The psychological effects of email

BY Sue Williamson

Who can deny that email is an excellent tool, making it far easier to communicate with colleagues, friends, family and anyone else around the globe in seconds. There’s no way we could go back to not using it! However, email can also be a massive distraction in the workplace and, believe it or not, can have a negative effect on your brain.

Here are a few facts to bear in mind when tempted to become surgically attached to your inbox (mentioning no names, Andrea).

Checking your email can increase stress

Even if you don’t click on any emails or action any requests, research has found that simply opening your email inbox can instantly increase your stress levels. When you’re already busy and working at capacity, just reminding yourself of the number of tasks you have waiting can send your stress levels soaring.

Tackle this by setting aside dedicated time for dealing with email, and making sure you don’t succumb to the temptation to peek in between.

Reading emails can impact emotional wellbeing

If you can honestly say that your mood has never been affected by reading an email, you’re in a very small minority. Whether a tersely-worded message from a colleague, the umpteenth reminder from a pushy contact or a fantastically passive-aggressive note from a friend or family member who is feeling a little neglected due to your hectic schedule, the emails we read can have a surprising effect on our wellbeing. You’re bound to get positive, happy emails too but, while they will boost your mood temporarily, the negative vibes will stick around far longer.

Post-email regret

How many times have you sent an email and instantly wished you could take it back and reword it? This lack of self-control in a stressed, busy situation is normal. The instant accessibility of email makes it all too easy to respond in the moment, rather than taking the time to rationally consider your reply.

An idea which works for us is to set a minimum timeframe which must elapse before you click “send”. Give yourself a little time to think; it’s far better than suffering the regret later on.

Plummeting productivity

This is the most common email issue that we write about – the ability email has to take over your day. In order to make the most of this excellent tool, you must learn how to manage it and remain in control, whether that happens through only checking emails during pre-allocated timeslots, turning off notifications for new emails, or otherwise making sure that those 10,000 emails per year don’t become your main focus.

Need help?

If you have been succumbing to the time sink that is a constantly-monitored inbox, and feel your business suffering as a result, why not enlist the help of one of our virtual assistants and business support experts to help you regain control and time?

Contact us today to learn more.

cushion the impact  provides award winning personal and virtual assistance and customised lifestyle management for hard working and hard living individuals and small business owners.  We know there aren’t enough hours in the day, so let us help you live an organised, efficient, & fulfilling life. Take a deep breath & call us today.  Your personal service awaits!!

 

Enquiry Global

Lets us take the Weight off your shoulders
  • Let us take the weight off your shoulders

    Your free consultation awaits:

  • Or … call us on +44 (0) 20 3218 0053

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published.