Susan J. Reinhardt and I were discussing how we felt a little burnt out with blogging, trying to keep up with writing posts and visiting blogs and whatnot. Blogging, entangled with work, commitments and life can seem extra challenging at times.
Don't misunderstand - we love blogging. Because...
- You meet great people. Susan and I first connected through blogging and became good friends. And of course, we've met you too. :)
- It provides exposure for our writing and other pursuits.
- It acts as a forum to interact with other writers.
- It's an opportunity to give back to the writing community.
- It offers a way to sharpen writing skills.
The perks are great! It's an amazing experience to be part of such a wonderful group of people.
But still, week after week, especially with other commitments, blogging can bog you down sometimes. During our discussion, I mentioned the need for a Blogger Burnout Spa to refresh the tired blogger. We discussed a spa equipped with chocolate and good reading material, nestled in a secluded location. The peaceful atmosphere, of course, would provide much needed rest and rejuvenation.
Never one to miss a writing opportunity, Susan came up with this post where she elaborates on her ideal spa.
Which of course, made me think. My perfect blog spa would include:
- Chocolate
- Tea
- Good books
- Wonderful mountain views
- Hiking paths
- My husband :)
Then I started thinking again. How can we avoid blogger burnout?
Anyone who has been blogging a while knows that it's not for the faint of heart. It takes time and effort. A good blog doesn't happen by accident, and it isn't just about posting. Maintaining the site, returning comments, visiting others' blogs, etc. are part of the package too.
Here's my short list to avoid burning the candle from both ends:
1) Take regular breaks. Stepping away frees time for other activities. This change of pace can offer much needed breathing room and inspiration.
2) Share guest posts. The occasional (or frequent) guest post offers a reprieve for the host and a bit of variety for the readers.
3) Consider post frequency in light of other priorities. Blogging can consume more writing time (as in, you don't get to other writing) than one might think For example, I post twice a week, but am seriously considering going down to once a week for a season so I can focus on pending projects.
How about you? Do you ever need a break from blogging? What do you do to avoid burnout in any area of your life? What would your perfect blog spa offer?
Have a great weekend!
Happy writing,
Karen
Photo credit: Stock Exchange
That's why I only post three times a week. (And if I'm feeling extra burnt or uninspired, I skip Wednesdays.) Those three days, I go hard. The days in between, if I don't have as much time or I'm just burnt, I scale back.
ReplyDeleteAnd of course, vacations help as well.
All about balance.
Are there Hot Tamales at that spa?
You rock amigo! I knew the burnt out post would come soon. I'm there now. The hackers brought me down and that's where I've stayed. Still going to do the WP blog though. I just have to find the time to do it.
ReplyDeleteLove your spa. Except I'd add my horses. *wink*
Happy weekend. (((hugs)))
You KNOW I'd add mocha. Sure would.
ReplyDeleteI did catch that post by Susan, and I think you gals are on to something. :) It is hard sometimes, and there are days when it becomes a stewardship issue for me. Know what I mean?
Anyway, do what you have to do to be obedient. As will I.
Love,
Rhonda
Hi Karen...
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love blogging but you are right.It takes time and effort.
I post 7 days a week and have for 3 years now. I like to think of it as a kind of legacy to future grandkids and grown kids.
I also freelance for a weekly newspaper so my writing gets a good workout.
A writing spa, for me, would be a sweet light-filled cottage by the ocean....lobster for lunch...my old faithful computer...dear blog friends and other friends for visits...and sleeeeeepppppp. Susan
These past few months I've slowed down and now try to blog at least once a week. Sometimes even less than that. It feels as if I'm established enough without losing my followers. Which of course happens. But at least I'm able to keep up at that pace. I was overwhelmed a few months ago and knew something had to give.
ReplyDeleteWhen I started out I blogged every day because that's what the experts suggested. Now it's about quality instead of quantity. Plus I feel as if I'm giving my followers a bit of a breather. They also have more blogs to read and probably also feel the constrains of time.
It's no longer about making my presence online known; today it's more about keeping my relationships growing. It's too easy to fade away in this busy community.
I would love your blog spa too. Perfect things to have around. I have up and downs w/ blogging. Sometimes I love it, sometimes it hangs over me. It's no different than anything else in life, though. If writing it important to you, you stick w/ it, even if less frequently.
ReplyDeleteI love blogging and am so inspired by other bloggers...but yes, the thought has crossed my mind to step away a bit, but so far it hasn't happened, don't know if and when it will... so long as I'll have a stack of books, coffee, snacks, music and maybe a candle or two, I'll be fine.
ReplyDeleteAlex,
ReplyDeleteThe pace you maintain for your blog is admirable. And yes, I'm thinking Hot Tamales could be part of the spa package!
