Digital Detox: how to boost focus and reduce stress at work

Article

How to boost your focus and reduce stress at work

Give your mind a break
How to start a digital detox
The benefits of less screen time

You probably recognize the pattern: your workday starts with checking your inbox, gets interrupted by notifications, and ends with scrolling on your smartphone. Digital tools have become essential in both our work and personal lives. But the constant stream of stimuli makes it difficult to stay focused and truly unwind.

A digital detox can help you regain control over your time and attention. And no, it doesn’t mean locking your phone away for a week. With a few simple adjustments, you can experience noticeable mental benefits. Both during and after working hours.

Give your mind a break

Continuous digital stimulation overloads the brain. When you’re constantly “on”, your attention becomes fragmented and your stress levels rise. Many people feel exhausted at the end of the day without exactly knowing why. Often, it’s the result of digital overstimulation combined with too few genuine moments of rest.

By regularly disconnecting intentionally, you give yourself the opportunity to recharge. Your mind can reset, helping you think more clearly, boost your creativity, and improve your focus. As a result, you work more efficiently, make better decisions, and experience more mental space.

How to start a digital detox?

A digital detox doesn’t need to be strict or complicated. Start small and build it up slowly so that it becomes sustainable.

Here are a few practical steps:

Temporarily turn off notifications on your phone and laptop.

Set specific times during the day to check email and messages.

Begin your workday without reaching for a screen: grab a coffee, make a to-do list or take a short walk.

Create moments where you go fully offline. Eat lunch without a screen, take a walk, or completely shut down your laptop at the end of the day.

What may feel unusual at first quickly becomes refreshing. Soon enough, it becomes a habit that brings calm, energy and clarity.

The benefits of less screen time

The advantages of a digital detox are greater than you might expect:

Increased productivity: you work with more focus and make fewer mistakes.

Improved concentration: your attention is no longer divided across multiple tasks.

Reduced stress: fewer stimuli help you feel calmer and more in control.

Better sleep: avoiding late-night scrolling helps you fall asleep faster.

More balance: you create room for reflection, creativity and recovery.

In a world where being “always on” has become the norm, choosing to go offline is not a weakness, it’s a smart strategy. You regain control over your time, energy and mental wellbeing.

Going offline is not a luxury — It’s a necessity

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Digital rest helps you think more clearly, perform better and stay resilient in a high-stimulus environment. A digital detox doesn’t have to be drastic: small habits can make a big difference in your focus and wellbeing.

Want more insights to stay focused, productive and mentally fit? Read our blogs on roberthalf.be or subscribe to our newsletter to receive practical workplace tips.

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