We've all heard of sleep apnea, but have you heard of email apnea? As modern communication becomes more and more frantic, our inboxes have become digital battlegrounds. Picture this: You're engrossed in your inbox, scrolling through a barrage of emails, responding to urgent messages, and suddenly you realize – you're holding your breath. Welcome to the world of email apnea, a phenomenon that's taking the digital age by storm. 

What is Email Apnea?

Email apnea is a phenomenon where people unconsciously hold their breath or drop into shallow breathing when they're responding to an email or text. It's like a hidden dance of inhalations and exhalations intertwined with rhythmic keys clicking. 

Now, you might wonder, why does this happen?

You've probably also heard yoga instructors tell you to "focus on your breath" because our breath connects every part of our body. When you’re slumped over computers, tablets, and phones, your chest is compressed, and your breathing suffers. And when you're under the stress of email overload, angry tweets, hard-to-satisfy clients or even moments of intense concentration while reading, writing, or watching any screen activity – your response is to gasp and hold it, then hold it even longer.

Our bodies enter a state of heightened alertness when doing cognitively demanding stuff. As a result, our breathing can become shallow, or in some cases, we may even hold our breath unknowingly.

So is this a sign that you should worry about email apnea? 

While we will go into much more detail in a moment, the short answer would be yes. A good place to start is to become aware of email apnea. In fact, take a moment now and notice how are you breathing? Are you breathing from your abdomen, or from higher up in your chest? Are your breaths long and deep? Do you exhale longer than you inhale?

While you can do many things to fix email apnea, you've actually already taken the first step to solving the problem – becoming aware of your breathing.

Here are 7 tips to help you breathe easier while dealing with your inbox with a renewed sense of calm and focus:

1. Mindful Breathing Exercises: Inhale, Exhale, Inbox Prevail!

Take a break from the constant ping of new messages and indulge in a moment of mindfulness. Close your eyes, inhale deeply, exhale slowly, and let your inbox chaos fade away. Incorporating simple breathing exercises into your routine can be the secret weapon against breath-holding due to email stress. So, take a breath, warrior – you've got this!

2. The 20-20-20 Rule: Screen Breaks that Breathe Life Into Your Day

Let's talk about the 20-20-20 rule, a magical formula to combat screen apnea. Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break, and gaze at something 20 feet away. This not only prevents eye strain but also gives you a chance to stretch, breathe, and reset. Set an alarm, break free from your screen, and let those eyes roam. Your inbox can wait – your eyes and lungs can't!

3. Email Detox Breaks: A Refreshing Pause for Your Mind

Put an end to email overwhelm by scheduling "email detox breaks." Step away from the digital battlefield, stretch those limbs, and take a few deep breaths. It's time to reset both your body and mind. Remember, the inbox isn't going anywhere, but your well-being deserves a break.

4. Chair Yoga: Elevate Your Breath, Elevate Your Day

Who says yoga can't happen in an office chair? Inhale, reach for the sky, and exhale, grounding yourself in your seat. A few minutes of chair yoga can improve your breathing and posture. Embrace the stretch, feel the energy flow, and revel in improved mental clarity. Your chair is now your sanctuary – breathe in, breathe out, and conquer the day!

5. Take an 'Awe Walk': Nature's Fresh Air Breath

Escape the digital realm and embark on an "Awe Walk." Shift your focus outward, immerse yourself in nature, and let the natural surroundings renew your spirit. Awe walks improve breathing, reduce stress and boost your mental health. No deadlines can dampen the joy of being in nature.

6. Glow and Blue-Light Glasses: Sleep Well, Work Well

With style, combat the negative effects of blue light! Shield your eyes from the digital glow with glow and blue-light glasses. Researchers have found that these glasses not only improve sleep quality, but also enhance career decisions and productivity. To fight fatigue caused by email, get a good night's sleep!

7. Set Boundaries: Inbox, You Shall Not Pass!

Set clear boundaries for your email usage. Set specific times for email correspondence and resist the urge to check your inbox constantly. This not only prevents Email Apnea but also fosters a healthy work-life balance. Remember, a well-protected inbox is a happy inbox!

Remember, your inbox is not a sprint; it's a marathon. By understanding and implementing these strategies, you can break the cycle of screen apnea and enhance your overall well-being in the screen-dominated world with ease and lead you to a healthier, more balanced relationship with your emails. So, don't let your screens control your breath; take charge and breathe better at work. Happy breathing!