Have you ever felt shaken by an “urgent work mail”? The notification pops up and your heart starts beating faster, there’s a sunken feeling in your chest, your palms are sweaty, and your throat feels choked—almost as if a tiger is chasing you? Well, you aren’t alone in feeling this helplessness. Several psychological and behavioural studies state that a majority of workers worldwide experience significant psychological and physiological stress related to urgent work emails, which often translate into physical symptoms. To gain a better understanding, we reached out to PSRI Hospital’s psychologist, Arpita Kohli.
Is it true that some people see “urgent” work emails or messages as a real threat, similar to seeing a tiger?
Kohli affirms that some people indeed perceive urgent work emails as a real threat. She notes that for some individuals, urgent emails or messages can trigger the body’s stress response in a way that feels very real. “The brain cannot always differentiate between a physical danger, like a tiger, and a psychological stressor, like a demanding email.” As a result, the body reacts as though it is under immediate threat.
Why does the brain treat such digital triggers like a real threat, and what happens in the body?
Kohli explains that when a person receives an urgent message, the amygdala, the brain’s stress centre, activates. “It signals the body to release stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol.” This leads to a faster heart rate, tense muscles, and heightened alertness. “These changes were designed to protect us in life-or-death situations, but now get triggered by modern stressors, like emails or work deadlines,” she adds.
What factors make some people more prone to this reaction?
Several factors increase susceptibility, Kohli warns. “People with high job stress, perfectionist traits, or prior experiences of workplace pressure may react more strongly.” Additionally, individuals who already struggle with anxiety or poor work-life boundaries are also more vulnerable. “Constant connectivity through smartphones further makes it harder for the brain to switch off, leading to repeated stress responses,” Kohli points out.
Can repeated exposure to urgent emails cause long-term health problems?
“Yes,” Kohli says, “repeated exposure to digital stress can harm health over time.” She warns that chronic stress raises the risk of high blood pressure, weakened immunity, poor sleep, and even heart disease. Mentally, it may cause burnout, irritability, and decreased productivity. “The body is not meant to remain in a constant state of ‘alert,’ and long-term exposure can have serious consequences,” she notes.
How can people prevent feeling overwhelmed by these digital stress triggers?
According to the psychologist, practical steps can be helpful. “Turning off unnecessary notifications, setting clear times to check emails, and using relaxation techniques like deep breathing can reduce stress,” Kohli assures. She also advises creating boundaries, such as no work emails after a certain hour, to help the brain rest. “Regular exercise, mindfulness, and taking short breaks during the workday also improve resilience to stress.”
When should someone seek professional help if they feel constantly stressed by work notifications?
If work-related stress becomes persistent and starts affecting daily life, it is advisable to seek professional help. “Warning signs include poor sleep, frequent headaches, chest discomfort, irritability, or feelings of being ‘on edge’ all the time,” she says. “If someone notices they cannot manage their stress despite lifestyle changes, consulting a doctor or mental health professional is very important,” she adds, noting that early intervention can prevent long-term health issues.