Breaking Email Habits: A Psychological Approach

Email – Examine your fears exercise

In today’s fast-paced work environment, email addiction is a common issue that can hinder productivity and well-being. If you are interested in weaning yourself off ‘email addiction,’ here is a quick psychological exercise you can conduct – or use it as a team exercise.

Examine Your Email Fears

Ask yourself the following three questions:

1. Why are you hesitant to disconnect from your email?

2. Do you fear consequences to your work or perhaps that you may lose a feeling of importance or connection?

3. Interruptions leave us feeling desired and needed, which can become intoxicating and addictive. Think of what scares you most about switching off or changing email habits.

Reflecting on these questions can help you understand the underlying reasons for your email habits. It might even extend back to school days when you felt the need to stay connected and informed. Once you have the answers, you may find a greater desire to change the way you are working with email and also have some of the solutions for creating an exercise program to reduce the ‘addiction.’

Linking It to Working Habits

By addressing your fears and understanding the psychological factors behind your email habits, you can develop healthier working habits. For example, setting specific times to check emails, turning off notifications, and prioritizing tasks can help you stay focused and reduce the constant urge to check your inbox.

Breaking email habits requires a conscious effort and a willingness to change. By examining your fears and implementing new strategies, you can improve your productivity and overall well-being. Give it a try and see how it transforms your work life!