Why an AI Researcher and Neuroscientist Came to Buchinger to Rewire His Brain
Benjamin Bargetzi’s career sits at the fascinating intersection of human biology and machine intelligence. With a background in neuroscience and psychology, he transitioned into the world of artificial intelligence and machine learning to understand both human and machine brains. Today, he is a full-time author and trauma relief specialist.
Yet, despite his deep understanding of how the mind works, the pressures of modern life—building a successful business, constant travel, and relentless digital demands—began to erode his healthy routines. He came to Buchinger Wilhelmi for a complete reset. His goal was not just to fast from food, but to completely unplug from the digital world, embarking on a deep physical and cognitive detox.
Here is what he learned about longevity, stress, and the importance of finding silence.
The Dual Detox: Fasting for the Body and the Brain
For Benjamin, the fasting experience at Buchinger Wilhelmi was intrinsically linked to a complete digital disconnect. On his first day, he handed over his phone and laptop, stepping fully off the grid.
In the modern world, our dopamine centers are constantly overstimulated by fast impulses, quick messages, and sugar. Benjamin recognized that true healing requires giving both the body and the brain a rest.
“I consciously came here not just as a fasting retreat but actually also as a brain retreat… I think that is so crucial in life that we learn to live in the silence within ourselves. Very often, when we are at peace, we’re looking for the next distraction, the next dopamine kick, the next quick hit. And I think that is why we’re so unhappy these days.”
The Three Pillars of Modern Stress
During his stay, Benjamin observed that to find true balance, we must address stress on three distinct fronts. If one is ignored, the others cannot be fully resolved:
- Cognitive Load: The mental strain from screens, workloads, constant connectivity, and daily responsibilities.
- Biological Stress: The physical strain from overeating, sugar, alcohol, and poor nutritional habits.
- Emotional Stress & Trauma: The deep-seated psychological burdens we carry.
“As long as you don’t take care of the biological stress and of the mental stress, you will not be able to resolve the emotional and the spiritual stress as well.”
Environment Over Willpower
One of Benjamin’s insights from his time at the clinic rests on a basic principle of human psychology: relying on discipline is a losing game. Instead of trying to force good habits through sheer willpower, he advocates for designing your environment to support your goals.
“Discipline is a very bad idea for human beings. Actually, if you look at all the willpower studies… we are incredibly bad at discipline. I don’t think I’m like a super disciplined Buddha. You know what I do? I control my environment. I don’t want to eat sugar? I don’t buy sugar… Same with Buchinger here. I want to stop coffee and everything. Okay, there’s no alcohol. There’s no sugar. Problem solved.”
Two weeks inside such an environment allows the body and brain to naturally fall back into the healthy routines we all deeply crave but struggle to maintain in the chaotic outside world. The environment does the work that willpower cannot.
Purpose as the Ultimate Energy Source
While fasting cleanses the body and a digital detox clears the mind, Benjamin emphasizes that these are the foundational steps. Once you strip away the noise and the physical ailments, you are left with the ultimate human question: What is my purpose?
“Energy comes from purpose. If you don’t know when you wake up in the morning why you woke up, you have a very big problem. And your problem is not health. Your problem is your purpose.”
He notes the famous saying: “If you’re healthy, you have a hundred problems. If you’re sick, you have only one.” Fasting and self-care get your body under control so that you have the vitality to pursue your life’s true target. Without a target, that vital energy becomes restless, leading us right back to mindless distractions like scrolling on Instagram or snacking.
A Message to Leaders and CEOs
For high-performers and executives who claim they are “too busy” to disconnect, Benjamin offers a candid reality check:
“If you as a CEO, if your company falls apart when you’re gone for 10 days, you didn’t build a good company… the problem is the system you have built and not that you cannot turn off.”
Taking time to step away, lower your cognitive load, and heal your body is a responsibility. Leaders who step away for some time return with clearer minds — and as better leaders, partners and parents.
Benjamin’s Blueprint for the Modern Age
- Fix the Body First: You cannot pursue your life’s purpose if you are constantly in physical pain or biological distress.
- Protect Your Brain: Unplug from unnecessary digital noise. Use technology as an accelerator for business and research, but keep it out of your private, restorative time.
- Find Your Unique Routine: There is no one-size-fits-all approach. Whether it’s intense exercise, yoga, deep tissue massage, or reading, experiment to find what truly brings your mind and body peace.
- Define Your Target: Give your newly restored energy a clear, meaningful purpose so it doesn’t get siphoned away by cheap dopamine hits.
Website: www.benjaminbargetzi.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-b-bargetzi
Book-English: https://www.amazon.de/End-Emptiness-neuroscience-Life-Changing-Applicable/dp/3430212138
Book-German: https://www.orellfuessli.ch/shop/home/artikeldetails/A1073323301
