Nine Simple Ways to Reduce Email Anxiety

Martine Ellis
2 min readApr 6, 2024

Email anxiety is real — for many, it is a huge stress trigger.

I’m one of those people. Or at least, I was. My relationship with email has drastically improved because I have established clear boundaries.

Here are nine ways you can reduce email anxiety.

1. Processing Time

Set specific times to process emails — add these times to your calendar and stick to them. Consider adding those set email processing times to your auto-signature to manage the expectations of those who email you.

2. Shut it Down

Shut your email application down outside of your set email processing times. Remove the visual cue of incoming emails — it’s just too tempting!

3. Stop Using CC

Only use the CC (carbon copy) function when absolutely necessary; this will reduce the number of emails you receive. Fewer emails = less stress.

4. Delete Your Email App

Don’t have work emails on your personal mobile — this creates a boundary between work time and personal time. You could take this a step further and delete the app you use for personal emails from your mobile too. This works well if you have an alternative device for email…

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Martine Ellis

I write, speak, and teach about wellbeing-driven productivity to help you succeed on your terms • Writer • Trainer • Consultant •