Time for an email detox
In the 2008 film "The Devil Wears Prada," Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway) is the epitome of a stressed-out employee at the never-ending beck and call of her ultra-demanding boss (Meryl Streep), the editor of a high-fashion magazine. At the end of the movie, as Andy quits her job, she sends her phone sailing into a fountain. Free at last!
We bet you, too, know the feeling of being tethered to your work morning, noon and night. That's because work-related emails come in at all hours - on your phone, your tablet, your laptop!
Interestingly, the French government recently determined that the 24/7 workplace is unfair to employees. It's now the law there that employees cannot be expected to answer emails outside of business hours. We say, smart move!
One study published in Computers and Human Behavior found that people who limited their email time reduced their stress level; ended up in a better mood; improved sleep quality; felt more (not less) socially connected; and, in an unexpected twist, had higher self-perceived productivity.
So try to cut back on your email obsession. Give it a week and see if you feel more relaxed and get more done.
1. Check email after 6 p.m. as infrequently as possible.
2. Set a limit on how many times a day you check work email: first thing in the morning, once midmorning, once at lunch, once midafternoon and once before you go home.
3. End of the day: Answer all the emails you need to, then turn off your notifications.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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