A method for facilitating focused use of an email client includes entering an inbox pause mode and pausing display of at least some new email messages and email notifications while in the inbox pause mode. The method also includes detecting, while in the inbox pause mode, a selection by a user of a previously received email message that was received prior to entering the inbox pause mode. The method also includes displaying, while in the inbox pause mode, information about a subsequently received email message that is received subsequent to entering the inbox pause mode and that belongs to a conversation comprising the previously received email message.