Classic thinkers help us disconnect from the chaos of modern life.

How can we relax and switch off in today’s frantic world? What would a classic author’s version of mindfulness be?

How to Switch Off combines self-help and sage advice, bringing the best of classic wisdom to modern readers. Find out how to slow down and savour the moment according to our greatest writers and thinkers.

From Aesop to Virginia Woolf, these bite-size essays and extracts provide recommendations for escaping burnout and seeing the world anew. There are concrete steps to take: Henry David Thoreau lists the advantages of walking around; Aldous Huxley explains why leisure time should be low-effort but not mindless; Elizabeth von Arnim praises the importance of books and gardens. There are nuggets of actionable guidance on how to focus and how to battle anxiety, ranging from da Vinci’s recommendations for artists developing their painting skills to George Orwell’s recipe for a perfect cup of tea.

Poetic yet practical, How to Switch Off explores the art of resting, reflecting and reconnecting.

Part of the Macmillan Collector’s Library, a series of stunning pocket-sized classics. These beautiful books make perfect gifts or a treat for any book lover.