After living in Germany for four years, Indian expat Himani Sharma says one European habit has left a lasting impression on her, the ability to switch off from work and focus on life.In a widely shared video on Instagram, Himani reflected on the cultural differences she noticed after moving to Germany. She said the one thing she would miss most if she ever returned to India was how life slows down in Europe once the workday ends.“One thing I will really miss if I ever go back to India is how life slows down in Europe after 6 pm. Like shops are shut, work is over, and people actually go back to living their life,” she said.Himani admitted that adjusting to this way of life was not easy at first. Coming from India, where work often continues mentally even during personal time, she found the change surprising.“And honestly, this was such a culture shock for me in the beginning because back in India, even when we meet friends, we are still mentally at work, checking phones, replying to messages, eating quickly, talking a little, and then leaving,” she explained.ID@undefined Caption not available.ID@undefined Caption not available.ID@undefined Caption not available.Over time, however, she began to appreciate the slower pace of evenings in Europe. Instead of rushing through social interactions, she noticed people taking time to enjoy conversations and simply be present with one another.“But in Europe, people sit in cafes for hours, sipping one drink slowly, having deep conversations, enjoying the weather, ordering a little food, and simply spending time with each other. Nobody is constantly on their phone,” Sharma said.She added that the experience taught her the value of living in the moment. “I feel like living in Europe taught me how to be fully present in the moment. And honestly, I really wish we had more of this culture back in my home country too,” she said.Reflecting on the lesson in the caption of her post, Himani wrote that one of the biggest changes she experienced was seeing how people “genuinely disconnect from work and reconnect with life”.As she prepares to move to Dubai, she said this is one lesson she plans to carry forward. For her, the takeaway is not about working less, but about living more intentionally and making time for people beyond work.
