addicted |əˈdiktid|
adjective
physically and mentally dependent on a particular substance, and unable to stop taking it without incurring adverse effects

Yup, that definitely describes my relationship with my email. I probably waste at least 4 hours a day checking my email, two hours writing longer, more thoughtful responses, and two hours from all the times I keep my gmail open and compulsively check every five minutes. Receiving new mai gives me a giddy feeling, even if it is just spam.Usually as soon as I go back to my room, use my computer for class or meetings, or get anywhere near a computer and have nothing else to do, I’ll check my email first thing. During class my email will stay open and provide a thoroughly satisfying distraction. I think it would be much more efficient to just designate a one hour period daily to clear through email. However, I would miss out on all those “Cookies in the lounge now!” opportunities…

I’m also really bad about staying on top of my email. If I see an interesting subject that I don’t feel like reading at the moment, I will star it and leave it for later. Of course, by the time I actually get around to going back, the email is already out dated. I can’t tell you how many events I’ve missed because of that. Usually emails that require a really long response also get shifted to the starred and deal with later pile. Too bad for those expectant senders…

My friend changed his email password to something obscure and long, and saved it to his computer desktop. If he wants to check his email, he has to go back to his room to look up the password. Intended to dissuade him from compulsive email checking, instead he just spends more effort going back to find the password whenever he needs a quick email fix.

Anyone have any good tips for weaning yourself off of your email addiction?