In order to minimize distractions, I have been finding ways to move my work away from the web browser. Enter Mailbox for Mac.
It was quite a quest to get a betacoin in order to have the Maibox app for my mac, but I am very happy.
The best part of this app is that it allows you to defer mail to later in the day, the next day, the next week, or at any point in time that you choose.
This has allowed me to move email tasks from my inbox to a later day when they have to be completed. Clearing my inbox is akin to clearing my mind. If I am not looking at an interminable list of email to-dos, I can focus on the task at hand.