Don't Check Your Work Email When You're Not Working

This should be obvious, but you may need to hear this: when you’re not at work, it’s not a good idea to check your work email. There are many, many reasons not to do it.

One reason is that you are not on the clock. You are volunteering your time to mentally work. Anything that you do, even if it's responding to a quick message, is being done on your time. Sometimes, the intention of checking your email for a quick minute might turn into a five, ten, or even thirty minute email session. You may end up volunteering more of your time than you initially intended.

Another reason you should avoid checking your email when you're off is that it takes your mind away from what you’re doing and puts it back into “work mentality.” That can last for a few minutes or a few hours, and that can be draining. Instead of relaxing and rejuvenating yourself during your off hours, you’re consumed with thoughts of work.

I know that there are some times that you’ll need to check your work email while you’re not at work. You may be expecting an important message or an important file that you need. That’s fine if it’s not habitual. If you do it as less as possible, there is no major harm, but if you do it consistently, then it’s not good for your well-being.

Unless you get paid by task, you're getting paid extra (as in overtime), or you're not hourly, you get paid to work during your working hours, not for your off time. Keep your personal time as personal as possible. Your job may be part of your career, but it shouldn't consume your whole life.

Roderick Conwi writes about personal and professional development at Nourishment Notes. He is also the author of The Procrastinator's Quick Guide To Getting It Done. To get powerful insights to enhance your day, join his FREE newsletter.