"Dopamine Detox: A Short Guide to Remove Distractions and Get Your Brain to Focus" is a concept popularized by Thibaut Meurisse, who also authored a book with the same title. The term "dopamine detox" has gained significant attention in the realm of personal development, productivity, and mental health. It refers to a process of temporarily reducing or eliminating behaviors and stimuli that provide immediate gratification, such as social media, video games, junk food, and other highly stimulating activities. The goal is to "reset" the brain's reward system and improve focus, discipline, and long-term motivation.

The core idea behind a dopamine detox is based on the role of dopamine, a neurotransmitter in the brain associated with pleasure, reward, and motivation. Dopamine is released when we engage in activities that feel rewarding or pleasurable, such as eating, socializing, browsing the internet, or engaging in any form of entertainment. However, in the modern world, many people are constantly bombarded with high-stimulation sources of dopamine, leading to a dopamine overload. This can result in addiction, reduced ability to focus, and a lack of motivation for activities that don't provide instant gratification.

A dopamine detox involves refraining from these pleasurable activities for a period, typically ranging from a few hours to several days, in order to reset the brain's reward system and restore focus and motivation. It is often portrayed as a way to regain control over one's habits and to start developing healthier, more sustainable routines.