How to Stop Checking Your Email Constantly

It may sound like a no-brainer to figure out how to stop checking your email obsessively, but really, there are more tips available than "just don't do it." Checking your email constantly can zap your productivity--however, it's not so easy for many people to keep a tap on their email-checking. We want to be on top of what's happening, but at the same time we notice when we feel zapped from switching gears so frequently. Here are some tips to help you get a hold of your email habits. Whether you want to cut out email completely--or just cut down on it--it's a smart idea in order to work more effectively.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Email
• Self-Discipline

1. Figure out your pattern. Do you check your email throughout the day? Or do you use a program like Outlook that stays open and makes a noise or flashes a message on your computer each time you get a message?
   
   The latter makes it really easy and harmless to just click into another window, while opening up a new browser and logging in can require more work. How often are you checking your email? For one day, or a few, stay on top of how often you check your email. You may even want to write down how many times you check it.
2. Determine the purpose. Why do you check your email so frequently? Are you worried you may miss something? In my business, sometimes it pays to stay on top of what's coming in because work can literally go quick.
   
   Most of my clients know I'm pretty timely when it comes to email and choose to use it for semi-urgent matters as opposed to calling me. So, for me, checking my email frequently means getting a job or not. Still, I've had to limit myself because I find that it zaps my energy when I am doing something and constantly going back to check my email.
3. Set up OK times. To cut down, you should never--and probably can't--go cold turkey. So take the number of times you check your email a day and cut it down by at least one to start. Maybe you can try to check it on the hour instead of every 10 minutes, or you can do it at mealtimes before you go eat.
   
   Whatever you choose, cut back on the number of times you check it and set up times that are OK to check it. Monitoring email can be like an addiction for some people, so you want to go slow and steady as you cut back.
4. Decide on your function. For me, it is easier to keep Outlook open. But I've learned to ignore every message that comes in. Or not to reply to non-urgent ones even if I see a flash every time I get mail.
   
   If you're OK with logging in at set times and feel a Web-based program will make it easier for you to devote less attention to email, go for it. Decide what function will allow you to stay on top of email but not get wrapped up in checking it.

Tips & Warnings

• Give yourself set times to check your email.
• If you feel tempted to check your email, decide how long it's been since you last checked.
• If you need to get a project done, completely turn off your email and let yourself check it at a certain time marker instead of throughout your work.
• Remember that if people really need to reach you, they will most likely call.