How to Manage E-Mail Overload
We've all been there. You open up your inbox and you're flooded with email after email, only to find that dozens of unread emails need to be opened, read and dealt with. This is the same both at home and at work. We're all snowed under, no matter which way you look, but what if I told you there are several things you can do manage email overload, both at home and in the office? Let me explain...
Stop checking your emails every 5 minutes
One of the biggest reasons why you might feel as though you're overloaded with emails is because you keep checking them. you might think you're doing a good thing by keeping on top o them, but there is such a thing as too often. The aim is to become unavailable, to an extent, so don't keep checking your inbox for new messages because then you'll never stop and you'll forever be snowed under.
Give your inbox a declutter
Think of your inbox as a wardrobe. If you keep adding new things without ever clearing anything out, then it will eventually become difficult to find what you actually need. The same thing applies to emails.
You should start by deleting obvious junk mail and spam, archive old messages that you no longer need and unsubscribe from those newsletters you never read. You don't have to spend an entire weekend doing it, either. Five minutes here and there will do the trick, helping you to keep on top of things without feeling overwhelmed.
Stop feeling guilty
Don't feel guilty about unsubscribing from mailing lists and newsletters. It will only take a few minutes to unattached yourself from anything that no longer serves a purpose or that doesn't make you happy. So, you should ask yourself:
- Do I actually read these emails?
- Do they offer useful information or genuine inspiration?
- Why am I keeping this subscription going? Do I enjoy it or is it because I can't be bothered to unsubscribe from it?
Create a simple filing system
You don't need an elaborate filing system with dozens of folders to stay organised. Overcomplicating things can make things seem more out of control and more like a chore that you can't be bothered to get around to. So, start with a handful of useful categories, such as:
- Action required - emails that need a reply or a task completed
- Waiting for - messages where you're waiting for someone else to respond
- Personal - family, friends and social arrangements
- Work - professional correspondence and ongoing projects
- Reference - receipts, bookings, confirmations and information you may need later
Follow the 1-minute rule
When you open your email, ask yourself whether you can deal with it in one minute. If yes, deal with it right then and there rather than waiting. If no, then add it to your task list and deal with it in a dedicated work session or when you have some additional time to give it your attention. Just don't use the rule as an excuse to take a break from genuine work.
***
I hope. you enjoyed this blog post and that you found it somewhat useful. Let me know in the comments below what you like to do to manage your email overload and I'll see you all again soon with a brand new blog post!
***
WHERE TO FIND ME
PREVIOUS BLOG POST
COPYRIGHT INFORMATION
Comments
Post a Comment