Happy Monday everyone! Now I’m not sure if you all noticed. But I went on a bit of a blogging break a few weeks ago. An unplanned blogging break. Which isn’t like me at all. I work really hard. Probably too hard to be honest, to ensure that new content is published on this blog five days a week. And I put a lot of pressure on myself to stick to that schedule. Not only do I work full time, but I also have a bunch of other commitments and not to mention friends and family who I like to spend time with, occasionally.
And over the last few weeks it all got a little too much. And something had to give. While I have to keep working full time, (boo), the blog was the obvious choice. Plus I’ll be honest and admit that the bloggersphere of late hasn’t been the greatest place to be part of. Which has led me to feeling a little uninspired. I don’t want to be posting content on here, just for the sake of it. That’s just not fair. And do you know what I’ve realised? Despite panicking that I needed to get my shizz together and pop out a blog post daily. By the end of the break, I actually really enjoyed it!
I enjoyed, just living life. Albeit a chaotic life of life. But not having to think of what to post on the blog, or plan my Instagram feed just felt amazing for once. Normally I spend my spare time planning blog posts, scheduling social media, writing content, responding to emails and taking pictures. And during my break I did none of that! And it felt lovely to just not think about it all for a little bit.
I used to believe that to keep my readership up and to attract new blogging opportunities. I needed to post daily without fail. But I really don’t think that’s the case. Of course regular updates are important. But so is taking a break every now and then. I’m a big believer that when it comes to content, quality is far more important than quality. I wouldn’t feel comfortable or happy with pushing out average or mediocre posts just to keep in the habit of posting everyday. And actually taking a short break has reignited the blogging spark within in me, so now I’m back and raring to go with lots of new blog posts!
What are your thoughts on blogger’s taking a blogging break?
As always thank you to Kaye for taking these pictures!
I’d love to take a break, but it’s my job at the moment so I can’t. I’m hoping to find a part time job when I go to uni for a Masters in September so I can step back from blogging a little bit.
I must admit that when I expected to have the most time to focus on my blog (during my redundancy) I actually spent less time on it and enjoyed not having that, primarily self imposed pressure. Once I started my new job I actually valued not making the blog a priority. For me it is a hobby and one I enjoy but towards the end of last year I wasn’t immune to all the ‘drama’ and checking stats etc. I’ve gone back to what my blogging roots were and find it’s far more enjoyable for me.
Victoria x
Sometimes it is nice to take a blogging break, after all everyone gets holidays in all jobs yet as bloggers we seem to push ourselves to make sure content is still going while we are away.
sometimes a break is exactly what you need! Glad to hear that you are feeling more inspired again now! xx
I post between 5 and 7 days a week too and I had a little bit of a break over the summer which felt so good. I think I’m going to try and reduce my schedule down to 3 times a week to give myself time to breathe. It’s great to hear it really worked for you.
I’ve been feeling the same way for awhile. Creating content for the sake of it didn’t make me feel like I was accomplishing anything of late. I’ve been on a small break too and I have to agree. Stepping away for awhile has given me a fresh perspective.
I think it’s really healthy to take a step back, especially when the pressure or creativity becomes too much. It revitalises!
Breaks in any job are essential, so it’s totally fine to take time away from blogging too. Good for you x
I really admire anyone who holds down a blog alongside a regular job! Ithink breaks are pretty important to keep from burning out. I’m working double time at the moment so I can take some time off soon
Completely agree with you, a break is always needed to recharge and feel inspired again. Glad to hear you enjoyed yours!
I think it’s nice to take a break now and again. But I suppose it could be difficult for those who is a full time blogger and rely on their income solely from blogging. Myself however have a full time job so I can afford to step back once in a while.
I think it’s so important to take a blogging break. For me it helps me to reassess the direction I’m going in and also fall in love with my blog again, sometimes it just gets too much!
I think taking a break is what a lot of us need, some time to prioritize ourselves x
A regular blogging break is definitely needed. I find that I come back with so much more inspiration anyway.
I think it is sensible to take a break. If blogging starts to become a chore you end up hating it!
So glad you enjoyed your break, I think it’s something we all need sometimes x
Many people don’t consider blogging as a job so for them it is all fun and taking a break is meaningless. But it is not the case. The pressure of posting constantly is exactly the same like handing over an assignment at office which has a dead line. Bloggers need the break as well. Glad you enjoyed your time.
Its nice having a break from blogging isn’t it? Blogging can take so much time and dedication but its rewarding
I think having a break once in a while is great and can help improve the quality of work when you are working. It can also help keep you enjoying what you are doing rather than seeing it as a chore.
i have to admit , i went into blogging years ago , i spent all my time constantly working on social media networking and blogging and it seemed to get me no where , i then moved and fell pregnant with my son which meant i kind of got a shock with the pregnancy and decided to take a break for a year . when i came back i took a peak at my status and rankings and such and found i had actually gone up in all of the areas i had been building over the previous years. I now see that the more i work on it the less rewards i get , i find taking my time , enjoying it and doing less gets me more attention in places i looked for and i have more pr integration and communication taking a less strenuous approach x
Great to hear that even a short break has inspired you! Totally agree that good content is always the most important thing!
I took a break s month ago and it was the best thing that I could have done. I’m back refreshed and brimming with ideas x
I could totally relate to your post! Whilst I only post 3 times a week, I am a mother, I work full time and have quite a lot of other commitments.
Even so, I gave all my spare time to the blog…. and then I got a chow chow puppy and suddenly working myself silly didn’t appeal quite as much.
I have had a bit of a sabbatical and now feel much more keen and eager to get back to the blogging and promotion. xx
I had a break too and I agree, it felt nice not to have to worry about the blog. As much as I missed it, it was important for me to take some time away and made me really think about the direction my blog was going in.
I think every so often it’s nice to take a little break and gain a little perspective and hopefully come back feeling more refreshed and inspired! xo
I actually had noticed that you hadn’t posted for a while, and wondered if it was because you were sick or away… But it’s completely understandable that you decided to take a little break. Sometimes we need some time away from something to come back and look at it with a fresh perspective. And I definitely agree with your “quality over quantity” comment. I try and post at least once a week, but my posts are all quite long, very detailed accounts of my travels. There’s no way that I could produce content like that for my site every single day, as like you I have a full time job too lol. So yeah, I completely get it Steph – but I am glad you’re back in the Blogisphere x
Five posts a week PLUS a full-time job? That’s one hell of a work ethic – no wonder you needed the break.
My view is that, at least for those of us whose blogs aren’t our full-time jobs, there’s no point showing up if you’re not enthusiastic about it – and a break can be just what you need to light that spark again.
Off to take a look around after finding you via the Thirty Plus newsletter!
Lis / last year’s girl x