Let’s get real here…
I don’t always feel like blogging. I don’t always feel like posting on Instagram or chatting on Twitter or engaging on Facebook. I don’t always want to answer emails or create a new challenge or write another proposal for sponsored content.
Some days I want to scream I QUIT (and really mean it!).
ESPECIALLY when if feels like I’m getting no results and there are just crickets when I release my hard work out into the world.
Sound familiar? I bet it does!
No matter what your reason for blogging (passion project, monetization, or somewhere in between), there will inevitably be a time where you just want to pack it all in and give up. You’ll feel overwhelmed or frustrated with the effort you’re putting in and the results you’re getting and you’ll think maybe it’s time to just give up.
How do I know this? Because I have been there (and will be there again, I am sure).
But pull back the reigns, my friend, because I’ve got some advice that will change your “I want to give up” world. I’m giving you TOTAL PERMISSION TO:
TAKE A BREAK!
I know, I know, that seems like the simplest advice on earth but dudes, it’s the best advice I’ll ever give you.
There are times when you will feel so frustrated, so overwhelmed, so annoyed, so angry, so disappointed that you just want say “ta-ta” to your blog and social media.
SO DO THAT…just not forever.
I cannot over emphasize the importance of taking a real, true break from social media & blogging.
The clarity it gives you, the energy you gain back, & the enjoyment you will get are just some of the amazing benefits of unplugging from your online life when it all feels like too much. And when you get back, your blog, your tribe, & your social following WILL STILL BE THERE and they’ll be excited to hear from you! In fact, I have found my audience to be even more engaged and interactive after I have taken a short break from hitting them over the head with never ending content!
But I hear you asking: Cool, a break! I am so in. BUT EXACTLY HOW LONG should that break be for?
Here’s the key: don’t let that break last for toooooo long. I find 3-7 days completely offline to be the sweet spot.
Just enough time to give your overworked brain a real break but not too long to ruin any momentum you may have. And it really only works if you absolutely unplug – no sneaking on your blog, not outlining a post idea, not checking email…NADA!
If you want to know more about taking a break and why I recently went totally offline for 4 days, you can check out my YouTube video right here.
And if you do take that break (I sure hope you do when you feel like you need it!), make sure you shoot me an email when you’re back online and we can bask in the glow of feeling refreshed and energized, deal!? DEAL!
(If you are interested in starting a blog of your own, I created a tutorial that will help you start your own blog easily. In addition to the low pricing, you will receive a free website domain (a $15 value) through my Bluehost link if you purchase at least 12 months of blog hosting. For what it’s worth, my blogging income did not take off until after I switched to self-hosted WordPress.)
This is great advice. I have only been blogging for one month, and I think I tried to take on too much too fast. Every single day isn’t just checking emails, it’s blog research, photography, social media updates (lots of) Replying to comments, the list goes on! I can understand why people would want to quit, especially when they don’t get the ‘views’ and response they are hoping for.
Thank you for this, it’s perhaps a bit too soon for me to take a break, but I plan to on the next sunny day and enjoy the outside world!
I TOTALLY get that!!! It’s amazing how much work goes into blogging. Take those breaks, girl! You deserve them!
Stumble upon this on Pinterest and I thought you quit for sure ???, ’cause I do deleted my blog ?. Since I rarely engaged in that media and have been hiatus for so many times. But, I’m still using some social media like Instagram and Pinterest.
I very much agree with you that taking break is really the best advice. I’ve done that. It refresh my mind a lot and it gives me energy to start moving again. ???
We all need that break!! Our creative energy needs a chance to rest!
Blogger Recognition Award
I think that’s very good advice. I haven’t got my planned blog up and running yet, but with all the learning and more learning and reading and learning to use Pinterest better and Canva….I just get overwhelmed and have to shut it down for a the evening. And I can imagine that later on, the ‘chores’ change but the involvement and intensity probably remains the same, so yeah, I can see where you need to step back. Good advice.
Ah this is awesome!! Social media etc can be so draining. It’s amazing for blogging views etc. but not so great for your wellbeing when you hammer it all the time. Really appreciate your words 🙂
Rach | https://rachaelhope.co.uk
Great article really enjoy the content. Blogging involves lots of grueling process going on. it is very difficult to motivated especially for newbies.