5 Ways To Conquer Your Inbox Like A Boss
Let's be real, between your work life and your personal life, our inboxes can look a little zany. Whether you love emails or hate them, getting a notification for just one has the ability to completely throw off what was meant to be a smooth day.
At times, most of us can get so overwhelmed that we take on the ignorance is bliss vibe and hope they'll eventually go away. But it doesn't have to be that way. Here are some ways we can show that inbox who's boss, instead of faltering underneath that overwhelmed feeling.
1.Take Back Your Inbox.
It's so easy to forget that we actually have control over our inboxes. They're not supposed to control us. Yes, an actual email can set the tone for the day, but how it gets to you is your choice sis. I remember being at an event and a major social media influencer revealed she doesn't even have an email app on her phone. I would assume someone like her would be attached to her phone all day every day.
But taking away the app lets you decide to check your email when you want to (like when you're ready to conduct business), instead of making you fall victim to getting unexpected notifications you feel you have to respond right away. If you're not ready to take it this far (I tried and didn't last long), you can at least start by changing any notification settings, so you'll be forced to go to the app to check your email rather than get pinged.
2.That To-Do List Is A Lifesaver.
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Whether it's a work inbox or a personal one, many emails come with tasks that the sender hopes we can conquer sooner than later. A great way to take control of your inbox without feeling overwhelmed is making a to-do list in order of importance. As you read each email, write down (or use a calendar or to-do-list app) any tasks or to-dos that are asked of you within the email, as well as any deadlines that they've given you or you want to set for yourself.
Doing this can help prevent you from not knowing where to start after you've read racks on racks on racks of emails. It also makes your email go from a simple task or responsibility to making you take action before you even have the chance to be over it.
3.Inbox Folders Are A Must.
They can seriously be lifesavers. Or at least brain-savers. Creating new folders in your inbox is not only the most proficient but also the easiest way to organize the massive number of emails you get on the regular. Gmail has already started mastering this technique, as it automatically separates promotional emails and messages from social media. But you, my dear, can take things a step further and divvy up your inbox even more.
You can create a work inbox, a social inbox for messages from friends and family, and others for various areas of your life that are really important to you whether it be money, fitness, or travel. That way, after you do read your messages, you can place them in their corresponding folder, so your main inbox isn't filled with thousands of irrelevant messages that cloud you from seeing the newer and more important ones.
4.Create Inbox Time.
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To be honest, being overwhelmed when we approach our inbox could be inevitable if we don't set aside time to focus on it. Don't worry, it doesn't even have to be long. But scheduling time to check and respond to emails can be a game-changer. You won't be caught off-guard with the workload because you'll not only be ready for anything, but amped to conquer it all.
Before you get started at your computer or on your phone, take a deep breath and prepare for what's to come. Then, read your emails, respond to the easy ones right away, and create any necessary action plan for a follow up. Once you're finished, this is also a great time to unsubscribe from any unwanted emails. I know we've all had emails from companies and businesses we never even gave our email addresses to. That "unsubscribe" button is key. Sidebar: Don't forget to check your Spam folder too. There might be messages there that are actually important.
5.Give Yourself Reminders To Respond.
Shout-out to those emails that call for extra brain-power. When you receive them, even if it's during your designated email time, it's difficult to respond right away. Unfortunately it's also just as easy to forget about them as soon as we move on to the next task. If you need a little time to think about your response, don't give in to the inbox pressure that tells you have to respond stat. Simply set a reminder for yourself, whether it's on your calendar or your clock app on your phone, that will help you carve out time to create the perfect response.
If you do have a response sittin' on ready but it's not time to send yet, you can either schedule it, or put it in your draft folder with a reminder to send when needed.
What are some ways you conquer your inbox like a boss? Let us know in the comments!
Featured image by Getty Images.
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Charmaine Patterson is a journalist, lifestyle blogger, and a lover of all things pop culture. While she has much experience in covering top entertainment news stories, she aims to share her everyday life experiences, old and new, with other women who can relate, laugh, and love along with her. Follow Char on Twitter @charjpatterson, Instagram @charpatterson, and keep up with her journey at CharJPatterson.com .
Meet The Designer Behind This Megan Thee Stallion "Hiss" Video Look
When Megan Thee Stallion dropped “Hiss,” a shift happened. From the audacious lyrics to the striking visuals, there was no doubt that the song and video would go viral. The opening of the video shows the H-town hottie rocking a barely there Shibari red dress, showing off her voluptuous frame. It was a sexy moment created by Timeekah Murphy of Alani Taylor. The designer exclusively tells us how the opportunity came about and what it was like seeing her design on Megan for the first time.
Timeekah Murphy
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xoNecole: How did the opportunity to create such an iconic look for Megan Thee Stallion's "Hiss" video come about?
Timeekah Murphy: The opportunity came from a DM from celebrity stylist Zerina Akers. She asked for a unique Shibari piece for Megan, and I needed to get it done in two days. So, of course, I did everything in my power to make it happen. I've always wanted to design for Megan, so this was an awesome opportunity for me.
xoN: What was that initial feeling of seeing the dress on her for the first time?
TM: I was shocked because, at first, I thought it hadn't been used. I saw Megan's last video and thought, damn, maybe it didn't fit. So, to see it on such an amazing video was breathtaking. I was beyond excited to finally say I designed for her.
xoN: Did you meet her? If so, how was that moment?
