January is traditionally a month where we reset, cleanse, and reorient ourselves physically, mentally, and even sometimes spiritually. You’ve probably heard of « Dry January » or perhaps even attempted a « Mineral January » to recharge your body and mind after way too many holiday indulgences. But as I reflect here, sipping a chilled glass of delicious cider at my quiet spot in Normandy, it strikes me profoundly: perhaps the very detox we really need isn’t just physical, or spiritual… it’s digital.
Think about it. We live in an age saturated with humming technology designed to make our lives easier, yet paradoxically, we’re busier, more stressed and more distracted than ever. Our smartphones buzz endlessly with notifications from countless apps promising productivity, mindfulness, or connectivity. Ironically, we’ll soon need yet another app merely to keep track of all our existing apps. Consider Netflix or Prime Video. How often have you spent more time browsing through seemingly infinite and frankly ludicrous options than actually enjoying the show you eventually choose (and most often never finish)?
The endless scroll traps us in an illusion of choice, robbing us of time and genuine pleasure. Similarly, how many minutes (or hours) vanish as we scroll mindlessly through Facebook, Instagram or even information flows that are theoretically interesting? We might feel connected momentarily, but do we truly connect? When was the last time you called a friend to have coffee instead of just liking their latest post? Do you need to raise awakening, a call to action? Just take a look at the time tracking feature that your smartphone is probably equipped with. I am sure you’ll be surprised!
Real connection, deep conversation, and genuine relationships can’t be replaced by screens. The convenience of digital interactions shouldn’t overshadow the profound human need for real, meaningful engagement.
In my role as CIO, I often champion digital solutions, but I also recognize -and more and more- the vital importance of unplugging regularly. Disconnecting from our digital distractions periodically can rejuvenate creativity, sharpen our focus, and clarify our vision. A digital detox isn’t about rejecting technology outright; rather, it’s about intentionally stepping back, regaining control, and remembering what truly matters. Take a hike in the woods. Breath in that ionized sea-air. Read that book. Taste that food, rather than Instagram it. The dish will certainly be less appealing visually, but it will taste much better!
Let’s challenge ourselves to carve out real, uninterrupted time away from screens. Moments to reflect, converse face-to-face, and genuinely rest our minds.
Trust me: productivity and well-being often flourish in the spaces we consciously create, free from digital noise.
So why not give it a try? Take your version of a « Digital Detox January, » even if it’s just for a weekend in February or August, and experience firsthand the profound impact it can have on your life, both professionally and personally. Who knows? Perhaps the app we truly need isn’t digital at all; it’s simply our ability to intentionally disconnect.