Do you have screen apnea?

Hey Freaking Nomads,

I realized something the other day that kinda blew my mind.

I was deep into work, replying to emails, editing some stuff, jumping between tabs (you know, normal work-from-anywhere chaos!), and I suddenly noticed… I wasn’t breathing.

Not like not at all, obviously. But I was holding my breath without realizing it. And once I started paying attention, I noticed I do it all the time. Especially when I’m super focused or stressed.

Apparently, there’s a name for it: screen apnea.

Yep, it’s a real thing. Researchers say up to 80% of people unconsciously hold their breath or breathe really shallowly when using screens. That’s wild, and honestly, makes a lot of sense.

When I think about how drained I sometimes feel after working, it’s not just the endless to-do list. It’s also the fact that my body is low-key panicking while I’m trying to get stuff done.

Since realizing this, I’ve started taking tiny “breathe breaks” during the day (even just a few deep inhales make a difference!)

I even built a little tool called Pranapp (Prana, like breath — got it? Yogis out there, I see you! haha). It’s a super simple breathing timer you can leave open in a tab or run quietly in the background while you work on your laptop.

It follows the 4-7-8 breathing method, a pattern designed to calm the nervous system by slowing your breath: inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7, and exhale for 8. It’s often used to reduce anxiety and improve focus.

I made it mainly for myself, but if screen apnea’s been getting to you too, maybe it’ll help! And if you try it, let me know what you think! I’d love to hear and maybe even build in some features that make it more useful for you too 💛

So this is your gentle reminder today:

Check in with your breath.

You’re not broken. This lifestyle we’ve chosen comes with its own weird challenges. But little things like breathing, like really breathing, can go a long way.

Big exhale,

Irene

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