We are all guilty of checking our email during off-hours. We know we shouldn’t, but we do. The urge to be constantly updated with our professional life is too overwhelming to take a break, but in reality, we should absolutely re-think this practice. Researchers at the University of British Columbia have found positive, psychological benefits of putting down your phone, laptop, and tablet, and ignoring your email outside the office. This might be tricky for freelancers and startups, but it’s still important for everyone.
The study tested two groups, one group quit their email application, turned off notifications, and limited checking email to three times per day. The second group had free range to check email whenever they pleased, and after a week, the groups switched roles. Survey results showed participants had lower levels of stress after a week of limited email, and were even more productive.
Just like your mind and body needs rest each day during sleep, your personal life and mind needs rest too, away from work, and focused on other important parts of life. Whether it’s a complete distraction such as movies, television, sports, or music, or relaxing via yoga, walking, writing, and seeing friends, it’s a vital break each day that we all need, and hopefully deserve. The more productive you are during the day, the more time you can take away from email. Today, we’re tethered to our devices, but as an experiment and practice, we ought to spend more time disconnecting and digitally detoxing.
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