63. Habit of the Week: Only Check Emails Three Times a Day

This Week’s Habit:

Only Check Emails Three Times a Day to reduce distractions, increase focus, and reclaim control over your workday.

What You’ll Learn:

• How limiting email checks can boost productivity and reduce stress.
• Why frequent inbox interruptions disrupt deep work and focus.
• Simple strategies to structure your email habits for better efficiency.

Practical Steps to Get Started:

1. Decide on Three Specific Times – Morning, midday, and late afternoon work well for most schedules.
2. Stick to Your Schedule – Resist checking emails outside these designated times.
3. Use Inbox Management Tools – Set up a focus tab with tools like CloudHQ to minimize distractions.
4. Prioritize Emails – Start each session by addressing the most important messages first.
5. Train Clients & Delay Responses – Set expectations by responding within your time blocks and using tools like MixMax to schedule emails.

Who This Episode Is For:

Web designers and solopreneurs who feel overwhelmed by email and want to reclaim valuable time for deep work.

Reflection on Last Week’s Habit:

Tracking Subscriptions as a Web Designer

Last week, I focused on auditing my business subscriptions to cut unnecessary costs and ensure I’m only paying for tools I truly need. Using Google Tasks and Gmail labels made tracking easier, but navigating subscription models—especially with services like Adobe—was a challenge. Reviewing my expenses also gave me a clearer picture of my business costs, reinforcing the importance of regular audits. Moving forward, I’ll refine my tracking system to monitor yearly cost increases and improve financial planning.

Resources Mentioned:

Gmail Tabs by CloudHQ: https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/gmail-tabs-by-cloudhq/ckoglchhifaedlfjhnoaebnloipiepjg?hl=en

MixMax: https://www.mixmax.com/

About your host: Cami MacNamara, better known as WebCami, has 20+ years of experience running a successful one-person web design business. She’s a former Seattle WordPress Meetup volunteer (2018–2023), a WordPress speaker, and the author of the Web Designer Habits newsletter (formerly HabitsWP). Cami also moderates the WebCami Cafe Facebook group, a supportive space for web designers. With over 600 websites designed and 200+ managed monthly, she’s passionate about sharing habits and strategies to help web designers be happier and more productive.

Sign up for updates at WebDesignerHabits.com and join my Facebook group at WebCamiCafe.com for more tips and accountability. Connect with me at WebCami.com and don’t forget to tune in next Sunday for another habit and another episode. Let’s keep building better habits together!