Wednesday night is the start of Passover and that means I go offline for four work days, completely offline.
It also means that I might get sick. I typically fall ill on Jewish holidays. I am not sure why. But if you count the times I get sick, the majority of them, fall out on Jewish holidays.
It is likely a physiological thing where I get over stressed from being out of communication, where it impacts me so much that I physically get sick.
In fact, my wife is already concerned that I am going to get sick that she has been asking me how I feel, starting this past Sunday. I honestly hope I don't get sick. I hate getting sick on these holidays. But not sure what I can do to prevent it.
I have work issues. I am a work-aholic. I stress when I am disconnected from work. I handle Shabbos (friday night through saturday night) mostly okay, simply because I do it every week and because most of the world is off those days. But being offline during the work week for two or three days straight, with no means of communication to the business, is incredibly stressful for me.
Starting this Wednesday night, I go completely offline, without turning on a computer, checking email, speaking to the employees, etc, until Saturday night. That is three full days, in a row. I then do it again on Tuesday night, through Thursday night.
It is sad for me to say this, because I should not be feeling this way about the Jewish holidays. I know my body and mind needs the rest, but sometimes, going cold turkey, is more stressful then not being in the daily grind.
In any event, I always manage through it and I wouldn't give it up for anything. I just hope I don't get sick over the holiday.


Comments
That makes 2 of us- don't think about it, stay positive. Holidays are good for you, you need a break once in a while!
Posted by: wife | April 6, 2009 1:10 PM
I think you should ease into it. Start out 3 days before the holiday with working one hour less. Unless it is a Sunday. Then maybe you should work one hour more than regular to make up for all the work you will miss.
But seriously, try being disconnected for 1 hour 3 days before, 2 hours disconnected 2 days before, 2 and 1/2 hours, 1 day before. Like a gradual withdrawal for an addict.
Don't forget - although you will be disconnecting from your work and professional relationships, you will be that much more connected with you community, family and the Almighty.....
Posted by: Leon Schwartz | April 7, 2009 4:29 PM
You almost made me cry.
I now look on you totally different. With much more respect.
Have a Chag Koshor V'Sameach. Feel good.
Posted by: Yehuda | April 7, 2009 5:36 PM