TM: I didn't meet Megan during the shoot, but during my time in LA, I got the opportunity to meet her at LA Pride with Tiffany Haddish, Common, and EJ King (stylist). Megan is such an amazing person, so it made it even better to know that my designs were going to be worn by her. I was shocked because, at first, I thought it hadn't been used. I saw Megan's last video and thought, damn, maybe it didn't fit. So, to see it on such an amazing video was breathtaking. I was beyond excited to finally say I designed for her.
"I was shocked because, at first, I thought it hadn't been used. I saw Megan's last video and thought, damn, maybe it didn't fit. So, to see it on such an amazing video was breathtaking. I was beyond excited to finally say I designed for her."
Photo courtesy
xoN: Walk us through the creation of the dress. How did you come up with the look, and how long did it take to make it?
TM: I was the co-designer for a brand called Deviant in 2018-2020, and we used to make custom Shibari pieces. That's how Zerina knew me. So I'm very familiar with making these types of pieces. We made plenty for Beyoncé, Cardi B, Tiffany Haddish, Tyra Banks, and so many others. So Zerina knew exactly what she wanted.
To get it done, it took me a day and a half. It's very intricate and time-consuming, so I spent about six hours making it then I sent an image of it to Zerina, and she didn't approve the first one, so I had to start from scratch again after getting my guidance and understanding of what was needed. The next day, I went to The Lab and created another version, and she approved it. I had to get it shipped overnight so that she would get it in time and fast forward to seeing it on the big screen.
xoN: What's next for you?
TM: Everything. The sky is not my limit, so the Alani Taylor brand is expanding into so many different avenues. We are getting involved in the community more, offering sewing classes to the youth. I've opened up a store for my brand in Atlanta and now preparing for fall/winter Fashion Week.
Megan Thee Stallion "Hiss" video/ YouTube
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Effective Ways To Navigate Unhealthy Silent Competition In Friendship Groups
Friendship groups, often referred to as tribes, gained immense popularity during the pandemic, celebrated for the mutual support and joy they bring. However, the discourse surrounding these groups often neglected a nuanced topic— the silent competition that can subtly emerge within a tribe. While some level of healthy competition can inspire personal growth, there exists an unhealthy side marked by emotions and pride.
Navigating such environments becomes challenging, especially when friendships are at stake. Navigating competition is not an easy task and for many folks, identifying unhealthy competition can be difficult to spot. I am going to provide you with the signs to look out for when dealing with unhealthy competition, how to effectively address it, and tangible ways to maintain supportive friendships.
There's nothing quite as fulfilling as being part of a vibrant community where individuals align in values, support one another, and uplift with words of encouragement. Yet, this ideal scenario isn't always the reality within friend circles or tribes. Frequently, unchecked jealousy, envy, and resentment can simmer beneath the surface, leading to unhealthy dynamics. Sadly, this can breed a toxic atmosphere of covert competition, often without the affected party even realizing it.
Here are some indicators that unhealthy competition may be present within your circle of friends:
Backhanded Compliments: When Insults Hide in "Praise"
Insults, whether veiled as compliments or not, are never truly flattering. Even when accompanied by laughter, unsolicited comments about your appearance, decisions, thoughts, beliefs, and more are never acceptable. In essence, anyone exhibiting "nice nasty" behavior toward you is revealing underlying animosity and competition. Moreover, they might consistently downplay or criticize your achievements or goals.
Take note of those who stand by you during challenging times and ponder this question: "Do they offer the same level of support and enthusiasm during my triumphs?" If the answer is no, it might be worth delving deeper into the topic.
Another indication of silent competition arises when someone constantly shifts the focus of your accomplishments and good news onto themselves. For example, if you share news of a promotion at work, the silent competitor may divert attention by recounting their own promotion or downplaying your achievements. These individuals struggle to genuinely celebrate your wins and may even feel threatened by your success.
Their body language often reveals their discomfort, such as avoiding eye contact, forced smiles, frowns, or creating physical distance. Paying attention to these cues can unveil the presence of silent rivalry within the relationship.
Now that you're aware of the signs to watch for, let's explore how to navigate this newfound insight:
Before taking any action, it's crucial to decide whether you want to salvage the friendship. Ask yourself if this relationship is truly worth the effort and if it brings positive value to your life. If your answer leans towards the negative, it might be time to reevaluate the necessity of maintaining this friendship.
Once you've made a decision about the future of your friendship, it's important to prepare for a potentially challenging conversation.
- If you've chosen to maintain the friendship, it's helpful to articulate the patterns you've noticed and express your feelings about them. Remember, no one can invalidate your experiences or emotions on the matter. After stating your observations, it's crucial to clearly communicate your expectations regarding respect and boundaries. You have the authority to define how you wish to be treated, but it's essential to assert these boundaries clearly.
- If you've decided to end the friendship, you have a couple of options. You can be straightforward about your feelings regarding the dynamic and communicate that you're no longer interested in maintaining the relationship. Alternatively, you can express your true feelings and gradually distance yourself from the friendship. This distancing might involve refraining from sharing personal news and accomplishments or reducing the frequency of spending time together.
While unhealthy competition within social circles may not always be avoidable, it can certainly be managed effectively. If you're still uncertain whether you're dealing with unhealthy competition, consider this golden rule: If you find yourself questioning a friend's motives due to their negative behavior towards you, chances are there's unhealthy competition at play.
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Featured image by Drazen_/Getty Images