Email Apnea

Do you suffer from Email Apnea?  Do you hold your breath while writing?

I had no idea there was such a thing as Email Apnea until I read about it:

I wanted to know – how widespread is “email apnea?” I observed others on computers and Blackberries: in their offices, their homes, at cafes — the vast majority of people held their breath, or breathed very shallowly, especially when responding to email. I watched people on cell phones, talking and walking, and noticed that most were mouth-breathing and hyperventilating. Consider also, that for many, posture while seated at a computer can contribute to restricted
breathing.

Does it matter? How was holding my breath affecting me?

I called Dr. Margaret Chesney, at the National Institute of Health (NIH). Research conducted by Chesney and NIH research scientist, Dr. David Anderson, demonstrated that breath holding contributes significantly to stress-related diseases. The body becomes acidic, the kidneys begin to re-absorb sodium, and as the oxygen (O2), carbon
dioxide (CO2), and nitric oxide (NO) balance is undermined, our biochemistry is thrown off.

I began to notice that when I was responding to an email — any email — I would hold my breath in spurts while my fingers were pressing down on the keyboard.

I also discovered that during intensive book chapter writing sessions I would also hold my breath. 

The process of writing was slowly becoming one of an unconscious suffocation interspersed between gasps for air. 

I have now learned to be more body aware and to always breathe — steadily and reliably — and I find I am able to relax and think faster. 

Have you ever suffered from Email Apnea?

Are you holding your breath while reading this?