How to Take a Break from Blogging
Table of Contents
“Take a break!” Have you ever heard your spouse, family or friends say these words? I’ve, and let me tell you honestly that it seemed an impossible task for me.
How often do you take a break from blogging, or your work? If you are a blogger, a writer, or a workaholic, do you ever think about stop rushing through life?
I know it’s difficult, especially for a blogger – these people are wired differently, don’t you think so?
Well, the first thing a blogger would think of is the loss one would experience by taking off from blogging.
These losses are in terms of readership, rank, and revenue. Let’s be honest – many of us do really have these issues on our mind.
Above all, you also value the relationship with fellow bloggers and readers that makes it hard for you to part with them and take a break!
However, sometimes you’ve to act contrary to your thoughts and desires, which I’m sure you’ll agree with me after going through this post.
“Life lived amidst tension and busyness needs leisure. Leisure that recreates and renews. Leisure should be a time to think new thoughts, not ponder old ills.” ~ C. Neil Strait
Why Take a Break
Do you spend most of your time online, working non-stop for hours without taking a break and then wonder why you aren’t able to achieve the desired results?
Any guesses as to why this happens?
You know it – you’re not a machine. Without any rest, your efficiency goes down. Creativity takes a dip as new ideas fail to flow into your mind.
You become tired or bored, and you find the gist of blogging or working missing in yourself. Naturally, if you aren’t feeling complete and competent, your work suffers.
So before you burn out, you need to consider taking a break and turn in your best.
Most bloggers try to strike a work-life balance between blogging and their personal life. I try to do the same, and if you are a blogger, perhaps you too are in the same boat.
One of my New Year’s Resolutions was to work less and spend more time with my family. What was yours?
I started doing it too, but once again I was back into the Blogosphere with full gusto, and into the grind of blogging and commenting. Not to mention the social media that seems to be ruling our lives nowadays!
I’ve often seen bloggers feel guilty if they don’t blog regularly. Or if they aren’t commenting, tweeting, or updating their status on Facebook always.
Are you such a blogger too?
If not this, they feel guilty for not having achieved their target of writing 500 to 1000 words a day, or not achieving their goal set for the day. It’s a lot of stress.
Please, STOP stressing yourself out!
You are NOT a robot, and you need to take a break from blogging, or doing whatever you are doing!
I think most bloggers assume that if they don’t blog regularly, their blogs will suffer. What they don’t realize is that if you force yourself to blog, the quality of your work will suffer.
I personally feel that posting nothing is far better than posting something just for the sake of posting, or which is subpar.
It’s absolutely alright to take breaks and blog at your own pace, if you don’t have any deadlines to meet.
“When we get too caught up in the busyness of the world, we lose connection with one another – and ourselves” ~ Jack Kornfield
What Happens When You Take a Break
You can certainly choose to blog when you feel like, rather than being regular always. I’m sure everyone would understand that you are taking a break from your usual routine posting schedule.
I know it’s hard to cut back or just not blog, especially when you are so used to it. Ask me! I’ve been there! But it’s certainly better than burning yourself out, which isn’t going to get you results.
Remember, if you are killing yourself without taking a break, just to maintain your blog, rank, or status – you won’t last long.
Not to mention, that it’s your work that will suffer the most in the long run.
Let me share a secret with you. Every time you take a break from the Blogosphere or reduce your blogging, everyone will be supportive of your decision because they understand.
Your readers will be the first ones to accept and appreciate the choice you make. And no, they won’t abandon you or your blog, just because you’ve taken a break for a few days.
All you need to do is let them know about your decision and they will respond by understanding it all.
Another secret – everyone out there in the Blogosphere is too busy blogging that they’d hardly notice if you take a break from blogging for a few days.
Some might even be thankful that they don’t have to visit your blog to read, comment, and thus, aren’t caught up.
Perhaps I shouldn’t have written a post about why bloggers need to take a break, but I felt we all need such reminders from time to time, and that includes me too.
That’s why I’d taken a few days off when my Dad was visiting us, and nothing stopped!
The world carries on, whether you blog or you don’t. But imagine the newness it brings to your life and to your loved ones as they have the pleasure of your company.
I might just take a few more days off during Christmas and New Years just to be with my family, and to redo a few things on my blog. So, there might be a few changes to welcome you all in the coming year!
I know there’s a lot of competition and pressure out there, where everyone is trying their level best to outdo each other. But it doesn’t mean you have to do it ALL! After all you are only human, isn’t it?
So, relax, take it easy, and live life to the fullest! Give yourself a good break!
How Do You Know It’s Time to Take a Break
You need to look into your life and decide what your priorities are. Ask yourself the following questions to decide whether taking a break would be the best thing for you or not.
• If your blogging begins to get stale, and you or your readers feel or know it.
• If you get bored because you keep blogging continuously and begin to run out of ideas.
• To love your blog, which I know most of you do, but sometimes you feel obliged to your readers and want to churn the best possible content. This can become stressful at times and you start resenting blogging. Taking a break helps!
• You can feel the pressure building because of the consistent posts, day in and day out.
• If you need time to work on certain other projects, write an eBook, or achieve other goals that also need your time.
• Just for a change, or you feel you need to transform your life and work on yourself to get better.
• You are having a baby, or perhaps dealing with other health issues, or altering circumstances like death in the family etc.
• In case you are on the verge of a burnout.
• When you want to spend quality family time with your loved ones on a vacation, and just not be burdened with your blog, posts, comments, and social media.
• Stressed out once your blog grows and visitors increase. Not to mention their comments and return visits too! I have my share of troubles with this one 🙂
• Expectations of people from you increase, and you need to live up to them to a certain extent.
• Updating your social media networks regularly, and catching up with comments or notifications on the various social networks.
• When your hobby to blog turns out to become a to-do-never-ending task, and you start taking your blogging too seriously!
• If there are differences showing in your relationship leading to issues with your partner because you aren’t paying enough attention to them. Or perhaps drifting away from your family and loved ones because you are taking blogging too seriously.
Blogging isn’t only about writing blog posts and posting them. There is a lot more to it, right from promoting your content on the various social networks, to replying to comments, and return visits.
All of the above tasks take a lot of your time and often overwhelm you. It happens with me most of the time, if I don’t put a time limit to my working schedule.
You might like to read my post about the blogging mistakes I’ve made in this regard.
It sometimes becomes a mental battle if you can’t handle all the things, which leaves you with just two options. Either you keep going the way you are, get fed up, and quit eventually.
Or else, slow down your pace for a few days by taking a break from blogging, and return with full gusto – revitalized! Which one would you choose?
Agreed your traffic might take a dip if you aren’t posting anything new on your blog for a few days, but that’s alright! It won’t get that affected with just a few days of taking it off.
“Blogging is hard because of the grind required to stay interesting and relevant.” ~ Sufia Tippu
There are various ways through which you can take a break and yet not get affected by it.
When you take a few days break from blogging, you do yourself, your blog, and your readers a great favor. Want to know how – read further.
How Taking a Break Helps You
When you take it off for a few days, you help yourself in more ways than one. Here is how a blogging break is extremely beneficial to you –
• It gives you time to reflect on your blogging schedule, and perhaps whether you are really achieving the purpose of your life.
• It rejuvenates you and pumps in new energy once you return from your much-deserved break. Agreed that certain things might suffer if you take a long break, but you can take care of all those once you return all revitalized!
• It brings back the love for blogging or writing, which perhaps gets lost because you tend to forget the reason why you started your blog in the first place, along the way.
• It is therapeutic for you because taking a break from your blog removes the stress from your life.
• You bond better with a few blogging friends who care for you. Some of them come forward to enquire how they can help you, or want to know the reason for your absence, if you haven’t mentioned it to them earlier. You tend to make some very good friends this way.
• You come up with great ideas when you take a few days break, and you can make your blog into a successful one in no time.
• It increases your efficiency and productivity. As per research, 90% of the people who take a vacation or break from work more productively as compared to others.
6 Ways to Take a Break From Blogging and Remain Happy
Here are a few ways that can help you to easily get away from your blog, especially during the holidays or when you need to take it off.
1- Develop trust and be open with your readers
If you are planning to take a break or have some events coming up that need your time and attention, then tell your readers about it well in advance and enjoy your time!
If you’d like to post nothing new when you are away, doesn’t matter! Or if you have planned something for the time you are away, let your readers know about it.
Let them know that you’ve lined up awesome content ahead of time, or that you have guest bloggers sharing great content. Don’t forget to mention when you’d be back!
Trust me, they’d appreciate you much more and understand your situation, because they’re also human.
Remember, honesty is the best policy and you lose nothing by being open about your blogging break. If you’ve been consistent with your blogging and just take off without telling them, they’d surely wonder.
They deserve more than that! After all, it’s because of them that your blog exists – so value them.
