At a time when being busy is worn as a badge of honour, and we are accustomed to filling every waking moment with (often useless or unpleasant) activity, Do Less. Be More explores why switching off, or at the very least, slowing down, is vital, to ensure we achieve what we want.

Busyness is a barrier to self-reflection, a hindrance to novel solutions and a smokescreen to clarity. While cramming in one more task may feel useful, productive, or even satisfying, it’s not always the best use of a spare moment. In fact, it will inevitably lead us to a place where we become less productive, less creative, less inspired and less satisfied with life.

The latest brain-function research shows that merely thinking of an activity, rather than actually doing it, sees the brain in active mode. While we might think we don’t have any space in our lives to do more of what is important to us, Do Less. Be More offers readers 21 activities to reclaim even the tiniest moments, like waiting for a coffee, to rest their brains and in so doing, rediscover insight, inspiration and fresh ideas.

Learn how to ban busy and focus on what really matters with 21 practical ways to say no and embrace silence, space and solitude.