Your email inbox is ruining everything

When you got your first smartphone, I bet it was pretty exciting. You thought about how much freedom it would grant you to be reachable anywhere. What you imagined is taking days off at the beach with your family and still being able to make money. What happened—a headache at the dinner table as the manufacturing department needs an answer before dessert.

A study released in August of last year suggests that there is an undeniable correlation between connectivity and employee stress levels. It found that the biggest implication of being easily reached was that employees were now always on call, eliminating a healthy work-life balance and not giving employees a chance to unwind.

So what is the solution? If you live in France and work for a company of 50 or more, the solution is that it is illegal to send work-related emails outside of work hours. However, as many of us do not live in France, and reside outside of Europe, our relationship with work is much different.

What are some ways you can make sure that your email inbox is not jeopardizing your well-being?

1. Out-of-Office

Have an out-of-office reply programmed into your email detailing the times in which you respond to emails. When the sender is aware that you will respond promptly when your work hours resume, they will feel more comfortable waiting. Communication is key. Maybe add in your phone number for emergencies as people are less likely to call with a minor concern.

2. Unplug Literally

Unplug, turn off your phone, or leave it at the charging station. You can check in after you finish dessert or have a time set aside to do so. Better yet, remove your work email from your personal cell phone.

3. Charge your phone in the kitchen

This may seem like a simple solution but it works wonders. Your phone should not be charging beside your bed because inevitably, it becomes the last thing you see before you go to sleep, and the first thing you see in the morning. It can wait—you need to rest.

4. Control the spam

Unsubscribe to any mailing lists that don’t add value to your life. Keep those that make you feel productive and on top of things. This is a mental game. If your phone is constantly buzzing with the latest offer from a store you never visit, it is a constant reminder to check your phone, which is unnecessary. Your inbox should be filled with important information and value.

What time of day do you receive most of your emails? Do you ever wish you could just unplug?

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DISCLAIMER: This article expresses my own ideas and opinions. Any information I have shared are from sources that I believe to be reliable and accurate. I did not receive any financial compensation in writing this post, nor do I own any shares in any company I’ve mentioned. I encourage any reader to do their own diligent research first before making any investment decisions.