If you don’t tell your readers that you are taking a break from blogging, they might get annoyed and tired of checking your blog for new content, and perhaps might stop looking for it after a while.
You might just lose a lot of readers and trusted fans this way, so be careful!
2- Make use of available tools to help you
Not everyone has read all your blog posts from the beginning.
So, you have features like Tweet Old Post plugins, HooteSuite, etc., that can help you bring out your old posts so that others can visit your blog and read those posts.
Even sites like JustRetweet and TweetLow can help to send out your tweets while you take it easy. Try these out and let me know how it goes.
3- Schedule things ahead of time
You can easily schedule new posts ahead of time, and I know most of you might be doing that when you are about to take a blogging break.
The only downside is that you need to work extra hard a few days earlier so that you can relax during your break.
You could even use tools like Hootesuite to schedule your updates. Similarly, your close ones can take of your Facebook updates and other social media updates, in case you trust them with it.
Another method is to write short posts or put up infographics, or have some contests, giveaways, or polls on your blog.
4- Open the doors of your blog to your readers
I’ve seen some of my blogging friend’s take up this unique method of handing over their blog to their trusted readers, so that they can take a break from blogging for a few days.
Sometimes your die-hard fans come to the rescue. If you trust them enough, or if they’ve been with you for a long time, you can give them the chance to try their hand at blogging while you are away.
Yes, you need to be sure that they are good at what they write, which you would know as you’d have seen their work, either on their blogs, or through their comments and interaction.
5- Allow guest posts from your blogging friend’s
If you allow guest posts on your blog, this is the perfect time to perhaps ask for a few extra ones as you are taking a blogging break.
Your blogging buddies would be more than happy to send something for your blog.
You could write a post on asking for guest posters and give your requirements and contact email, so that they can get in touch with you.
You could even reach out to your social networks and let everyone know you are looking for contributors for the time you are taking a blogging break. Or simply hire professionals who write guest posts.
If it’s an old blogging friend, your readers would be familiar with them, or try out the new ones if you trust them and know their work. This would bring new eyes to the blogger, you, and your blog.
They’d be more than happy to promote their posts on your blog – on the social media, and you too remember to return the favor when they need a break from blogging too. 🙂
You could even line up and mention your list of guest bloggers beforehand and stir up the excitement before leaving.
6- Refurbish and republish old content
I haven’t really tried this method, but I know it works well with most bloggers, especially when they are taking a break from the Blogosphere.
You must’ve got some amazing old posts that your readers loved, a long time ago. You could redo them up a little and republish them when you are taking a few days break.
After you’ve done the above and taken care of all the arrangements – GET AWAY!
Just leave everything and go! Remember, clearing your head by moving away from your blog can do wonders to you and your writing.
Go outside and learn to be happy in life!
This means not opening your cell phone, laptop, and having nothing to do with your online life.
I know it’s easier said than done, and I myself have to yet try this, but imagine what it would do you and your family 🙂
You’d be rejuvenated, and there’d be a new passion for blogging once you return. Your words will be more meaningful, flow better, and you’d be able to connect better with your audience.
“Most people are so busy knocking themselves out trying to do everything they think they should do, they never get around to what they want to do.” ~ Kathleen Winsor
For some bloggers, it becomes tough to completely step away and take a break from their work. So, you can choose to blog when and as you want, once you let your readers know about it.
Keep your social media updates to the minimum, and just take it easy.
Lastly – follow your heart, and I say this repeatedly!
If you come back from a long break and don’t feel like blogging, don’t worry! Take a few more days, but when you return, do so because you really want to, not because you have to, or you feel its part of your routine.
Take a well-earned break and feel happy doing so! No one deserves it more than you! So, what are you waiting for – go ahead and take a break from your blog or work 🙂
Rejoice your spirits, revitalize your energy, reorganize your thoughts, reactivate your creative ability, renovate your skills, and rejuvenate yourself as a blogger by taking a blogging break, even if it’s just for a few days.
“There is more to life than increasing its speed.” ~ Mahatma Gandhi
Over to you –
When was the last time you took a break from blogging? How did you handle it, and how did it affect your blog? When do you next plan to take a break from blogging or your work? Share in the comments below.
Photo Credit: Freedigitalphotos
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I really need a break from my blog. I publish every single day which is overwhelming sometimes. I have scheduled my posts for the social media platforms. It will help me maintaining my social presence.
Taking a road trip is always an amazing idea.
Hello Mam,
You have outlined some great ideas here! And just in time for me as I will need to take a short break from blogging soon and I definitely don’t want to lose the traffic that I have worked so hard for. Thanks for sharing these.
~Ashvin
Hey Harleena,
Thank you a big big time !!?
I was looking for something like this for so long. How came I have not seen this post yet?? You are in my bookmark now (y) Thank a million zillion trillion times!!
Thank you 😀
Hey Harleena,
Nice post and Yes, taking break is very important in blogging as it helps us to keep refresh and also new ideas come to our mind. Sitting in front of computer for very long time is really very tiring and also cause stress. To keep refresh, break is very helpful. Thanks for sharing these tips with us.
Harleena I found your stuff really useful. Whenever I read your posts, I got inspiration and this is the thing that force me to revisit your blog again and again. It is very right that continuous work for hours and hours interrupts new ideas to flow efficiently. So being a human we all need a break to refresh our mind.
HEy harleena mam,
We newbies are always take a break between writing posts .
By the way now i am not newbies.I wanted to break from blogging then i had organized guest blogging contest.
hello harleena maam,
For newbies like me blogging is a very hard task as it requires lot of thinking and writing. So, taking rest in between is an essential task for a successful blog.
Thanks again maam for sharing these ultimate tips.
Hi Harleena,
You have discussed a very relevant topic.It is difficult to take break from blogging more so for blogs dealing with current topics like my blog deals with Jobs in Medical sector in India – I have to update it regularly.But still you need to take break sometime.I liked your suggestion about being open with your readers and tell them that you will not be able to update for some time and bear with you…That is a nice thing your readers will appreciate…..
I took a break from blogging for a short while in the month of August last year. I did that intentionally to go back to my old posts and improve them. I didn’t just want to keep going. I wanted to stop and look back, think, breathe and then move forward. I don’t know if it helped, but yes, my blog has definitely come to a new level in the last six months. So, I guess, it did help! Thanks Harleena! You always post good stuff!
Hi Harleena,
It’s funny! 🙂 I just went through this guilt trip because I was forced to take a few days off. I really did enjoy the time away from my computer, but, couldn’t help feeling guilty.
It was a wonderful few days and I feel refreshed and ready to take on the world.
I use JustRetweet and think it’s great.
Thanks for this post because I’ve stopped beating myself up and realize that we all need a break once now and then.
Geri
Very nice article Harleena,
I love your idea so much We all know technology surround us those days and it will be come more popular in the near future. honestly i’m Internet addicted and i’m really barely stay without my laptop, phones or computer. It takes me almost time of the day and sometime i realize i feel i lost my friends and family. your post truly encourage me to take a rest for a while and live my real life.
thanks for your sharing.
Stephan
Hie Harleena,
Happy new year 2014, i’m very happy because you just shared my thing which i wanted to know for long,that how to take a break blogging, because usually during holidays we went to our relatives, being an indian you know lots of tradition and culture are there which we have to follow,so my question is if we are continuesly blogging, there is no effect on crawling rate but if we take a break say for 5 days if got effected. so i wanna clear doubt plz do help me
~ Piyush Dhiman
Taking a break is quite important to do. It can get someone’s mind off work and regular activities. By doing it we can get enough time to refresh.
Always remember to take a break necessarily. We can do it everywhere. And it does not always cost much money. But if we can do it outdoor with our family, it will be a great moment.
Great posting, Harleena. Thanks so much.
How apt that I should see this post right when I am coming back from a two week break. And it did all of those things for me that you talk about. It has been great to just unwind, refocus and feel rejuvenated and excited about blogging again.
It’s hard to know when you need a break and its hard to let go and just take one but I think in the end for me it was so worth it.
Hi Harleena,
I think taking a break, especially during the period of the year when there are religious holidays, is not only restorative for the mind, but also super productive when you return to work later.
You will find new energy and inspiration, during your break.
I am up for well deserved vacation, from time to time! 🙂
Enjoy your holidays, Harleena.
And thanks for the post!
HI Harleena,
First of all congratulations on completing glorious 3 years in blogosphere :). It’s a tremendous achievement . You consistency & skillful writing have inspired so many people .
Thanks a lot for acknowledging my award .It’s really ‘SWEET’ of you :). I respect you for what you have achieved & how beautifully you conduct yourself. You are an amazing person.
