Electronic messages can invade our computers and smartphones to such an extent that they become a nuisance. This informational overload can be hard to cope with and could even lead to “email apnoea”.
A psychological phenomenon, email apnoea occurs in working people who are overwhelmed by their inboxes. To keep on top of the many messages they receive, many workers spend long hours checking and sorting through their emails. This eventually becomes a source of stress, especially when added to the long list of micro-tasks that need to be dealt with.
In concrete terms, email apnoea is our body’s physiological response to intense stress or even anxiety. Some employees feel this physically, which can lead them to holding their breath or modifying their breathing when reading emails.
“Email apnoea builds up stress and fatigue – it’s like running a marathon while forgetting to breathe,” said Victoria McLean, founder and CEO of career consultancy City CV.
It’s not altogether harmful if you do it occasionally, but email apnoea can become more problematic if you do it on a regular basis. In the long run, it could lead to physical and mental fatigue.
“Email apnoea drains creativity and decision-making abilities. When we’re in a constant state of tension, it’s harder to think clearly and approach problems with fresh ideas, which can ultimately affect the quality of work and innovation within the business,” McLean told Stylist magazine.
Rethink your relationship with email
This is why it’s important to approach emails sensibly. Not all messages require a written reply; sometimes it’s wiser to call the person to talk to them directly. Similarly, think about how useful it really is to “cc” a particular person in your email.
As for response time, don’t feel obliged to reply quickly. Not all messages are urgent, nor do they require an immediate response. Email wasn’t designed as an instant means of communication, so you can allow yourself some time to think before responding to certain requests.
Finally, lack of movement contributes to email apnoea as well, so it’s essential to take regular breaks to stretch your legs, especially if you work in a seated position.