Why Your Brain Needs a Digital Detox Every Day

Napoleon once told his messengers never to disturb him with good news, only urgent bad news. He knew that too much information, even positive updates, crowds out the brain’s capacity for clear thinking. Fast-forward to the 21st century, and we’re drowning in alerts—tweets, slots for video calls, hostile pings from group chats. Research by cognitive scientist Herbert Simon warned that “a wealth of information creates a poverty of attention.” So what happens when your focus is split between ten apps, twenty news outlets, and endless spreadsheets? Your productivity plummets, your decision-making goes haywire, and your stress spikes. It’s a recipe for burnout. Military leaders in World War II deliberately limited what reached the top brass so they could see the big picture. Modern CEOs follow the same playbook—only they use email rules, notification silos, and “quiet hours” in their calendar. They leave the noisy chatter to junior staff. When your brain isn’t constantly bombarded, clarity emerges. You can think strategically, solve problems deeply, and actually enjoy your work. You trade mind-numbing interruptions for deliberate, calm thought. So instead of letting digital chaos control you, take charge of what you see and when. Your brain will thank you—and your life will feel a lot more peaceful.

Choose one app or source of notifications to mute or uninstall, set brief “news windows” for when you’ll allow updates, and turn off every alert that doesn’t serve a critical purpose. By creating a simple filter, you’ll transform a flood of noise into a manageable trickle—freeing your mind for the clarity and creativity you need. Try it this afternoon.