Being a freelance writer means that my daily routine can vary greatly. Some days, I have too much work to handle, while on other days, I have too little to do.
Regardless of the type of job you have, one thing remains constant – email. I receive around 100 emails every day, ranging from trivial updates to important messages from my editor.
Every morning, the first thing I do after turning off my alarm is check my email. And before putting my phone away at night, I make sure to clear out any unread messages. I check my phone constantly throughout the day, always afraid of missing something crucial.
Approximately a year ago, I noticed that checking my email had become more of a distraction. I found myself constantly replying to messages during bathroom breaks and feeling anxious if I hit a mental block while working. I began receiving push notifications on my phone twice as often as checking on my computer.
To make matters worse, I started checking and responding to emails even during meals and walks, turning my downtime into work time.
The red dot on my email app had become a symbol of my professionalism. The more unread emails I had, the less competent I felt. Responding quickly to emails was crucial to maintain my reputation and continue receiving work assignments.
However, prioritizing speed over quality was taking a toll on me. I was overextending myself, not leaving any room for thoughtful work. I realized that I needed a change.
After a particularly busy emailing week, I decided to delete the email app from my phone.
Initially, I felt uneasy without notifications on my phone and checked my email frequently on my laptop. But soon, I noticed a positive difference. Being away from my computer allowed me to focus on things other than work, improving my sleep quality and reducing nighttime stress.
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While my work days remain unpredictable, I’ve learned the importance of setting boundaries for myself even in the absence of a structured routine. Taking uninterrupted breaks helps me focus better when I return to work. Delaying responses to emails by a few hours instead of immediately has not affected the sender and allows me to grasp the message better.
As a freelancer in a fast-paced industry, I no longer feel overwhelmed. Creating space for myself has been beneficial, allowing me to prioritize rest and relaxation. Now, I can spend my time on activities other than constantly checking emails on my phone.
Source: www.theguardian.com
