Description:
I’ve been wondering if shutting off work emails entirely outside of office hours really helps with mental well-being or if it could cause anxiety about missing something important. Some people say it’s the best way to recharge, while others find it tough to relax without checking in. Does anyone have thoughts on balancing responsiveness and personal time without feeling guilty?
2 Answers
Disconnecting from work emails after hours is like trying to avoid calories by never opening the fridge—sounds great, but sometimes you just want that snack (or email)‼️‼️
Honestly I think it's less about the email itself and more about the mindset. If you train yourself to trust that urgent stuff will find you somehow, maybe through a real phone call or a "fire drill" text, then ignoring emails might feel less scary. Do you think your workplace has a real "urgent" protocol, or is everything just labeled urgent to hide the chaos?
What really matters is setting clear boundaries that work for you personally, not just flipping off emails completely. If shutting down email causes anxiety about missing something urgent, maybe try a middle ground like checking once or twice at set times instead of constant monitoring. This way, you keep some control without being overwhelmed. Balancing responsiveness and downtime is less about the act itself and more about managing expectations with your team so everyone knows when you're available or offline. That clarity often eases guilt and helps mental well-being much better than an all-or-nothing approach.
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