Wish you and your family a fun filled Christmas & very happy New Year. 🙂
Hi Harleena,
Thanks for all these ideas. I tried one of these last year. I took a month long trip to India. I had my trusted friends guest blog on my site for a total of 4 guest posts. It was great for my blog as my guest posters knew my topics well and since it was from their perspective, all the posts did well. Nothing like it to get a fresh perspective on old topics. I also like your idea of refurbishing older blog posts. One idea I’ve been considering is curating others content with a link and a para as to why I was impressed by that post.
Happy Holidays!
Hello Harleena,
What an awesome post and yes, we all run into this situation! As a matter of fact, I am right now on a break traveling almost everyday in trains/flights and you know how hard it is here to get the internet access while you are on the run.
But, I have employed some of the methods you mentioned and it has worked out so far very very well.
I have scheduled my posts in advance and also allowed guest posts while I am still out. But I am covered this time around 🙂
Taking a break, indeed, is an awesome thing and as a bloggers, we should also take a “recharge your battery” type breaks at least once a year if not every six months. It definitely helps!
Thank you for sharing these ideas and enlightening the blogging community online!
Regards,
Kumar
Hi Harleena,
I only get as much done blogging wise because I take frequent breaks from my work. Sometimes I do the full day bit but usually I write, do a bit of networking, then sleep for a while, like today. We can achieve so much more by pulling back and letting go, right?
Thanks for sharing.
Hi Harleena,
This is really wonderful,
I was really wondering how you people can make a break from this wonderful ongoing business of blogging 🙂 I can’t even imagine this!!!
After reading this I am really afraid, you said very emphatically that, “you won’t last long.” Harleena, I am really taken a back!!! 🙂
Every year we get 10 days holidays from the org and that is the real time my blogging starts! But this post makes me to take a different turn altogether!! 🙂 I am here just from Adrienne’s page her last post this year that too is speaking volumes about this wonderful thing called break!!! 🙂
Yes, as said as a machinery needs rest the wonderful machinery called human beings too need rest or a break from the routine job. A very timely piece indeed Harleena.
Have a wonderful holiday. Go ahead with your break!!! 🙂
Good Wishes
Philip & Ann
Hi Harleena,
I’m celebrating this post, making space for ourselves is so important. I know it can get scary to take time off, especially during the holidays when things seem to slow and so taking time away from working seems a bad idea…but we are important and our quality of life matters!
Wishing you all the best this season!!
Robin
Hi Harleena,
There could not be a better time when I could have read this article. As I am about to go on a holiday with friends for 4-5 days, I am planning to schedule the already written yet unpublished posts.
Though now I am also planning to bring up some old posts which received a good response from the readers. I might also give a try to HootSuite.
Thanks for sharing this with us.
Regards,
Vineet
Hello,
This is a timely post. So many bloggers and site owners are struggling with how to take time off to spend with their families. I must admit i didn’t start blogging seriously until about six months ago. Before then I wouldn’t have had a problem taking a break from blogging but would have had difficulty stepping away from my website. Helping people sell their amusement equipment has become my passion. You did give some great suggestions. And I have two blogging friends who have had to step back from their blogs. I don’t recall reading a single negative comment on the posts where they shared the need to take a break.
As for me i get in at least 30 minutes of exercise every day. I do it outside while listening to uplifting or inspirational books on a digital player. I have favorite tv shows that I watch with the family. And some of them I won’t open my laptop or if i do its only during commercials. smile I will put down the computer to listen to an audio book, old time radio shows, tv programs, sporting events, movies, etc. And I have a crazy dog named penny who will come demand that i pet her when she thinks i have been working too hard for too long. I could probably get a lot more done, but I feel like I’ve reached a good place as to my work schedule.
Thanks again for such a helpful piece. Merry Christmas, max
Hi Harleena,
First landing on your site and its awesome…I read your comment on Ammar’s blog and I found my self reading your post… one more awesome! I publish when I get time from my web development business and its really so hard to blog in real manners but there is nothing in blogging if it doesn’t help others and for that bloggers need to work really hard I mean really very hard…
Very nice post indeed.
Harleena,
What a great in-depth approach. I find it interesting how many people simply neglect designing their lives to align with the life they want to live.
I admit that took me a few businesses over the years to uncover the precise mix that satisfies both my business and personal goals.
You have a fabulously engaged community here – bravo!
Hi Harleena,
I’ve had a forced semi break lately with my mom sick and the holidays near. I have taken longer ones in the past and my contributors have been wonderful to post during those times and handle the comments. It’s a good thing to do every so often so we don’t burn out. I have some upcoming painting and house projects so I may reach out to my contributors doing that time period.
I wish I was more disciplined to have posts ahead of time but I start some and don’t finish in enough time to publish when I need that break. Something for me to work on in the near future, thanks for the tips Harleena 🙂
Great tips! I only blog 1x per week. I find it’s pretty demanding. I couldn’t imagine blogging everyday like some people do! Actually, I don’t like to subscribe to bloggers who constantly updating (everyday) as it clogs up my inbox and seriously, it’s like a friend calling you everyday. Who has that much to share? Even at once a week, it’s still important to take a break. I re-post my old posts and it works quite well because I have new readers and lots of great info. is buried. Thanks for your reminders and helpful tips, Harleena.
At first, i need to commend Harleena for this kind of post, because it came at a perfect. i mean perfect as it comes at the end of the year and more so she knew most bloggers had work so had during the course of the year to keep their blog running.
but they forgot that “All work and no play make bloggers a dull shallow being”. it’s so right to get rest at every course of our work. i think some people aren’t seeing blogging as a career, whereas this is just what some guys does all through the year.
Honestly, for like 4days now i haven’t blog because i was busy at work with a research project. Though it’s not easy for me not to blog, but you just have to take a rest to get another inspiration and motivation to write.
The one thing i personally see about taking a rest at blogging is that it gives a new style of writing and passing messages across to your readers.
I have to admit, I’m one of those that very rarely takes a break, I’m constantly working on something for my blog and a lot of it comes down to the Entertainment work that I do with artists/bands, cinema and theatre reviews and covering events, so I’m constantly on the go.
Although I have said to myself that I will take a little time off for Christmas, but I suppose once I get the urge, I’ll be back on the keyboard again!
Hey Harleena
I feel it’s a good idea to take a break from blogging time to time. Sometime we just get bored from our daily schedule. And we need some break, enjoy that break to the fullest and start the blogging again with full energy.
With most bloggers, content publishing does not seem to be a problem to take a break from blogging. We can easy schedule some posts in advance.
Harleena,
Thank you so much for this post! It is good medicine for me because I was taking things slower during this holiday season and spending more quality time with others.
However, My usual Monday post got pushed to Friday. My social sites weren’t current, and as for my Twitter, well, I haven’t even gotten there yet.
This caused some guilt. I know that guilt is a self-imposing feeling, and I know I’m not a robot. But I just couldn’t shake it. So you know what happened?
I got deeper and deeper into the should’s and I never usually go there. I had to do a lot of self-talk in order to give myself permission not to be on top of the game on line.
Coming to this blog confirmed all the feelings I was going through.
I thank you my friend! You have confirmed what is really important in life!
Many blessing to you,
-Donna
Great reminder here, Harleena.
I agree that we do need to take a break once in awhile from blogging. It can become all consuming and you are so right, blogging is much more than just posting your latest article. There is all the social media and sharing that comes along with it. I am busy next week and was going to take a break, but I do like your idea of putting an infographic on and I have one that I might just use and then step away for few days. Especially during this time of year for me, it is more important to spend time with family and friends. Thanks for the great reminder! 🙂
Hi Harleena,
Excellent topic in time! Isn’t this a very topic we have been discussing lately? 😉
Wonderful tips and suggestions for anyone looking for a break Harleena. Eventhough I didn’t use some tips prior to a break (Well, I never thought of having a break in blogging), using automated tools and writing ahead of time helped me so much in blogging. I can recall I didn’t write much in first few months of this year as I had pre-written posts lined up 🙂 Wish I had some while my break too.
Guest posting is something I didn’t try much as I’m kinda afraid to bother others and asking for help is something I’m not very good at 😀 lol… I find republishing come in handy if it was published long ago but didn’t caught many eyes. I did it a few times and much worth than promoting the same old content though. May be ’cause search engines prefer fresh content over old ones.
You know, I didn’t take a break but a break embraced me for 2 months 😉 As I read through your lines, I felt guilty for not letting my readers know about my break. Neither I shared it with my friends until they asked too. Eventhough it wasn’t really a break for me, I failed to realize my loyal readers might have keep coming and go empty handed as I couldn’t left a kind note for them. Now I realize I shouldn’t have :-\ Now as I can, sorry for any inconveniences it made for you Harleena. I know it’s too late though.
I believe such a break transformed my life in a way. Eventhough I was hoping for more time offline and foreseeing the value of health, yet I was unable to have a proper break but kept myself busy a lot. I love being busy, but not to feel overwhelmed though. Slowed down myself to post once a week, but yet more tasks piling up. I believe same goes for other bloggers out there. I know, even busy than my schedule and I’m surprised how they manage it all.
