Up to 80 percent of people may experience screen apnea. That’s the involuntary holding of breath or shallow breathing while you look at a screen—computer, phone, or other.

Why it matters

First, the obvious: breath=life. Unless you’re holding your breath intentionally (e.g. doing breathwork, swimming underwater), not breathing or shallow breathing can heighten stress and anxiety. Something most of us try to avoid, particularly when working.

Why it matters more

Unintentionally holding your breath or screen apnea can be habit-forming. So, in addition to holding your breath while at the computer, you’ll find yourself doing it away from work, too.

Yours truly is guilty of that as well.

Solutions

Step 1: Awareness. Most people don’t realize they are doing this. This is why a solution has to go beyond “just don’t do that!”

First, become very aware of your breath. The person who coined the phrase “screen apnea” developed a breathing ritual of inhaling through her nose for four counts and then exhaling through the nose, also for four counts.

There’s an app for that

Of course there are. The Breathing App and Breathing Zone are two options to try. Yours truly has tried both. While appreciating the intent, it can create another type of anxiety: keeping up with the app.

My solution has been a simple sign near my keyboard that serves as a constant reminder.

Better breathing in general

Part of the issue is that many humans don’t breathe properly to start with. Shallow breathing, mouth breathing, etc. can truly drain your energy. You may want to consider a breathwork practice. Insight Timer, a favorite of My HOH has numerous contributors who offer great exercises. Ben Holt is my favorite.

Also, make it a point to exercise during your work day. When we exercise, we tend to breathe more deeply and consciously. Even exercising for just a minute or two, invigorates your breathing and can carry over when you return to your desk.

A resource

NPR wrote a great article on this a while back. An interesting note from the piece, people who play an instrument tend not to have screen apnea. Check it out by clicking below. And while you read:

BREATHE!

Screen apnea

DeskCycle Under Desk Bike Pedal Exerciser

One way to keep breathing while you work: exercise while you work. This desk cycle for under your desk should do the trick. Check it out.

DeskCycle Under Desk

Monday morning vibe: Anna Nalick, Breathe

What else for an issue devoted to breathing?