Let's get straight to the point - my holiday is over and, for the first time, I didn't manage to read (let alone reply to) a single work email during this time. Yes, the world really does turn without me, a truly enriching experience! I probably wouldn't have come to this realisation on my own, so a Panchakarma cure, the queen of Ayurvedic cures, was necessary. Four weeks before it started, I had to give up quite a few things: coffee, fish, meat, milk, wheat and finally tea. The latter was really difficult for me.
So, I was prepared for everything, even for the fact that a bag with the words "Here is your mobile phone in spa mode" was waiting for me at the hotel. What can I say, now I was getting anxious at the thought of being cut off from the outside world for 10 days. Nevertheless, I switched my mobile phone to silent mode and didn't even take my iPad out of its case. Of course, I had set up the out-of-office note as a precaution, but questions like: Will I miss something important? How will it be received by customers if I'm not available? I know, what hubris to think like that!
The next morning, I hesitantly glanced at my mobile phone. And felt torn. On the one hand, I wanted to communicate with others, but on the other, I needed time for myself. The solution was simple: I posted a photo of the bag on What'sApp and wrote that I wouldn't be online again for another 9 days. Within a few minutes, I received 8 messages wishing me a good mobile phone detox time, and the number continued to rise over the course of the day.
From then on, my perception of others also changed - I became increasingly annoyed when spa guests didn't follow the recommendations and talked loudly on their phones in the park. In any case, I can say that the detox programme worked for me. Even afterwards, I feel more relaxed, much fitter and have got rid of the need to respond to everything straight away. Now I'm looking forward to going back to work!
Yes, actually, there was no situation in which I had to save the world, I can do it without me - at least for a while 🙂 Try it for yourself - it will do you good!