Anyway, coming back from a break is kinda different phase to deal with than I imagined. I guess it depends on our type of break. Isn’t it Harleena? 🙂 However, it’s refreshing.
Now I came to believe the thought of having a break is mostly depends on the way we think about life and our top priorities, Harleena. Some really love working all day along, while others wanna go out and enjoy. May be cultures and sort of aspects have been contributing to their values and perspectives. I feel so blessed for my way of life though 🙂
Let’s hope this post will get busy bloggers to think about the value of having breaks in their life 🙂 May be, their perceptions will be changed for upcoming holidays.
You have a lovely day and enjoy your weekend ahead too Harleena 🙂
Cheers…
Hi Mayura,
Glad you liked the timely topic, which I think most bloggers might find of use 🙂
Yes, exactly the topic we’ve been discussing all over, though few of us really implement it, which I hope changes after this post. I still have to see how to use those automated tools that keeps working even when you are taking a break, perhaps you can talk about them (if they are different from the few I mentioned) in a future post of yours. Writing ahead of time is something I intend doing now, especially with other things I need to concentrate on to move ahead. You are smart there to do all the writing well ahead of time dear friend, lots to learn from you!
I am a lot like you where guest posting is concerned, and honestly don’t get the time (people call that an excuse, but I know how much time I get in hand) – replying to this comment so late is one proof. I just did one guest post at Adrienne’s blog when she invited, because I couldn’t refuse her, and thereafter I’ve got so many offers, just not had the time, so perhaps now I’d take a break and sit and do those up, or else there’s no other way.
I’ve yet to try re-doing the old posts and making them as new, as I prefer writing new posts each time. But I do know it works well for some people, especially if they are short of time, or want to air up their old posts.
I know you had your little break earlier, though I think that was due to some other reason or perhaps something you were going through on the personal level, and perhaps a break is what you needed to give yourself, and I think it was a good decision. Because it was sudden, you might not have had a chance to let us all know, or else you would have, isn’t it? No worries at all, because your loyal readers will always visit your blog as they know you and they understand. That’s what makes friendship so special in this Blogosphere.
Yes indeed, keeping busy is good and does us good as well. It surely takes away all our worries and problems to quite an extent, something I prefer doing too. But after that, you do need a break, don’t you? Yes, work does tend to pile up when you return from a break, but I think you are SO geared with energy that you can take it all up with ease.
I agree with you there, some like to work as it energies them, while others do take it off for a few days, and I’m glad this post can help a few others make up their minds and really take a break because they deserve it.
Thanks for your lovely comment as always, Mayura, and wishing you well-deserved Happy Holidays as well 🙂
Hello Harleena Singh,
Blogging is a hectic task. I think bloggers need to take blogging as an entertainment not a job. You must enjoy yourself while blogging. I think visiting for a couple to own village, passing some day in forest, river side or visiting to family members can certainly make life happy from monotonous & gloomy life. Anyway, Happy Blogging 🙂
Here is my wish for upcoming Merry Christmas:
‘Twas Christmas broach’d the mightiest ale;
‘Twas Christmas told the merriest tale;
A Christmas gambol oft could cheer
The poor man’s heart through half the year.
Hi Ahsan,
It sure is! And a full-time job as well, just like any other job 🙂
I think bloggers should enjoy whatever they do, whether it’s blogging or working at their job without taking too much of stress, which they do when they take things too seriously. Those are lovely ways to take a break, Ahsan, and I think more than anything else, you give your mind and body the complete rest it needs.
Those are lovely lines for Christmas – thanks for sharing them with us, and I wish you and your family Happy Holidays too 🙂
Thanks Harleena, I needed this today!
Due to unforeseen circumstances, I will be traveling at the last minute, and have been kind of freaking out that I won’t be putting anything “out there” while I am gone. It’s just taken all my energy to get everything together at home and prepare to leave town later today, that there is very little left of my post that I usually put out today. But after reading this, I realize, you are so right! I’m only going to be gone a week, and my blog will be there when I get back.
Thanks again for helping me! Hope you have a great week ahead, and I’ll “see you” around the New Year.
Hi Carol,
I know what you mean, and it’s not just you who needs such reminders 🙂
You must be busy travelling with your family, and if it all comes up suddenly, you just wonder how you’d manage so many things together, more so with kids and a family, it becomes SO tough – blogging certainly takes a back seat because that is not priority that time. Been there!!
Yes, you’d be back in a weeks time and your blog will be there, and nothing will happen, rest assured. It might just see a little drop in traffic, but that’s going to happen with everyone’s blogs because no one usually blogs, or visits other blogs during the holidays, isn’t it? So, take it easy and enjoy your little trip – and don’t forget to have fun too.
Thanks for stopping by, and Happy Holidays to you and yours, wherever you are 🙂
Hey Harleena,
You know what? I really think the universe was really trying to get me to take a break after the summer.
I went to Las Vegas for vacation in August, and when I came back, my schedule changed at work. Although I had 3 months of blog posts that have yet to be publish, I definitely felt the pressure because I also felt like I had to answer all my comments.
So I decided to write every 3 weeks up until now. Now I’m writing every once a week which feels great. I feel rejuvenating, there are more ideas that pop up in my head, and also I don’t feel “rushed”. So yes I believe in taking breaks, and also believe that you shouldn’t blog really frequently. With this in mind you’ll have better quality content and your readers will definitely appreciate it!
Great reminder Harleena!
Hi Sherman,
Ah…and I hope you DO that too in these holidays 🙂
Oh yes…it’s always the comments that take up most of my time too, whether on my blog or anyone else’s. I am answering this one after a while, but I honestly don’t like to leave those one liners and prefer to take it easy and then reply – no rush, no worry! I guess taking a break will take care of all of these issues for me.
You are surely lucky to have to many posts already lined up…awesome! However, writing the post isn’t the tough part for me, it’s finding the time to reply to the comments, as I also believe a lot in promoting the posts so that it reaches the masses, so I guess one needs to choose either of the two for starters, isn’t it?
I agree with you – the feeling of not feeling rushed or pressurised in any way is very important for bloggers, writers, and everyone for that matter. I think there’s no other way to lead a happy and content life otherwise. Quality over quantity IS the key 🙂
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your experiences with us. Happy Holidays to you and yours 🙂
Hey Harleena,
I’ve been contemplating this very thing. On one hand I feel guilty because I’ve got such a good record going with never having missed a post. Even through the deaths of two very good friends. I honestly surprised myself over those if you must know the truth. I seriously don’t know how I did that looking back. I know I’m putting this on myself though and none of my readers would probably care.
I’m not burnt out but I’m in a serious funk right now. With the holidays here and missing Scott terribly it’s just really hard to get myself excited or thrilled about what I normally just love to do. I also know though that during the holidays views are way down because people are spending time with family, taking some time away or just not as active.
I think I would feel guilty if I vanished for a week or so and then would probably never get caught up but at the same time I really could use this time to myself if you know what I mean. I have more thinking to do about this but I appreciate this topic and your ideas as well.
Another wonderful post as we start to move into the holidays. I can’t believe Christmas is next week too. I hope you have a wonderful holiday and thank you again for all you do for me and the blogging community.
~Adrienne
Hi Adrienne,
You surely have been living up to people’s expectations beside your own, and have a real record of not missing a post – commendable indeed 🙂
I remember the time during Scott when you didn’t take a break, and we all thought perhaps you would. I can imagine how tough those days must have been for you, yet you pulled through them so bravely. Perhaps the commenting took a back seat for a few days, but that was understandable in your condition.
I can imagine how it must be feeling to have him not around for these holidays, when he’s been such an important part for so many years. But perhaps you can go over to your moms and other family members and just be with them so that you don’t miss Scott all that much, though I know it’s easier said than done. Oh yes…there are hardly any views during the holidays and perhaps that would be an additional reason I won’t be posting at the year end too, though behind the scenes I’d be working on the blog – lots to catch up with!
I do wish you take a little break off for these holidays, because no one deserves it more than you for all the hard work you put in all year through. Yes, we all certainly need a little time of our own at the end of the day, though of course you need to take the decision you are comfortable with at the end of the day.
Thank you for stopping by. And I wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year too 🙂
Hi Harleena,
i work in a corporate environment and handles my blogging activities anytime I’m home. Now, in the corporate parlance, we have a clear understanding on why staffs should go on break and holidays. It helps staffs develop sharp mental recovery and they often perform very well after the break on resumption back to the office.
This attitude is very essential in the blogging world; you have said it all, once you discovered the above listed points, I think its high time such blogger needs to take off time, relax more.
It does happen to me , often and often, and I just simply discovered that we are not super beings or angels.
Thanks for sharing harleena, I for one does take a nap when I’m short of ideas or under stress.
do have a lovely day.
