Checking emails at every opportunity had become both distracting and draining, so I decided to set new boundaries.
As a freelance writer, the structure of my workday can vary wildly. Some days feel overwhelming, while others are surprisingly quiet. Yet, regardless of the day’s rhythm, one thing remains constant: emails.
I receive about 100 emails daily, ranging from trivial updates to pressing inquiries from editors. My habit was to check emails first thing in the morning and last thing at night, with frequent interruptions throughout the day. Notifications on my phone constantly drew my attention, and I felt compelled to respond immediately, assuming every buzz was urgent.
This habit grew worse over time. Mornings were spent scrolling through emails, even during breaks meant for rest or meals. The little red notification dot became a measure of my professional worth—an ever-present reminder of tasks unfinished. I believed that being quick to respond equated to reliability, ensuring my continued work opportunities.
But this constant availability came at a cost. I was rushing through responses, taking on too much, and neglecting the quality of my work. I needed space to think and evaluate what I was producing, but the endless cycle of email notifications left no room for reflection.
One particularly hectic week pushed me to make a change: I deleted the email app from my phone.
The first few days felt uneasy. I worried about missed opportunities and frequently checked emails on my laptop instead. However, the benefits became clear during breaks when I was away from my computer. Without notifications intruding, I could truly disconnect, rest, and reset. My sleep improved as nighttime messages no longer lingered in my thoughts.
Now, despite the unpredictable nature of freelance work, I’ve established boundaries that help me manage overwhelm. Uninterrupted breaks allow me to return to tasks with renewed focus, and delaying email responses by a few hours has made little difference to senders while giving me time to process messages properly.
I’ve learned that being less reactive doesn’t mean being less professional. By stepping back from the constant pull of email notifications, I’ve found space to breathe, focus, and improve my overall well-being.
