A Brain That Breathes

It’s a lot, we say. And it’s true – sometimes everyday life feels like too much. So what habits can we prioritise for mental clarity and creative verve? How can we continue to do what’s normal and necessary but wind back to care for our basic human needs? In this gentle, wise and actionable guide, bestselling author and respected health journalist Jodi Wilson explores the simple, evidence-based changes we can make to give our brains the breathing space they need.

After a lifetime with anxiety, Wilson wanted to better understand herself so she could continue to be creative and productive without slipping into overwhelm and exhaustion. She discovers that neuroscientists and psychologists, as well as artists and sustainable living experts, all agree on the one habit our ancestors had in abundance but we’ve essentially eradicated: free time, spare time, leisure time – real space to breathe.

Modern self-care costs time and money, but true rest and doing less are a proven antidote to stress. Our brains were designed for life 10,000 years ago, so what would our ancestors have found helpful?