Take a second to think about how often you switch to your computer's Microsoft Outlook or Gmail tab or look at your phone for the latest email notifications. Although checking your email can seem like a simple gesture, it can easily interfere with your daily tasks. Checking your email too frequently can be just as bad as regularly refreshing your feed on Instagram. So whether you’re worried about missing out on an important message or just want a quick distraction from work, it’s essential to find ways to stay focused despite never-ending emails.

Here are a few tips for overcoming your email-checking habit.

First off - what’s the rush?

Here’s a simple question you can ask yourself when trying to temper your email checking habit: What will happen if I don’t respond right away? Once you ask this question, you’ll quickly realize that for many emails the answer is nothing catastrophic. However, be sure to consider the type of job you have as well. Do you work a fast paced job where you’re responsible for daily urgent requests? Or are you generally able to get back to requests within the work day? Do you think a delayed response to an email may affect your reputation at work? Take time to dive deeper into the issue to find out the best way to address your habit and create an email checking schedule accordingly. Whatever you do, avoid constant email hovering to help you focus on the bigger picture.

Get rid of push notifications

It’s hard to ignore a notification that pops up in the corner of your desktop or your phone lighting up from an email notification. It’s best to get rid of these notifications by adjusting your computer or phone settings. Getting rid of these notifications helps to lower the likelihood that you’ll get distracted as often.

Set a time to review emails

If possible, create a block of time for reading your emails. For example, if you work a nine-to-five job, set up three times to check your emails: in the morning when you first arrive, after lunch, and an hour or two before you leave. This tip may not be plausible for some if their job or business requires constant email-checking, but it is an excellent method to implement if you can. 

Reassure yourself

Don’t let work emails affect your productivity or mental health. When you feel the urge to check your email during work, remind yourself that there’s no rush to respond and that your current task is a higher priority. Remember, if you’re a dedicated employee or business owner, your colleagues and clients will understand your work ethic and respect your time when responding to their emails.

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