Is it normal to dread checking unread messages after a busy day?

Absolutely, feeling overwhelmed by a backlog of messages after a demanding day is a very common experience. After expending so much energy, the thought of engaging with more demands, even social ones, can feel like another chore. It's a natural response to being mentally and emotionally depleted.

Research from the American Psychological Association suggests that prolonged exposure to digital communication can contribute to feelings of fatigue and stress for over 60% of adults.

See other perspectives

Am I the only one who dreads checking unread messages after a busy day?

Am I the Only One?

Does everyone dread checking unread messages after a busy day?

Does Everyone?

Is it weird to dread checking unread messages after a busy day?

Is It Weird?

Why do I dread checking unread messages after a busy day?

Why Do I?

Real stories from the community

Just got back from that corporate retreat. …

social exhaustion

Destination wedding, big deal, three days of smiling and photos and small talk with people I’ve never met before and will never see again. …

social exhaustion

i just let the phone ring it’s my mother i know it is and i just let it ring and ring and now it’s gone silent and i feel like a coward like a disobedient private on guard duty letting his post be… …

social exhaustion

It was on the bus ride home, like it always is, and it was after a ten-hour shift and you know how it is, the phones just RING and RING and RING, all day long, people yelling about their internet or… …

social exhaustion

Compared to what other people go through, I know this is small potatoes. …

social exhaustion

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I feel overwhelmed by messages after work?▾
After a full day of work or other demanding activities, your mental energy reserves are often low. The idea of engaging with more information, making decisions, and responding to social cues through messages can feel like an additional burden when you're already depleted.
How can I manage message overload without ignoring people?▾
Consider setting specific times to check and respond to messages, rather than feeling pressured to do so immediately. You might also use quick replies for non-urgent messages or let close contacts know you'll respond when you have more bandwidth.
Is it bad to leave messages unread for a while?▾
No, it's not inherently bad. Prioritizing your well-being means sometimes delaying responses to messages. Most people understand that others have busy lives, and a delayed response is usually preferable to a rushed or resentful one.

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