Hi James,
Oh yes…I think the corporate world is very clear about wanting their people to take frequent breaks and they know what happens if they don’t 🙂
There is even scientific proof of taking breaks and how it enhances your efficiency and productivity, so they are surely doing the right thing there. Yes, you work much better once you are back from a break too. I think breaks are needed by everyone, not just bloggers, though because of the lifestyle bloggers lead and the never ending work they are all up to, they need it all the more I feel.
We assume we are super humans, and with time, even our readers perhaps start expecting a lot from us because of our own fault also in a way because we deliver, just as every blogger should. But being humans, I’m sure they also understand our limitations, and the simple fact that like them, we also need a break! Ah…naps and taking breaks during the day is vital, but I was talking of a longer break for a few days perhaps that truly rejuvenate…try it sometime if you haven’t taken on lately and let me know how it felt 🙂
Thanks for stopping by, and have a nice day as well 🙂
I took a break for a week earlier this year, not only from blogging but from all social media. However, I wrote the blog posts ahead of time so no one knew I was missing from there. I even wrote about taking the break after I’d taken it. I felt guilty about the blogging because I didn’t respond to any comments, but nothing else. It was calming, but I couldn’t wait to get back by the end of the week.
Hi Mitch – nice to have you back 🙂
That’s wonderful! I’m sure a complete cut off from the online world would have done you good in more than one way! Yes, that’s how bloggers can work smart ahead of time, and you really don’t lose your readership, rank, or any of those things, nor does anyone come to know of your absence. Except for the pending comments that you need to catch up later with, I don’t think anything else really suffers all that much. Lol…you couldn’t wait to return by the week end, which means you did start missing the Blogosphere after a while 🙂
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your experiences with us. Happy Holidays as well 🙂
This is a wonderful reflection about the purpose of life. You can never get back the time missed with family and friends because of excess work. Your tips for taking a break do a great job of explaining how a break can be taken without sacrificing readership. Your hearts are heartfelt and will be helpful to many.
Sharon
Welcome to the blog Sharon!
You are absolutely right! The moments once gone, never return, so make the best of them while they are there. We can all lessen our work to take a break and be with our loved ones who also need our time and attention, especially during the holidays. You’d not lose your readers if you follow the ways mentioned, and even if you, I don’t think there would be many because most people take off during these days, and you can always make up on those, isn’t it?
Life is after all, all about the choices you make, and the priorities you choose, so choose them wisely 🙂
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your views with us 🙂
BTW – It’d be nice if you can grab yourself a Gravatar so that we all know who we are talking to 🙂
Thank you for an interesting blogpost. I plan to take a break over Christmas and make a few changes to my blog. Last year I tried to keep going but in reality not so many people were reading blogs over the holidays and I just ended up stressing myself out. I think you are right, it’s only me that really notices if I take a break so I’m going to take the pressure off myself and I know I’ll be raring to go again next year 🙂
Happy Holidays!
Welcome to the blog Catherine!
That’s exactly what I plan to do too, and nothing could be better than to have a little break with the family too 🙂
You are right about the traffic taking a dip over the holidays, so you are actually stressing yourself out if you are posting during that time. No one else actually bothers whether you are blogging or not as most of them are away or on a vacation too, so why feel anxious about it? Just take a break and ease out – you’d lose nothing, and yes, you’d be rejuvenated to take the new year with full gusto.
Thanks for stopping by, and Happy Holidays to you and yours as well. I’d surely visit your blog in a while 🙂
BTW – It’d be nice if you can grab yourself a Gravatar so that we all know who we are talking to 🙂
Well , I am myself a blogger as well as a student and I know that how difficult is to maintain a balance in between these two.
Thanks a lot for providing me some ways and the justifications too of why they are important.
Hi Charmie – nice to have you back after long 🙂
Oh yes…balancing both must be rather tough for you, yet you are doing it, which is wonderful. I also have so many blogging friend’s who have a full time job, yet they are blogging once they return from work – I wonder how they do it! All the more reason you all need to take a break often.
Thanks for stopping by 🙂
Taking breaks are necessary not only blogging but whatever you do. Sometimes mind stops working when you work for long then you need to take break to settle your mind and again get back to work. Also, its good for health to take shorter breaks again and again.
Welcome to the blog John!
Yes indeed, breaks are needed by everyone, not just bloggers, and in everything you do as well – whether short or long ones. I think our mind and body loses its energy to perform efficiently if it keeps working continuously for long periods, and that’s a clear indication of taking a break, though ideally you shouldn’t wait to reach such a state, and take one before, isn’t it?
Thanks for stopping by 🙂
Excellent Tips Harleena !
Serious bloggers are hard working and can be really stressed out. This can affect their health hence its wise to take a break from the blogosphere and enjoy with family and friends.I love the idea of scheduling the blog posts for sharing them in social media groups as it ensures that social media traffic wont be affected when the webmaster is on a holiday . Thanks for sharing these tips with us .
-Pramod
Hi Pramod,
Glad you liked the tips mentioned 🙂
Absolutely! I think the stress starts showing in various ways if such bloggers don’t take a break often. Yes, scheduling your posts well in advance works well, though I still haven’t done too much of those, but when I did, it was a great relief to have a stress-free holiday. However, if you get many comments as I do, it adds up to your to-do list when you return from your break. Nevertheless, after a break you are able to take up all such challenges rather quickly as you are more productive.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your views 🙂
Hi Harleena
Oh yes, it screams at me, you need to take a break! One of these days I am going to get up and NOT head for the computer within the first 2 hours. Need to get some other projects going, it just seems I keep gravitating back in front of the screen.
And…oh my, I am not even scratching the surface of what I ought to be doing to make my piece of “website real estate” sing. I doubt if I ever will.
I have been taking sometime off lately to do some baking, so now I have a “sugar high” which I suppose is not so good for me. Devotion to health, classes and site will have to begin in the new year.
But we do need a bit of fun and it does help with the creative part. We can get inspiration online but it also shallows our experiences if we don’t get out there and live.
Lots of great reasons to take a break.
Happy Holidays to you and your family.
Mary
Hi Mary,
Lol…sorry, I didn’t mean it to be SO loud 🙂
Honestly speaking, I do know we all need a break, especially during this holiday season when I’m still seeing so many bloggers blogging away and not really taking it easy.
That would indeed be a challenge – let me know the day you accomplish it! It’s the same case with me as well, Mary, and perhaps with every blogger out there, and the worst part is that while we remain committed to our blogs and readers, perhaps along the way, we forget to take up other things that are also a priority and only realize it when we are reminded of it, or when it becomes too late.
Baking sounds fun! It’s been a while since I did some myself, though my kids are forever after me to get into the kitchen and cook up some goodies for them, which I keep avoiding because it all takes so much of time (all good and fattening things take time, though they are delicious!). Yes, the New Year should start with a list of resolutions that are achievable and need our attention, isn’t it?
I think a good blend of everything, in moderation, is what we all need. Oh yes…lots of reasons for taking a break too 🙂
Thanks for stopping by, and wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year as well 🙂
Hi Harleena,
As you can imagine, this is a post very much after my own heart. As you know, I’ve already taken one break of several weeks from posting to my blog, and I’ve now stopped what had become a rigid weekly posting schedule, because I just couldn’t maintain it without letting other things slide.
I guess maybe I’m different from some some other bloggers because I’m not treating my blog as a major business enterprise – if I was, then I’d probably have to be more consistent and frequent in the way I post articles. However, I’ve decided that’s not for me. I’ve just retired from a job that was a treadmill for over 30 years, and I’m not about to let blogging become another chore that’s a source of stress and anxiety.
I think you know that I’ve decided to focus on getting some fiction published on Kindle – that’s my number one priority, so my blog is having to take a bit of a back seat. That just happens to be right for me at the moment. I’m still spending a lot of time blogging, and on all the associated activities, like commenting on and sharing other people’s posts, but I just do what I can and don’t set myself unrealistic targets, and don’t stay up until all hours responding to FB messages and tweets.
I have a lot of admiration for bloggers like Adrienne and Carolyn, who post so regularly, but that kind of schedule isn’t right for me. We all have to work out our own way of blogging – I think there’s a danger that some bloggers feel pressurized to fit in with other people’s standards and ideals, and that’s a real shame if it then leads them to quit because they can’t keep up with it.
I think this post is great, Harleena, because you’re encouraging bloggers to take care of themselves, as well as their blogs. If we go under, then our blogs do too, so it’s just not worth it.
An excellent share – thank you 🙂
Hi Sue,
It’s close to mine too, and no one would know it more than you and Mayura too 😉
Yes, I remember your break and I’m sure that did you good too. You are right about following a schedule, which works well for those who can manage it, while others, should just post when they are comfortable with it.
