E-Mail Checking Outside Work Hours May Be Hazardous to Your Health

Admit it...how many times have you checked your work e-mail during times you weren't working?  I'm guilty of it, too, many times, and the latest research says that it's a really bad thing to do.  Why?  The answer is simple.  Checking e-mails outside of work hours increases stress.  So, the more you do it, the more stress you feel and the higher level of stress you maintain on a consistent basis, which is bad for your body and your mind.

Yes, you may feel that monitoring your e-mails helps to keep you productive, which in turn can make you feel like you're being efficient with your time and accomplishing more than by waiting until working hours.  BUT, what are you doing to yourself by NOT giving yourself a break?  is it truly worth staying "connected" at times when you should be "disconnected?"  It's been proven that consistently high levels of stress can take a toll on you over the years.

My advice?  Do what I do.  When I get home, the phone and computer stays off until I'm ready to take on the day the next morning.  It's not easy at first, but it gets easier the more you do it.  Try it and have a little less stress.  You'll enjoy those around you more and you may just live a little bit longer, too!