Chapter 1: The Relationship with My Phone

During weekends, I deliberately switch off my phone—this small act fills me with anticipation for Monday. Initially, I believed that freelancing required me to maintain a close bond with my device.

Hello, I'm Al, and I have been freelancing for as long as I can remember. One key lesson I’ve learned is the importance of efficient communication. Whenever a client sends an email, I respond without delay. This practice continued for nearly eight years, eventually morphing into an unshakeable habit. I would ensure that no notifications lingered overnight; everything had to be resolved immediately. What I didn’t realize was that each incoming notification added a slight weight of stress to my mind. On busy days, that pressure would compound. After eight years, this was clearly unsustainable.

Finding a solution to this issue wasn't straightforward. Turning off my phone wasn’t an option; my clients needed my attention, and I needed them. The equation was simple. So, I devised a three-month plan to ease my mind: I hired a part-time project manager to handle tasks in my absence. Her role was uncomplicated—manage operations when I was unavailable.

After introducing her to my clients and team, I spent about two months training her. Even though I never felt entirely prepared, I knew I was more equipped than I had been two months prior. I set a date for a vacation—a week free from clients, marking my first such break in eight years.

As the date approached, I instructed my project manager to prepare for my absence and align with all ongoing projects, since I would be "off-the-grid" for a week.

When the day finally arrived, I committed to this plan wholeheartedly. I powered down my iPhone, placed it face down on my desk, and bought a burner phone—a simple Nokia. With my bag packed, I set off on a week-long retreat.

The first challenge was transportation; my Nokia didn’t support Uber, so I opted for a traditional taxi. I traveled to a location called "Ras Shitan" in Egypt, near the Sinai mountains. I rented a basic hut in a camp that offered meals—nothing more.

The initial day without my iPhone felt akin to a morphine withdrawal. My thoughts were consumed with worries about my manager’s performance and potential client losses. The beauty of my situation was that it was nearly impossible to get answers to those questions. There was no internet at the beach camp—just me, the beach, a few wandering cats, some tourists, and a whale that made an appearance.

The only way to quench my curiosity was to return and switch on my iPhone to call my project manager. I persevered through the first night.

On the second day, the scenery remained unchanged: the same beach, the same cats, the same tourists, but no whale today. Then it hit me—this was one of the most stunning places I had ever visited. The beach was exquisite, the cats charming, the tourists friendly, and I had even seen a whale the previous day.

It felt like a scene from the movie Limitless—I had taken a transformative pill. That week, I forged new friendships, explored vibrant underwater worlds, read several books, meditated, and experienced one of the most breathtaking beaches.

Eventually, I returned home and reactivated my iPhone. I recognized the toxic relationship we had developed. I came to a realization: our attachment to our phones often blinds us to the beauty surrounding us. I had feared chaos would ensue in my absence, but the more pertinent question was, "What if it does?" Life moves forward. If a client can't grasp the necessity of my week off, countless others would understand.

It was difficult to care about work while snorkeling amidst coral reefs, gazing at majestic mountains and an endless sea. That’s how I broke free from my digital chains. My response to switching off my phone a year ago was vastly different from how I feel now.

Regarding my work post-retreat, everything exceeded my expectations. Trusting my project manager paid off; she handled everything even better than I could have imagined.

Here’s my new routine:

• I turn off my iPhone each night (this has been a game-changer; anyone wishing to contact me during my sleep will have to wait until morning).
• Every few weekends, I turn off my iPhone completely.
• I embark on a similar retreat twice a year. These experiences rejuvenate my mind, as if I’ve cleared the cache and rebooted my brain.

Following these breaks, my productivity consistently improves. In the past, I forced myself to socialize over the weekend, responding to clients and team members constantly, only to return to work on Monday with the need for double espresso. Now, after turning off my phone, I wake up on Mondays brimming with an indescribable excitement and energy.

I want to leave you with this thought: we are human beings, defined by our curiosity. It’s essential to switch off every so often and truly open our eyes to the world around us.

I'm Al, a business consultant based in Zurich, Switzerland. I’m committed to providing value to my readers. That’s why I created the "Learn" section on my website, dedicated to guides and articles on freelancing and entrepreneurship. You can also explore my journal for all my articles or check out my Medium profile.

Chapter 2: Embracing the Digital Detox

The first video titled "Henry Moodie - Pick Up the Phone (Official Video)" explores themes of communication and connection, resonating with my journey of stepping away from constant notifications.

The second video, "Henry Moodie - Pick Up the Phone (Lyric Video)," reflects on the importance of reaching out and being present, much like my experience during my digital detox.