I’m heading out to explore some volcanos.
Life’s been pretty hectic these past few months as my parents’ health continues to decline and obligations pile up. I’m good at not sweating the small stuff, but not everything can be ignored forever.
Blogging Breaks seem to work miracles for me in avoiding burnout and reinvigorating my enthusiasm for this time-consuming endeavor. Seeking balance has been an ongoing challenge as my blog grows and worldwide friendships form with people I care about. It doesn’t help that there’s wonderful content all over blogland. It’s hard to look away.
Several years ago, I tried taking weekends off from the blog, and it didn’t work. Notifications amassed, and I spent my Mondays staring at the laptop until my eyeballs shriveled. Days off due to other commitments brought similar results – a constant stream of busy-ness of one type or another and days of playing catch-up. My writing time suffered, and my husband started looking like a sad puppy.
The question that frequently rambled through my head was, “How does anyone keep this up and not burn out?”
The answer to blog management, for me anyway, seems to be in taking longer breaks than a day or two. Dollie Freeman wrote a short article on the benefits of blogging breaks that rang true for me, and though the post isn’t available anymore, I kept her tips:
- Don’t work for your blog – let your blog work for you.
- Don’t sacrifice your home life, health, and relationships for the next post, the next series, the next promotion, the next…
- Schedule one week per quarter where you will try not to blog – don’t post, don’t visit. Do something else that you enjoy – guilt free!
- In addition to one week per quarter, Freeman suggested 4 additional weeks of unplanned ‘floating’ time to catch up, get ahead, work on a new product or just soak in the things that make your life meaningful.
- Stay grounded and humble. Although your readers are interested in your blog, they aren’t hanging on to your every word. They’ll survive without you.
- Life is too short to live it in front of a screen.
See you in a couple of weeks!
Myths of the Mirror 
[…] The Benefits of a Blogging Break — Myths of the Mirror […]
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Thanks so much for sharing the post. E. J. Breaks are vital to enjoying other parts of life and sustaining blogging. Happy Blogging!
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Loved this… breaks are good for health !! Have a wonderful vacation and write some amazing stories on your return Diana !
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Thanks for taking a peek at the post, Shagun, and for your kind comment. I’m back and feel so much better, ready to engage and tackle some writing. Have a wonderful, creative day and Happy November. 😀
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Wise words, Diana. Constructive ideas, too. Thank you 😊
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And it worked, Steve. I feel a lot better after pushing the “reset” button. 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping by and for the comment. Be well and Happy November.
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Hi Diana – I am glad to see that someone else goes through the feelings that I have. I’ve been blogging for 9 years and there have been many periods of time when, because of my parents’ health and needs, I could not blog or even go on my blog to read other posts. Sometimes I would just be absent, but I think taking scheduled breaks is a great idea. I did that for the month of August this year and continued to read, which I found to be a great stress reliever on its own. I’m also glad to see that you are back, by the way – I’m reading your posts in reverse!
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I think I’m on year 9 too, Barb. When my parents first got sick, I took months off – there just wasn’t any choice about it. Now, it’s more a mental health break to just relax and breath. I’m glad to be back and will change my routine a bit going forward. Plus quarterly breaks when I remember! Lol. I think anyone who’s blogged a long time has to be mindful of making space for other parts of life. Thanks for the visit. Hugs!
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Hugs back!
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You know I love the idea of blogging breaks. Those bullet points are spot on. Every. Single. One. That said, the one that sticks out at the moment is: “Don’t sacrifice your home life, health, and relationships…”
Enjoy your time off. Relax. Have fun. Take care of yourself. 💗
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Thanks, Sarah. We got home at 2 AM, and today is a lounge around day with unpacking and laundry and a few book reviews to write. All is well. Have a peaceful week, my friend. ❤
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Gah! You’re not supposed to be here! You startled me! (Your comment = irony. No?) 😉 💗
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Lol. It will be an easy day here. It’s good to be home even after a fun vacation.
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Good to hear. 💗😊
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Sorry to contribute to eyeball-burning with this comment! 😀 Maybe you shouldn’t be such an excellent writer and amazingly supportive person! 😉
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My eyeballs are refreshed, Chelsea. Lol. It wasn’t blogging by itself that was weighing on me, just the constant busy-ness and trying to juggle too many things at once. (I know you can relate). I hope you’re doing well and taking good care of yourself. Hugs.
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Very true statements! I hope the best for you and your parents.
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Thanks, HRR. I got back late last night after a nice long break. It’s good to be back and I’ll try not to lose the glow too quickly! Have a wonderful week!
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Awesome tips. Thanks
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Glad you enjoyed the post and the tips. Happy Blogging. 🙂
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Thank you. 😊
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Thank you for sharing these excellent tips! Blogging should be fun and something we look forward to! 🙂
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I agree, Linda, and good for you if you’ve been able to find the right balance. I seem to swing like a pendulumn! Ha ha. Have a wonderful week!
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Wishing you a wonderful week as well! 🙂
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What a timely post, Diana! You’ve captured the push and pull of blogging perfectly…
Rest well while I try to catch up, lol…
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Thanks so much for the visit, Kim. I’m back and catching up a little today (unpacking and doing laundry) before diving back into blogging tomorrow. See you soon!
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I’m glad you’re back and hope your time away was beneficial as well as relaxing, Diana! X
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I’m actually gonna start blogging (eventually), I didn’t think it could consume so much time but we’ll see if I ever need to take a break from it in the future. Thanks for the words!
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Hi. Thanks for the visit. When you start blogging, you’ll notice that as your blog grows if will take more and more time. Adjusting you blog routine will be a necessity as well as taking time for other parts of your life. The key is keeping it fun. Happy Blogging!
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I can totally relate, Diana. The first thing I sacrifice when time gets tight is my blog, though it makes me feel, yes, guilty.
I have a fraction of your followers and just the other day I wondered how you managed it all. I also thought of some other authors who write their posts and have a moderator manage everything else, and wondered where’s the fun in that?
Anyway, those are good tips – if only I could fit them in 🙂
Enjoy your time away!
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Hi Jina! I hope you’re well and feeling productive. I’ve been a little stretched by different parts of my life, so a break was timely. I’ll be changing the way I blog a bit too. And I agree about a “moderator.” The best part of blogging is the friendships, and I wouldn’t want to sacrifice that. Have a wonderful day, my friend. Hugs!
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I recently done the same and it allowed me to gather so much more insight, allowing me to see things from a new perspective.
Great read by the way! Thanks for sharing!
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I’m so glad you were able to step back and gain some insight. I seem to need a break rather frequently to take stock of how I spend my time… and then life changes again. 😀 Happy Blogging!
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Isn’t that the truth. Life got a way that’s for sure and I love every moment.
Thanks Peach!
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Letting the blog work for you and not the other way around is everything.
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I agree, Matt. But sometimes, I lose track of that, and the blog takes over my day! It’ always works for me to step back, breathe, and reevaluate. 🙂 Thanks for dropping by and have a wonderful day.
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I am still new at it but I definitely let that happen a few times and burnt out on it quickly. I’m re-entering the fray now with the mentality that I need only do it when the feeling is there. 🤞
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That sounds like a great attitude and approach. 😀
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Excellent blog, could I politely Inquire of what you’re parents may be dealing with? I want to see If I could be of some use
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They are dealing with “oldness.” 😀 They’re in their nineties. Thanks for the kind comment.
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