As city dwellers, we often find ourselves caught in the whirlwind of daily routines, where stress sneaks up in tiny increments, commonly known as microstress. This silent disruptor can drain the joy out of our day, but sometimes, relief comes in small, unexpected packages—or, in this case, in the form of a chewing gum. This is what brought me to the heart of Berlin at Breitscheidplatz, to experience the innovative world of Kautopia, an event hosted by EXTRA® to kick off their new “kau gut” campaign.

From April 25th to 27th, 2024, EXTRA® transformed a bustling city space into a vibrant oasis of relaxation and enjoyment. The event was centered around a strikingly colorful cube featuring a chillout zone, a 16 square meter video wall, and a selfie station, all designed to offer a momentary escape from urban chaos.

During the event, I had the chance to engage with Brand Ambassador Stephanie Giesinger and other attendees, who shared their experiences with microstress—ranging from rushing between meetings to losing keys. It was enlightening to see how common these experiences are and how a simple act, like chewing gum, can provide a brief but significant mental break.

A particularly interesting feature was the video wall, which displayed soothing scenes and motivational quotes that complemented the overall theme of relaxation and mindfulness. It served as a backdrop for many selfies, capturing the smiles of rejuvenated visitors.

Kautopia wasn’t just an event; it was a movement towards recognizing and addressing the microstresses of daily life, making it a landmark event in the heart of Berlin. For anyone who missed it, keep an eye out for future stops in Hamburg, Düsseldorf, and Frankfurt—you won’t want to miss this delightful escape from the ordinary.

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