Is Your Inbox Too Full?
“Sometimes it seems your ever-increasing list of things to do can leave you feeling totally undone.” -Susan Mitchell and Catherine Christie
What do you immediately think of when you read the title of this article? Your email inbox? Most people would think that. And this article was inspired by my very full email inbox, so it only makes sense.
As more and more emails seem to flood my inbox in recent weeks, I’ve noticed my stress level shoot up, the tension in my shoulders increase, and the anxiety of all the anticipated additions to my already overflowing to-do list. I’m signed up to receive information about health, business, wellness, spirituality, music, home improvement, etc.
When I remember, I stop and take a breath and realize I’ve invited all these emails into my life. My inbox (and reaction to my inbox) tells me a lot about what is going on in other areas of my life.
Now it doesn’t take a rocket scientist (or a life coach) to realize I have a lot of things going on. I have a tendency toward workaholism and part of this condition (at least for me) sometimes is the failure to realize how over-extended I am until something like a very full email inbox nearly brings me to tears. My inbox mirrors my life and all the responsibilities I have taken on.
With that awareness comes a choice: to continue letting things accumulate in my inbox or to filter things out that are no longer relevant. Each choice has its own set of consequences. But it all really comes down to priorities, which are constantly shifting, depending on what is going on.
So I ask…how full is your inbox? And if you’re not happy with how full or empty it is, what are YOU willing to do to change it? Here’s some tips for how to gain some control over your inbox (i.e. life):
- Make a SHORT list of priorities and post them in places you can see around your house.
- Delete an email that’s been sitting in your inbox for more than a week. It’s okay, the world will NOT come to an end.
- Unsubscribe from an email list that either doesn’t fit with your priorities right now or that you don’t have time for. You can always subscribe to it again when things settle down.
- Take some time for you. A little each day is best, if even for 5 minutes, to center yourself. Close your eyes and focus on your breathing.
- Set your timer. If you need reminders to wake up or take your clothes out of the dryer, doesn’t it make sense that a timer might work to remind you to do something for yourself? Like STOP going through your email inbox, or breathe, or whatever else you choose. Give it a try.
I’d love to hear what shifts you’ve made to get control over your overflowing inbox. Leave a comment below.
Photo: Paper Weaving © by FeatheredTar