I know I was posting twice a week too, but with the increase in comments, it became tough to handle them and my return visits – I was just not able to catch up with my own writing projects going to and fro blogs, till I thought of reducing it to once a week. Even now, I can barely catch up with comments, so if things don’t work this ways, I might just post once in ten days, without feeling guilty about it, though I’d always let my readers know so that they don’t wait for the post as such.
Don’t worry! I sail in the same boat as you, Sue. My blog isn’t my business, nor do I make any money as such from it as you already know. But yes, I am committed to my readers, and here to help anyone if I can through my posts. I just love to share all I know along the way, so not to worry too much about it, till I turn tables one fine day, you can never say. I think at the end of the day, we have to decide and do what we are comfortable doing, and which suits our health, without our blog ruling our lives. I know, I’ve been there and it was really catching up with me till I had to put a stop to it by slowing down.
You are absolutely right about not taking blogging as a stressful or anxious kind of full-time job, especially as you’ve just retired from working for so many years. You DO need a break and should be online just for the joy of it more than anything else. Yes, I do know about your priority about publishing fiction, and I can’t wait to read your new Kindle book too, whenever it’s out. But for that you’d need to have to lessen on something, which should be understood by all, especially our blogging friends.
This isn’t just the case for you or me, but all those who are in the Blogosphere, that if there comes a time when we perhaps have to switch our priorities with blogging, commenting, or being on the social networks and if we aren’t present on all of these, all the time – please understand! If not them, who else will. I know it’s just you and me talking and perhaps we assume too much, but knowing our blogging community, they are all very understanding and supportive, so please don’t worry! I’d be the first one to understand if you can’t visit my blog to comment, or we can’t catch up as often on the social networks, and I’d never mind it either 🙂 Just take it easy and do up your book now, and once you are through with it, you can always catch up with blogging, isn’t it?
Oh yes…Carolyn takes the cake there for putting up 3 posts a week, while Adrienne for managing so many comments on both her posts. But as you rightly mentioned, we need to see ourselves and how much we can handle, without trying to compete with others, whose life and situation is perhaps very different from ours. And if we do, we burn out and quit at the end of the day, which isn’t we’d want I’m sure. I totally agree with you there.
Well, yes – not only the bloggers out there, but even myself! I know I need to reduce my pace if I have to run long too, and I have to take care of my health first, then other things. I guess we all need such reminders, don’t we?
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your pearls of wisdom with us. 🙂
Hi Harleena – you really don’t need to answer this follow-up comment (I don’t want to make you more work), but I just had to thank you for your reply, which made me feel much less alone with my struggles to keep up with the commenting marathon. Like you, I try to make reciprocal visits to everyone who comments on my blog, but it’s incredibly time-consuming! In the few days after publishing a post, it just seems to swallow up all of my time. Not sure what the answer is, other than cutting back to a level at which it’s more manageable, as you’re very sensibly doing at the moment.
Thanks so much, Harleena – your reply really did cheer me up 🙂
I love this post Harleena because it’s a validation that taking a break is OK. We often feel guilty for spending time away from our work when in fact we’re doing ourselves a disservice if we don’t.
I’ve found that with careful planning there are lots of ways to keep the momentum going yet also give ourselves time away, and you’ve covered some of them here.
Thanks for the awesome post. It’s one I’ll refer to often I’m sure.
Blessings,
Liz
Hi Liz,
Glad you liked the post, and of course taking a break is OK – though I know very few of us realize this fact and really go out and take a break 🙂
I know the guilt factor is often what keeps eating us within, and that includes me too! But if we don’t take a few days off, we can really tire our mind and body, and just get stale with time.
Yes indeed, if we carefully plan things out, we can certainly take a few days break without feeling guilty about anything, nor let our blogs suffer, if that’s on the mind.
Thanks for stopping by, and for referring this post, if you do so. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, well in advance 🙂
You are right on this Harleena.
We all need a break to regroup and come up with those new ideas. I have decided to take a break until after Christmas. If I don’t I will most likely drive myself nutty.
I do think it is harder for us female bloggers than male bloggers. We get a very full plate this time of year in getting ready for Christmas that we have to set priorities.
Thanks for letting me know that I have made the right choice. You have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Debbie
Hi Debbie,
We surely do, though sadly enough, we don’t realize the benefits of taking a good break from work, isn’t it? 🙂
You are doing the right thing by taking it off till after Christmas, especially to be with your family and loved ones. They surely need your time and undivided attention.
Yes indeed, women bloggers have a FULL plate in the real sense, because of the kids being on vacation, getting things ready, festivities going on, the household chores and the routine stuff that carries on, in addition to blogging. Indeed, it’s not easy – unless they set their priorities and work accordingly.
Thanks for stopping by, and yours certainly IS the right choice. Have a good break, without feeling guilty about anything. You deserve it more than anything else. Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year as well 🙂
Hi Harlena,
Your post is timely and practical indeed if seen from a larger perspective. Being in this blogosphere, all of us become a part machines because of incessant blogging or for that matter working online. And the more interesting is the fact that we all claim that we are “our own bosses” and we have full control over our working hours. But the fact is we are becoming our slaves.
Why do not we take a break, for God’s sake!
AS you say, this relentless blogging affects relationships. You are absolutely right! The other day, my teenage daughter was upset with me. Reason, she says that I do not listen to her school talks when she tells me because I am so engrossed in my work that I can’t pay attention to her words! Now this was the height!
I must say, I love reading your posts and will try to follow.
Welcome to the blog Vandana – nice to have you over!
You are absolutely right – we do become robotic machines that remain online and keep working for hours and hours endlessly, till we get tired and fall flat. This is what’s happening to most of us, especially bloggers who as you mentioned, think they are their own bosses, but are actually ruled by their blogs and this online life.
That surely is a million dollar question every blogger should answer!
Oh yes…many a relationships are affected because of the time we spend online, whether we are blogging, writing, or working online. Not to mention the social network addiction people have. Relationship with your spouse, kids, family members, and friend’s – will ALL be certainly affected. Your teenage daughter sounds just like mine because my younger one told me the same lines just yesterday! Lol…they are so right – where are we really devoting the right time to our kids and family, or perhaps we feel guilty if we do as we miss out on our blog work. However, once we know the problems, even the solutions are in our hands, isn’t it? Moderation is the key in blogging, if you really want to go a long way, and taking frequent breaks is essential to being more efficient and productive as well.
Thanks for stopping by, and I’m glad you like my posts – means a lot to me. I’d soon stop by your blog as well 🙂
I need a break!
Oddly, my latest post was about this very topic – when do bloggers go on vacation? LOL
I’ll be posting less in the new year, too, I think.
Since I don’t make a living from my blog, I’m not at risk of starving. 😉
See you soon!
Hi Lorraine,
So do I! I think most of us here would have our hands up for this one 🙂
I know, and that was surely a pleasant coincidence. That’s true. We need to do the things that require our attention before we do those that we feel can take a back seat. I lessened my posts to once a week from the earlier twice, so that I could work on other things that were a priority. Life is all about the choices we make, isn’t it?
Thanks for stopping by 🙂
Timely, Harleena!
I’ve been thinking about what’s most important to me and while I love blogging, I also adore my family and shared adventures. We’re traveling at the start of the new year and I don’t want to carry the stress of not blogging / working with me. Tough for us work-a-holics, huh? As I read this post, I’ve continued to process my own thoughts. Much appreciated!
Best,
Alli
Welcome to the blog Alli!
I can understand how you feel, and you’re certainly not alone to think the way you do, as you can see from the comments 🙂
Yes, it’s tough for us bloggers and workaholics to go on such vacations or take a break without feeling guilty about it, but if we don’t, we lose out on spending those precious moments with our loved ones. I guess it’s a choice we all have to make, isn’t it? I’m sure things can be managed when you take your little break, and DO that if it’s all planned because such times never return.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts 🙂
Hi Harleena Mam,
I am a big fan of you as your blogging skills too, I am a FB friend of yours and Know about you from FB. I read your blog continuously but this is my first comment here.
Blogging is the thing which always attracts me towards it and never thought about taking a break from Blogging But sometimes it’s necessary to take a break while a long Journey. Thanks for Nice post about this But I don;t think I should take a Break until I don’t start a handsome earning from my blog.
Welcome to the blog DK!
Yes indeed, it’s wonderful that you found the time to stop by here today 🙂
I know how you feel, and that’s exactly how every blogger feels because they remain rather busy blogging, so don’t notice the negative affects that play on the health at times. Taking a break from blogging once in a while is absolutely essential, and I wish more of us would understand this fact. You can always earn sooner or later, perhaps when you return all rejuvenated and with better ideas and efficiency than before.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your views 🙂
Hi Harleena,
It’s been a while since I have taken a break from blogging. I usually write every single day, even though I am on vacation or if it’s Christmas or any other holiday. It’s part of how I relax, so I don’t feel any pressure or that I’m busy, or anything like that. But, my family might feel different. That’s why, when it’s the holidays or I’m on vacation, I usually get up a lot earlier than them, in order to write and finish what I want to accomplish.
