The Brain at Rest is a fascinating exploration of what our brains are doing when we’re not consciously thinking about anything. Joseph Jebelli does a great job of breaking down complex neuroscience into accessible insights without making it feel overly technical. I found myself really intrigued by how much actually goes on in our minds when we’re daydreaming, zoning out, or even sleeping. It’s pretty eye-opening to learn how essential these “rest” states are for creativity, memory, and emotional processing.

What I loved most is how Jebelli mixes science with real-life examples and a bit of philosophical musing. It’s not just about brain function but also about how understanding these resting states can improve our well-being and mental health. The book feels thoughtful and informative without being dry, and it left me rethinking how I view downtime. If you’re curious about neuroscience but don’t want to wade through heavy academic texts, this book is a great pick.

I really think everyone must read this book. We are constantly on the go, and if we aren’t we feel bad. That is not the case! We are so overworked, tired, depleted. We get home, plop on the couch, and doom-scroll or binge-watch giving us a rush of dopamine. This unhealthy routine causes depression, anxiety, and a low quality-of-life. So how can we fight it?

Do nothing. Go outside. Listen to nature. Smell the air. Touch grass. Enjoy solitude. Meditate. Get off the damn phone.

We need to learn to slow down and take time for ourselves. Working and grinding so hard will just cause burnout and for those with other mental disorders or neurodiversities working quality of life can go down the drain.

This book was very helpful in pointing out the ways we need to take time for ourself and how to do it. Strong call to action.

Thanks Penguin Dutton & Net Galley for an advanced copy of this book.