Creating a Better Relationship with Email
Photo by Paul Hanaoka on Unsplash.
Join the Project of the Week Community!
Every Thursday, I share a simple yet powerful action, habit, or project to help you boost your health, happiness, and overall well-being.
If you’ve been enjoying the Project of the Week newsletter, I’d love your help in spreading the word! Invite your friends and family to join us on this journey—just click HERE to sign up.
Together, we can create a ripple effect of positivity and growth!
PROJECT OF THE WEEK
For a long time, email felt like a way to measure my productivity. It gave me a visible signal that I was staying on top of things.
I’d open my inbox first thing in the morning, fire off a few replies, and feel like I was starting the day strong. But over time, that sense of accomplishment faded. It stopped feeling productive and started feeling heavy.
No matter how many messages I answered, more kept rolling in. My inbox became a quiet source of pressure, always tugging at me with whispers like:
“You missed something.” “You should respond.” “You’re falling behind.”
That’s when it hit me: Email wasn’t the problem. My relationship with it was.
Getting Started
So, I started to shift. Not all at once. Not perfectly. But intentionally and with a lot of self-compassion.
Lesson 1: Email Is a Tool, Not a To-Do List
I used to treat my inbox like my task list. But here’s the problem with that: it was a to-do list written by other people.
I was constantly reacting, never really leading my day.
Now, I ask myself: Is this message actually a task?
If it is, I move it to my calendar or task list. If not, I archive it. It’s a simple habit that helps me stay focused on my priorities.
Lesson 2: Boundaries Are Not Optional
I used to check email constantly, at red lights, during lunch, even in bed. I told myself I was being responsible. In reality, I was never truly unplugged.
Now, I check email just two or three times a day. I batch it. I give it my full attention. And then, I close it.
It’s amazing how freeing it is to say: “Email can wait. I’m focused on this right now.”
Lesson 3: Not Everything Needs an Answer Today
I used to feel pressure to reply to everything, immediately. But then I asked myself:
What if I gave myself permission to respond when I’m actually ready?
Most emails are not urgent. And if something is urgent? It will find another way to reach you.
Now, I scan for anything truly time-sensitive, handle what takes under two minutes, and schedule time for the rest.
Lesson 4: Clear Writing Saves Everyone’s Time
There was a time when I’d write long, overly polite emails that left people unsure of what to do next.
Now, I try to write with intention:
Clear subject lines
Bullet points when helpful
One clear next step
It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being clear, kind, and efficient.
Lesson 5: You Are Allowed to Step Away
This was the hardest one for me because we live in a world that worships responsiveness.
But here’s the truth: You are allowed to log off. You are allowed to rest without guilt. To take a break without apologies. To be present in your life, not just productive in your inbox.
Still a Work in Progress
Building a better relationship with email isn’t just about hitting inbox zero.
It’s about reclaiming your time. Reducing mental clutter. Creating space for deep work, real rest, and a sense of calm.
Email can be a tool that supports your life or it can quietly run your life. The difference is in how you choose to engage with it.
And to be clear: I’m still a work in progress. I fall down the email rabbit hole more often than I’d like. But when I do, I return to these lessons and remind myself:
I’m not a bad person for not replying right away. I’m just human. And I’m learning.
Download our free checklist
Reclaim your time. Reduce the noise. Build a healthier relationship with email. Use this weekly to check-in with your habits and reset your email mindset.
Ready to Get Started?
If you're feeling excited about putting this strategy into action and could use a little extra accountability and support, the It’s All in the Planning Starter Pak is here to help! Designed to set you up for success, it’s the perfect tool to keep you on track and moving forward.
Let’s make progress together—because great results start with great planning!
A Note from Happy Spaces
Our goal is simple: to add value to your life. If you think this project will be helpful, here are some steps to set yourself up for success:
Estimate how long it will take—then double it. Giving yourself extra time helps reduce stress.
Schedule it on your calendar for the week ahead. Setting a specific date increases follow-through.
Break it up if it will take more than an hour. Tackling it in smaller steps makes it more manageable.
Make a list of every action needed before you start. A clear plan helps keep you on track.
Do what works for you—you don’t have to complete every part, just what adds value to your life.
Find an Accountability Partner—having support makes it easier to stay committed.
We understand that building new habits and systems can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. For additional support, visit HappySpacesBySarah.com and let’s make organizing and planning easier together.
Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®
Sincerely,
Sarah Weingarten
Meet Sarah
As the oldest of nine kids with two working parents, I grew up juggling many responsibilities at home. Organization and time management became my lifeline amidst the chaos.
I attended the Cornell Hotel School and pursued my childhood dream of working in the hospitality industry. In 2016, I launched Happy Spaces, combining my passion for structure and efficiency with helping others.
I love working with students to develop essential organizational, time management, and study skills. These skills empower them to reach their full potential, build confidence, and create a future they feel good about.