Robyn,
Well, amigo, I knew you'd be nodding your head on this one. Maybe not THE one I was thinking but close. Someday the other one will come to fruition! :)
Rhonda,
Yes, mocha, of course! We wouldn't have it any other way! Yes, Susan took the idea and ran with it, that's for sure. :)
Susan,
I admire your blog fortitude! It's always fun to stop and see what you have up for the day. :) Your ideal spa sounds nice!
Joylene,
I am leaning toward once a week too like I said. You were one I thought of who does this. I think you are right, maintaining the relationships is a good and important thing. I'm thankful to have met you all. :)
Mare,
I invite you to stop by the spa! Sounds like a wonderful thing, that's for sure! If I were exceedingly rich I would seriously think about building one! :)
Linda,
I think it's different for everyone, you know? Some can maintain an everyday posting pace, others, not so much. It's great to get to meet and spend time with everyone, no matter how often they post!
Happy weekend,
Karen
HELLO! I recently lowered the amount of blogs I wrote for a few weeks and now I feel refreshed and renewed.
ReplyDeleteJust stopping by to say hello.
sandie
Karen, I would love to blog more, but w/my family and work, it is so challenging! However, I appreciated the tips that I will keep in my back pocket for when the time comes that I can write more!
ReplyDeleteTake a break, have some chocolate, be refreshed and be blessed, as you bless all of us!
Janet
I have reduced my posting from twice a week to once a week. I take short breaks and I also like the idea of guest posts.
ReplyDeleteSandie,
ReplyDeleteHey there! I am glad you feel refreshed. You've had a challenging year and deserve some R & R! :)
Janet,
It can be a challenge, can't it? But no matter how often we post, it's just nice to visit with each other, I'm thinking. I would miss everyone if I gave it up altogether. Thanks so much for your sweet words! :)
Rachna,
I'm glad you're finding a good balance for your schedule. Time to write is so important, isn't it? :)
Happy weekend,
Karen
I'm coming to your blog spa!
ReplyDeleteI would only add a wonderful smelling candle.
I post once a week. It saves me from burnout.
Throw in foot massages and you can sign me up for that spa.
ReplyDeleteI love your and Susan's idea, Karen! And I agree that it's important to evaluate our blogs from time to time, making sure the schedule fits our life in that particular season.
ReplyDeleteLoree,
ReplyDeleteYay! It's going to be a fun visit with everyone stopping by the spa. :) And yes, definitely candles!
Diane,
Oh yes, I think we can accommodate that too! Come on by! :)
Sarah,
I think it's like anything else we do too, you know? Can't overload in any one area. :)
Happy weekend,
Karen
Hi Karen,
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking to my blog.
I like the addition of mountain views and hiking paths. As long as I don't meet any bears, I wouldn't mind a nice walk. :)
Holidays seem to be a popular time to take a blogging break. Everyone's busy, and traffic is light. I'll be taking a breather between Christmas and New Year's.
Blessings,
Susan
I Needed to read this and the replies to this as I am facing the same issues. It's not the blog its the REST OF MY LIFE that's gotten too busy to give me time to blog and read blogs. I have already moved to 2 blogs a week but sometimes that's too much. I am going to reorganize a bit after the first of the year. Am considering only 1 regular sized blot post (answering a questions) then 2 mini posts.
ReplyDeleteThat's my solution. Maybe.
I've reduced my posting considerably. That gives me time to read and visit other blogs.
ReplyDeletep.s. on Saturday night....Thanks for your visit, Karen. I wish a peaceful rest of the weekend to you, too! Susan
ReplyDeleteHi Karen,
ReplyDeleteThis is really a refreshing post. It's been months that I haven't post anything on my blog. I don't have any good and significant reason behind it. I thought I needed a break and I took a break. Howsoever, I really missed blogging/sharing my life out and soon you will see one :D
When I go on vacation, I always take a blog break. It's not fair to my family to spend all that time online. I think of blogging as work, since it's part of my writing career. So when I'm on vacation, I'm really on vacation.
ReplyDeleteSusan R.,
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome! Glad you were so inspired. It inspired me. :)
Annie,
I hear you. I think we all have to find the right balance for us. Still working on it...:)
CYW,
I think that's a good solution. That's part of what I'm thinking if I go down to once a week. I don't get around as much as I'd like. Good to meet you, thanks for following! :)
Susan W.,
Always good to stop by your place - I enjoy your posts! :)
Yeesi,
I am glad you liked it. :) I think we all need to find the right balance that works for us, you know?
Lydia,
This is another good point. Thanks for adding to the mix!
Happy writing,
Karen
Blogging can be very draining and take time away from writing and family. I think it's very healthy toe set limits, and reevaluate from time to time to make sure we aren't being overwhelmed.
ReplyDeleteThese are great tips to avoid burnout!