the most of every precious moment – but when welet our brains rest and our minds wander, something magical happens…

‘A tonic for the frazzled mind‘ David Robson, author ofTheExpectation Effect

InThe Brain at Rest,Dr Joseph Jebelli shares thetransformative neuroscience that shows why doing nothing will change your lifefor the better. 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 thebook you need.

‘The Brain at Restis inspiring and practical’JohannaThomas-Corr,Sunday Times

‘Stop what youre doing and read this book‘ Anna Lembke, bestsellingauthor ofDopamine Nation

‘This excellent book is precisely what we need to stop, reset, and rest‘Johann Hari, bestselling author ofStolen Focus

‘This book is magic‘ Chris Bailey, bestselling author ofHyperfocusandTheProductivity Project

‘Offerspractical, science-backed solutionsfor reclaimingyour life’Nir Eyal, bestselling author ofHookedandIndistractible

‘Themost important part of your brain you’ve never heard of‘ AlexSoojung-Kim Pang, PhD, author ofWork Less, Do MoreandRest

A powerful, heartfelt manifesto for rest Dr Hannah Critchlow, authorofJoined-Up Thinking

* Waterstones Non-fiction Book of the Month, January 2026, #3 Sunday Timesbestseller, paperback non-fiction, January 2026.

About the Author

Dr Joseph Jebelli received a PhD in neuroscience fromUniversity College London, then worked as a postdoctoral research fellow at theUniversity of Washington.

He has written two books,How the Mind ChangedandInPursuit of Memory,which was shortlisted for the Royal Society TrivediScience Book Prize and longlisted for the Wellcome Book Prize. He lives inLondon.