Email Can Raise Your Stress Level

A study found that a simple email can significantly raise your stress level. Researchers watched 30 government employees as they worked and measured their stress levels throughout the day. When email started coming in, 83 percent reported quicker pulse and higher blood pressure. Some tips for reducing email stress…

… Set Boundaries: Designate specific times during the day for checking and responding to emails, and stick to it. This can help prevent the continuous interruption and distraction of incoming emails.

… Turn Off Notifications: Constant alerts can increase your stress level. Try turning off your notifications and only check emails during the designated times.

… Use Tools: Utilize email features like filters, folders, or labels to organize your inbox. Most email clients also have a “priority inbox” feature which can help prioritize more important emails.

… Use a Separate Work Email: If you are able to, keep separate email accounts for work and personal matters. This can help you to compartmentalize and manage your emails more effectively.

… Practice Clear Communication: Be clear and concise in your emails to avoid unnecessary back-and-forths. Also, if an email thread becomes too long and complex, consider switching to a phone call or face-to-face conversation.

… Unsubscribe Ruthlessly: Over time, we may accumulate numerous subscriptions that we no longer need or want. Regularly purging your email of these can greatly reduce the number of unnecessary emails you receive.

… Out of Office Replies: Use this feature when you’re on vacation or during non-work hours to set expectations for when you will be responding.