Organise your Inbox for Good in Seven Easy Steps
If you love a wardrobe, kitchen drawer or other kind of purge this might be the post for you! Managing an overflowing email inbox can be a daunting task at first, but by confronting it, putting simple systems in place and staying organised, you are greatly improving your cybersecurity as well as easing the overwhelm!
Your inbox likely contains a treasure trove of information about you, making you vulnerable to cyber criminals. It may be a scan of your passport, your mortgage papers from the solicitors or a simple ‘hello’ email to catch up from a distant friend. All of this can be used against you and used in various ways - the vast majority of them resulting in stress at the very least!
Here are some strategies to keep your email organized and you productive!
1. Prioritize Your Emails
Not all emails are created equal. Some require immediate attention while others do not. Prioritize your emails based on their importance. Many email clients offer the option to star or flag important emails. Use this feature to your advantage.
2. Create Folders or Labels
Most email platforms allow you to create folders or labels. Use them to categorize your emails based on the sender, subject, or level of importance. This way, similar emails are grouped together and can be found easily when needed.
3. Set Up Filters
Take advantage of the filter feature available in most email clients. You can set up filters so that incoming emails are automatically sorted into the appropriate folder or labeled accordingly.
4. Unsubscribe from Unnecessary Emails
Newsletters, promotional emails, and subscriptions can quickly fill up your inbox. If you find you're not reading these emails or they're not beneficial, unsubscribe. Most of these emails have an unsubscribe link at the bottom.
5. Regularly Delete or Archive Emails
Keeping your inbox clean is a continuous job. Regularly delete or archive emails that are no longer needed, upon reading them. Many email clients offer an archive feature, which removes emails from your inbox but keeps them in your account should you need to refer to them later.
6. Use the Search Function
Instead of scrolling through hundreds of emails, use the search function. Most email clients have advanced search features that allow you to find emails based on the content, sender, date, or other factors.
7. Set Specific Times to Check Email
Rather than checking your email constantly throughout the day, set specific times. This can help you stay focused on other tasks without constant interruptions.
By implementing these strategies, you can keep your email organized, reduce clutter, and enhance your productivity, whilst massively enhancing your cybersecurity. Remember that keeping your email organized is a continuous process, but with these tips, it can certainly become a manageable one.