Limit the Times you Check Your Email
Schedule two or three consistent time periods each day to go through your email inbox. Turn off your audio alarm so that incoming email is not a distraction. Plan to spend an hour at that time answering your email and truly focusing on this task.

Check your Email the Second Hour of Work
The first hour of work can be most productive by focusing on a major project and by checking your email the second hour. You will find increased productivity and a sense of accomplishment by conquering a task first thing in the day!

Create Folders for Your Inbox
Set up a system for emails by creating a “home” for each category. Use a virtual file folder for each project that is ongoing. Clear your inbox daily by filing emails in their appropriate folders. Use the right tools for the right job, and not your inbox! If you need a reminder of a task, use the Outlook task list or create a master list on paper. Remember to use your paper or Outlook calendar for dates. Save documents in Word or Excel to find them for use. Parallel the names and categories of your Inbox folders with your paper folders and notebooks.

Use Your Email System's Filters
Some email programs come with an option which allows you to filter your messages. Check with your email provider to determine if you have this option and how to take advantage of it. Remember to review the “spam” email just in case the filter has removed mail that you need. You can redirect this into the inbox with minor adjustment. Do not open emails, reply back or "unsubscribe" to junk email as this could place you on more spam email lists. It is best to delete all of these at the beginning of your email session.

Virus Protection
Be sure to install a virus protection program that scans incoming/outgoing emails. Not only will you prevent serious computer issues, you will also be protecting those with whom you correspond. Be sure that your protection frequently updates as new viruses are created regularly.