Limit additional screen distractions

I’m also trying to get into the habit of keeping my phone in my bag at work or in a different room when working from home. That reduces the level of stimulation during busy days and stops the temptation to scroll rather than take a proper screen break.

Have a few go-to breathing techniques

OK, you might be bored of us saying it, but breathwork can help. If screen apnea is happening because of stress (acknowledged or not) or shallow breathing (poor posture), then getting into the habit of taking a few conscious breaths at regular junctions might help.

Box breathing can be good (four-second inhale, four-second hold, four-second exhale, four-second hold), as can increasing the exhale (breathe in for four, breathe out for six). Both of those can slow down the heart rate, concentrate the mind and help us to feel our bodies. Sometimes, I even like to give a spot of Wim Hof breathing a go (fast inhale/exhale for 30 seconds, followed by a 60-second hold).

Do you notice yourself holding your breath when checking emails or doing deep work? You might have ‘screen apnea’