The brain at rest How the art and science of doing nothing has the power to improve your life

The human brain is an extremely busy organ, consuming 20 percent of the body's energy. Neuroscientist Jebelli wholeheartedly recommends deliberate periods of idleness or inactivity to give the brain some rest and improve overall health. He focuses on activating the intrinsic default mode network of the brain (DMN) by allowing the mind to roam free (daydreaming, spacing out), which can lead to decreased stress, increased productivity, less burnout, and more creativity. Jebelli's practical tips abound, ranging from sensible to slightly strange and even silly. "Spend at least twenty minutes a day staring blankly into space," he suggests. Other advice includes taking more baths than showers, listening to sad music, hugging a tree whenever possible, and napping one half-hour daily. He also considers the dangers of overworking, benefits of immersion in nature, rewards of sleep and exercise, and harmfulness of multitasking. Spending time in solitude or silence seems good for brain fitness. The adage (attributed to both John Lennon and Bertrand Russell) "Time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time" appears tantalizingly relevant to brain well-being.

Rest can foster creativity, problem-solving skills, and empathy, according to this informative and approachable guide from neuroscientist Jebelli (In Pursuit of Memory). He explains how quieting the brain's executive network gives free rein to its default network, which is made up of neurons that "enables us to daydream, mind wander, think reflectively, and imagine the future." Resting is especially vital in today's culture of overproductivity, where overwork is degrading brain structures and leaving people stressed, exhausted, unfocused, and more vulnerable to health problems (one study Jebelli cites suggests that long working hours cause an estimated 745,000 deaths a year, a 29% jump from 2000). Readers can find relief with commonsense practices, like getting outside, sleeping enough, or taking naps (he also suggests more unique ways of taking breaks, from forest bathing in Japan to the Dutch practice of deliberate idleness called niksen). Cogent neuroscience buttresses the author's points, and his message gains particular resonance from his family's struggles with work-life balance. (Jebelli's father, an Iranian immigrant working as a computer programmer in Great Britain, had a mental breakdown after two decades of stress and burnout, was diagnosed with major depressive disorder, and never worked again.) Even the most devoted workaholics will be persuaded to take a breather. (June)