Avoiding Blog Burnout

Blogging is good because: 

• You meet great people.  
• It can sharpen writing skills.
• It's an opportunity to give back. 
• It acts as a forum to interact with other writers.
• It provides exposure for our writing and other pursuits.

My December 15 post discussed why we blog, and it was unanimous - the perks, particularly the people, are great. 

A good blog doesn't just happen though. Anyone who says blogging is a breeze probably hasn't been at it very long.   

Writing posts, visiting blogs, maintaining the site, related social media - it all takes time. Add blogging to other writing, work, and life's commitments, and our plate becomes very full.

After a while, blogging can bog you down.


How can we avoid burnout? 

• Take regular breaks. Stepping away frees time for other activities. This change of pace can offer breathing room and inspiration.

• Share guest posts. A guest post offers a reprieve for the host and a bit of variety for the readers. It also helps promote other writers.

• Consider posting less frequently. Blogging consumes regular writing time (as in, you don't get to other projects). 

  
Stepping back to gain perspective can help restore and maintain balance. This is always a good thing.  


Visiting a Friend 

The gracious and lovely author Becky Lewellen Povich is hosting me on her blog. If you have a moment, please stop by and see us! 


Taking My Own Advice

Speaking of balance, I am taking a break to catch up on projects. I'm also getting ready for my 6th Blogoversary celebration in March. The party will include a few special guests and giveaways. I'll be back from break on February 16. 


Do you take blog breaks? How do you avoid burnout in any area of your life?


Happy writing,

Karen 


Photo credit: Stock Exchange

The Blog Spa

Ever feel the need to get away?  

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