I have thought about adding guest posts to my blog during the holidays, just to do something different. I believe in doing things differently in order to get a different perspective on life (and business). And, when I relax and read or walk, I tend to look at life completely differently than when I’m writing.
Very interesting post Harleena.
– Jens
Hi Jens,
You are a natural writer, and I love the way you write daily:)
I do a lot of that myself, though my writing isn’t only these blog posts, but even the work for my clients, the emails and commenting also we do – all of them can be taken as writing daily. But they aren’t always what we really enjoy doing as we count them as ‘work to be done’, and that makes you a little different from us because you enjoy your work when you only write, so it’s more of a stress reliever for you. I guess you don’t need a break as often then!
However, as you mentioned, we bloggers don’t only have to think about ourselves, especially if we have a spouse and kids because our families matter and they also need our time and attention. Yes, a little work while they are sleeping is something I also do, but I honestly would prefer leaving my laptop behind the next time I’m on vacation.
Absolutely! Changing yourself or doing things differently makes life all the more interesting, and guest posts during the time when you want to take a break would be the ideal thing I feel. Ah…I thought I was the only one who felt that way…good to know you also see life differently when you are more relaxed. 🙂
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your experiences 🙂
Balancing work especially if you are blogging when you have a personal life to cater for is extremely difficult. Blogging is not a conventional job where you go away for work. Since you are at home, it appears to some as you doing nothing and sitting on computer typing your life away.
But in fact, you are doing something useful. But balancing both is one tough cookie and you certainly need a break from bloggin. In fact, I tool a break and I realised how important all this is. I have decided that I will blog when I seem fit and how I seem fit and not on the dictats of search engines. So enjoy and do not let it run your life.
Hi Shalu,
I agree with you completely, and more so if you are a mom or dad blogger – it all just adds up and can become overwhelming at times 🙂
Ah…you are absolutely right in saying that, and though it may appear to our folks that we are just spending time surfing or not really ‘working’ or doing anything constructive, they surely need to get into our shoes and feel what we go through. I tell my hubby that so often, and I might just one day ask him to write a post and do all I do to get a feel of what it’s like, though he really understands and is very supportive of my work online.
I know the little break you had, and that must have been a wonderful change for you too. I wonder if you too felt, while you were taking a break from the online world, that there’s a world outside of blogging and the Internet! I get that feeling when I take one, so thought to ask you, and it makes us realize that why do we blog so much or why are we online so much, and how to find ways to remain offline to take care of things that also need our attention.
I think your decision is a good one to blog when you feel like, not when you have to or worried about the SEOs and traffic stats etc. Yes, I need to do just that now, before I make up my mind one fine day to just close this blog having had too much of it.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts with us 🙂
Hi Harleena,
Busted! This past year the work/fun balance has been way out of whack. I shall take some of your suggestions to heart and strive to do much better in 2014.
– Cole
Hi Cole,
Ah…you aren’t the only one who feels that way! I think most of us are guilty to not making the work-life balance a perfect blend as it should ideally be, and no matter how hard we try, either of the two takes a back seat. I also hope to do much better in the coming year, which starts with taking a real break for the holidays, which I hope you also do take 🙂
Thanks for stopping by 🙂
Hi Harleena
Oh what lovely advice. I am about to take a break over our Christmas holiday period. In Australia as it is summer it is also the long school holidays. Many traditional businesses shut down.
I think sometimes for those of us who work from home we work more.
I have had a few breaks from blogging but only when things happen like my Dad passing away. Then I could not have cared less about blogging. Fortunately Sylviane did a guest post for me.
I think we have to take a break from whatever we do. As you say we need to rejuvenate and we do get stale.
I am with you on your resolution to work less and spend more time with family. I said to my husband last week that next year I am working less and working smarter. It can be done I am sure.
Great advice Harleena.
Sue
Hi Sue,
That would be lovely indeed, and something all of us need to do 🙂
I can well understand the summer holidays your end, while it’s the winter break for our kid’s this end, so the perfect time for yet another break as we had our summer holidays in June, when perhaps it was your winters.
We are always working much more because we work from home I think, as compared to those who have a fixed time job, which ends and they are comparatively free. I sometimes envy them and wish I had mine back, but this also has it’s major plus points we can’t ignore.
I know that time, and those breaks are of course something we need to take and good friend’s stepping in to guest post is the best way to keep things moving at such times. Reviving a tired mind and body is needed every once in a while I think, and breaks do just that. Also, you get to spend quality time with your loved ones, which otherwise you can never find when you are working, isn’t it?
That’d be a very good move, something I’ve been wanting to do as well- work smart, though like you, I’m still looking for ways to reduce on what I usually do and concentrate only on what’s important, so that I can find some ‘me or us’ time.
Thanks for stopping by. Wishing you and your family Happy Holidays as well 🙂
Hello, Harleena Mam,
Indeed, taking rest for a while means increase in productivity. 🙂
Our mind is a machine which runs 24*7 and gives all required results. It consumes energy, a time come when mind runs out of the energy and very same time we are unable to produce new and unique Idea for our post or whatever work we are in. We need rest to get that energy that reaps innovative ideas in our mind and so we take rest to become more productive and prolific.
I take rest when I feel, I am running out of idea and it works for me.
Last time I was at rest when my health was at low. Yes, I was thinking at copious parameters as I might lose my readers’ attention or some of my traffic or money. But, I took rest for some time. 🙂
Before going for a rest, I ask my friends to take care of my blog at least. After having a break, I feel myself more creative, innovative and productive. Simply, I have reunited my all energy to gain maximum. 🙂
One thing, we can do before having a break is, we can write a post which has the link and a little description of our popular post in past. It will give an opportunity to our readers to read if they’ve missed that.
Thank You very much for sharing a lovely article. 🙂
Have a great day ahead. 🙂
Hi Kumar,
Taking a break does increase your productivity and you also find yourself working more efficiently than before 🙂
You are very correct there – our mind often drains it’s energy and needs to be rebooted like the computer when it hangs (speaking in your language!) You get new ideas when you return from a break, and sometimes even when you are taking a vacation, which you can always note down to use later. It happens with me many a times.
Yes, I remember the time when you weren’t feeling too well and took a short break. Sometimes when we overwork ourselves, our health also shows us signs like this or others, and we are forced to take a break. I sometimes get severe back or neck pain if I sit long hours working, which is a clear indication to take a break. I know the thoughts and concerns of most bloggers about losing their readers, rank, or means of living if they are earning well from their blogs, but all that can always be worked on when you return. Yes, if you are taking a long break of a few days, then you should cater for the alternatives mentioned above so that your blog remains updated from time to time.
I agree with you there – a little linking of a previous post that they might have missed is a good way too, or perhaps just have a few links of old posts or redo them up a little and use them to make them all new. Anything works as long as you are alright with it and manage to get a breather for yourself.
Thanks for stopping by and adding more value to the post. Have a nice week ahead 🙂
Hi Harleena!
As you know I will be the first one to raise her hand if I’m ever asked if I can use a break :).
I actually took a break this afternoon to get some shopping done and run some errands. I just got home about an hour ago and my stats look okay, thank goodness ;).
The one thing or two things that I didn’t do was let it be known and I didn’t have anything scheduled ahead of time. But I’ve taken great notes and even pocketed this one so now I’ll know better next time :).
I have HootSuite Pro but Tweet Old Post plugin is new to me. I’ll be installing that one as soon as I’m done commenting and sharing your post. 🙂
I like the idea of your 4th option too.
I definitely understood when you took some time off. I know I feel refreshed when I do. Even if it’s for a day. It does a world of good.
It’s funny…my husband just informed me he’s taking the day off so it looks like I will too. Only this time I’m going to prepare and schedule ahead :). I don’t suppose you have an extra post lying around do you, LOL 🙂 Just kidding…I’ve gotta put a last minute post together. Thank goodness for Wordless Wednesday ;).
Thanks for this wonderful post Harleena! I’m so honored to be a part of such an awesome blogging community. It’s great to know my fellow bloggers have my back and I them (including you my dear friend).
I think there’s going to be a lot more vacations coming up, don’t you? Have a great Wednesday morning!
Hi Corina,
You’d have many hands raised along with yours, as you can see from the various comments here 🙂
Aha…that’s exactly what happens when we take just a few hours off also, thinking that to be a break, though the mind is on work and just hoping all is well with the stats, isn’t it? I wish it wasn’t that way, and we could really take it off in the real sense, not for a few hours, but proper days off!
Yes, if you are going away for a few days or you know your regular readers would wonder where you’ve gone in case you aren’t posting any content, then you should inform your readers well in advance, something that I’ve always seen Carolyn do whenever she takes a break for a few days, though shes so good at scheduling her posts well in advance there. I just wonder how she manages to find the time to write them all up in advance.
