Email checked twice a day for a week: a 7-minute step-by-step plan
Short answer: Make it small and do it in order. 1) turn off notifications, 2) check at 11am and 4pm only, 3) set an auto-reply note, then keep going one step at a time. Most people are done in about 7 minutes.
Why this feels hard
Constant email checking fragments your day. It’s really common, especially for people who check email constantly. The fix isn’t more willpower; it’s making the next step small and obvious.
Step by step
- Turn off notifications · about 1 min
- Check at 11am and 4pm only · about 1 min
- Set an auto-reply note · about 1 min
- Batch replies · about 1 min
- Use templates · about 1 min
- Archive after reading · about 1 min
- Review how it felt · about 1 min
What you’ll have at the end
Email checked twice a day for a week.
Inbox Twice a Day
The Inbox Twice a Day app walks you through these steps one at a time, with a timer, reminders and your streak. Works on any phone.
Get the app · $4.99/month
Questions
What’s the easiest way to get to “email checked twice a day for a week”?
Make it small and do it in order. 1) turn off notifications, 2) check at 11am and 4pm only, 3) set an auto-reply note, then keep going one step at a time. Most people are done in about 7 minutes.
How long does it take?
About 7 minutes if you follow the steps in order. You can stop after any step and still count it as progress.
Is there an app for this?
Yes: Inbox Twice a Day from SlowMonday guides you through it step by step on your phone, with a timer and reminders.
More free guides
Written by the SlowMonday team. Updated September 2026.