Unsubscribe: How to Kill Email Anxiety, Avoid Distractions and Get Real Work Done

Unsubscribe: How to Kill Email Anxiety, Avoid Distractions, and Get Real Work Done is a book by Jocelyn K. Glei that offers practical strategies for managing email overload and regaining control over your workday. The book is based on the premise that email has become a major source of distraction and anxiety for many people, and that it is possible to reclaim your time and focus by adopting a more intentional and mindful approach to email. 

The book begins by discussing the many ways in which email can become a source of stress and distraction, including the constant flow of messages, the pressure to respond quickly, and the fear of missing important information. Glei argues that these challenges can be overcome by establishing clear boundaries around email use, and by developing strategies for managing incoming messages more effectively. 

One of the key concepts in the book is the idea of "unsubscribing" from the culture of email overload and taking a more proactive approach to managing email. Glei suggests setting aside specific times each day to check and respond to email, and using tools like filters, labels, and folders to help prioritise messages and reduce clutter. 

Another important concept in the book is the idea of establishing clear boundaries around email use, both in terms of when and where email is checked, and in terms of expectations around response times and availability. Glei encourages readers to establish a personal email policy that works for them, based on their own habits, preferences, and work style. 

The book also offers practical tips for minimising distractions and interruptions from email, such as turning off notifications, using tools like Boomerang to schedule messages for later delivery, and delegating email management to an assistant or team member. Glei also highlights the importance of using email for its intended purpose (communication) rather than treating it as a repository for tasks and to-dos. 

Throughout the book, Glei emphasizes the importance of taking a holistic approach to email management and integrating email into a broader system of productivity and time management. She encourages readers to develop a personal productivity system that incorporates email, along with other tools and strategies for managing tasks, projects, and goals. 

Overall, "Unsubscribe" is a valuable guide to managing email overload and regaining control over your workday. Whether you are a busy professional, an entrepreneur, or you’re looking to achieve greater focus and productivity, this book offers practical strategies and insights for managing email more effectively, reducing stress and anxiety, and getting real work done. 

The 5 key takeaways from this book 

1. Prioritise Your Attention: The book emphasizes the importance of prioritizing your attention and focusing on meaningful work rather than constantly reacting to incoming emails. Set clear boundaries and allocate specific blocks of time for deep, uninterrupted work. By managing your attention effectively, you can increase productivity and reduce email-related anxiety. 

2. Establish Email Habits: Glei Establish healthy email habits to avoid being overwhelmed by your inbox. Set designated times to check and respond to emails rather than constantly checking throughout the day. Implement strategies such as using filters and folders to manage incoming messages efficiently. By taking control of your email habits, you can regain control of your time and reduce distractions. 

3. Optimize Email Communication: Using clear and concise subject lines, structuring emails in a way that is easy to read and respond to and avoiding unnecessary back-and-forth exchanges. By optimising your email communication, you can streamline interactions and reduce time spent in your inbox. 

4. Cultivate Mindful Email Practices: Try to cultivate mindful email practices to promote a healthier relationship with your inbox. This includes practicing email triage by quickly assessing the importance and urgency of each message, setting expectations for response times with colleagues, and avoiding excessive multitasking. Mindful email practices help to reduce stress and allow for more focused and intentional work. 

5. Embrace Email-Free Time: The book advocates for creating periods of email-free time to fully engage in deep, focused work. Glei suggests turning off email notifications or even implementing email-free days or hours. By intentionally carving out time away from your inbox, you can dedicate yourself to important tasks and boost your productivity.