I haven’t tried Tweet Old Post as yet, though I’ve heard from a few friend’s that it works well. I usually use HootSuite too for scheduling and so far so good. The only thing is that each little thing takes time, which is what we have a tough time finding, isn’t it?
Oh…I never schedule anything in advance, though I know I should. I just have a tough time coping with the numerous pending comments that I take days to get through. I’m sure you’d put up one asap because you know you are taking a day off and perhaps go shopping for your new tablet 😉
You are a very important part of this blogging community, Corina, and I thank you for being a part and always being here to share your views with all the readers. Absolutely! We all deserve a break every now and then, and these holidays nmight be just the time to take a good break and relax. I hope you also take a few days off and be with your loved one and kids, they need you more than anything else. Have a nice day ahead as well 🙂
Hey Harleena,
Thanks for sharing and knocking me on the head. Honestly speaking, I have yet to take a break from blogging. Remember I said last 3 months that I would take a week break etc? Well, it didn’t happen. Haha!
It takes more of my time (even when compared to my day job) and it is crazy. Lot’s work work to be done and it seems like never ending! At times, wish I had a VA or something.
Thanks for this and I might … try my best to take one for Christmas 🙂
I will try! I swear 😀
Hi Reginald – nice to have you back 🙂
Yes, I think you need this knock pretty bad for the way you’ve been working endlessly on your blog dear friend! Trust you to not take a break, and yes, I remember you had said you’d be taking a break and you didn’t!
That’s exactly the point – blogging is a never ending – full-time job in itself. Because it’s your own business and blog, you never really stop to make it better, and that’s where the time just goes, whether it’s through the linking, promotion, posts, guest posts, social media, comments – anything, it all takes time. I too wish we had a robotic VA to just throw our magic wand and get all of these tasks done, would be so relaxing to only have to write a post, isn’t it?
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts with us. And now that you have sworn on this blog, you better take a break – totally cut off from the Internet – promise? Have a lovely day, and happy holidays, well in advance dear friend 🙂
Wow, there is a lot of fantastic information to take in here! Amazing stuff!
I do agree that we should all take a break from time to time, but oh, it’s so hard to do!! I’m an Internet addict, I admit, and realize that I need to take more time away from the keyboard and start having a life! It’s on my to-do list! Peace~
Hi Jeanne,
Thank you for saying that – you just made my day with your kind words 🙂
I agree with you, taking a break isn’t easy for those of us who are blogging consistently. Ah…there you said it! Start living a life away from the Internet because that too is a life you need to live, which includes being a part of your family and friends. I’m not an addict that ways, but my time just flies online working all the time. I need to change that too.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your views 🙂
I have done all of thee things when I need a break and they all work quite well!. I have to first and foremost practice what I preach. It would be hypocritical of me not to take care of myself!
I blog when I love to blog, and not when I don’t!
Hi Jodi,
Nice to know that, and you are absolutely right about practicing what you preach. I think I will certainly be taking a few days off and working on things as well. I wish I could do that, or perhaps I just feel too committed to my readers presently. I guess at times you need to make the choices that you feel are right for you, isn’t it?
Thanks for stopping by 🙂
As a fairly new blogger- just 5 months- I am still building a following and want to be consistent. I find it very rewarding, especially as I am now having more people commenting and all.
But the down side, as you all know, it that it’s really, really time consuming!
I post weekly and it seems that once my post is done it’s time to start thinking about the next one.
I will be writing a brief post this weekend and then not again until January 6. My first break. Yay.
Everything you’ve raised matches my experience. Perfect timing too.
I’ll look forward to finding ways to find better balance. I suspect that will come with time and experience.
Thanks for your insights, Harleena.
Hi Winifred,
That’s wonderful indeed! It reminds me of my time when I started, and how every new comment boosted my morale as well 🙂
Oh yes…blogging isn’t easy! Writing a post is perhaps the easiest part, but the promotion of a post, along with handling the comments that keep increasing with time, and the return visits to those who visit your blog is what takes the maximum time.
Lol…you are certainly not the only one to go through that! When I was posting twice a week, till a few days back, I was writing a post, replying to the never ending comments and visiting other blogs, and also writing the new post in the little time I had to take away from my own time, which wasn’t really working out. Thus, I reduced the posting schedule to once a week, and even now, I’m not too happy with the way things are because though I manage to reply to the comments in a week’s time and pay my return visits in the following days, and do the promotions etc, I’ve yet to find time to work on my other projects in hand, on my blog and several other smaller things I want to. Perhaps taking a few days completely off might help 🙂
Yes, that would be a nice long break, and I too shall be writing my first one of the year around the same time, after the last for this year on 24th – that needs to be a special one! Don’t worry Winifred, with time and experience you learn to manage your time, your way. No one can make a planner for you better than yourself because you need to see to things that suit you, and at the end of the day it’s you who has to be comfortable blogging with the time you have in hand.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your experiences with us 🙂
Hello Harleena,
I just got my private company started out and it is going great. A lot of projects in my hand right now and I must confess to you that my blog has started weighing me down… Now I am trying to apply time management but honestly, I can’t promote my blog anymore, i have stopped commenting on some blogs because of time.
Now here is my question to you; does time management truly works? Because I have been trying to promote my blog to the large numbers of area that i have been doing for long but it just wont cut :).
Well let me not talk too much. Thanks for this lovely post, it was sure helpful and most appreciated 🙂
Hi Babanature,
Wow! Congratulations – this is good news indeed 🙂
I can well understand the pressure you must be feeling because anything new you start, takes time to establish and then comes the consistent running of it too. I know what you mean dear friend, and as we chatted a little on Facebook about it, I think if you see what your priorities are presently, you can afford to take the blogging a little slow for a few days, till your company catches pace, and then come back to your blog promotion.
Time management works well, though we need to choose and do what’s important to us first, and then divide the time accordingly. I wonder whether it’s only the blog promotion to your normal areas that isn’t working, or other things too that you might’ve reduced, which you were perhaps doing earlier. And you can never really know about Googles Updates too, when they take out a new one and surprise us, we can never say, isn’t it?
No, don’t worry at all, and this platform is for all of you to share your feelings with me and each other too. I wish you the best with your new company, and as I mentioned, take blogging a little slow till your new set up is on its feet, you won’t lose anything much. Try it out! I’m presently doing the same because I need to work on other more important things too that need my attention.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your experiences with us. Hope I managed to solve a little of your problem 🙂
Fantastic points Harleena – I’m going to save and re-read this again.
I found this so encouraging, because sometimes you need that break to clear your head and get some vision and new ideas flowing. Yet there is always the concern you will fall behind. AND once this year, I took a break and had a hard time jumping back in!! 🙂 All in the life of blogging!!!
It’s most of all so helpful to know I am not alone in these feelings. Thank you for all you have shared throughout this year Harleena – I have learned so much from your blogging. Happy Holidays to you and your family!
Hi Karen,
Glad you liked the post 🙂
Absolutely! Sometimes you just need a break, a complete get-away from the online world, or even the offline one, to introspect and just think of so many things that otherwise perhaps you don’t find time for.
The fear of falling behind is always on the mind of most bloggers, and they often think so many times before really taking a break, isn’t it? Oh yes…if the break is a nice long one, it becomes a little tough getting back in the grind once you return. I took one too when my Dad was visiting us, and after those two weeks, it took me time getting adjusted to things, though it all catches up pretty soon. Yes, you tend to think that your life IS blogging, and not that blogging is part of your life. 🙂
Not at all the only one, and as you can see from the comments, almost everyone has vouched for having similar feelings, except a few.
Thank you for saying that, Karen. You made my day a lot brighter. Merry Christmas and a very Happy New year to you and yours too. 🙂
Hi Harleena,
Your post has reached me at the perfect time. I’m so glad you wrote a post on how to take a break from blogging. Just this week I’ve been feeling pressured to get this week’s post out, which I still haven’t drafted. I’ve just been too tired with other work commitments.
Anyhow, I’m not going to feel guilty and will publish the final article either tomorrow or Thursday at my own pace.
Thank you.
Hi Hiten,
Nice to hear that, and being the holiday season, I thought it would indeed be the perfect reminder to send out to every blogger 🙂
I can well understand what you go through, Hiten. Life does get busy at times, and no matter what we try, we do get caught up sometimes. I think we all need a break sometime or the other. It needn’t be only during Christmas or New Year (though this is the time when most people take a break), but any time you feel you need a break is a good time to take one, isn’t it?
That’s how it should be – publish your post without feeling guilty about it and without any kind of pressure. I just read your post too, and as always, it’s a wonderful one.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your experiences with us 🙂
Hello Harleena,
Taking a break from what you like doing can be stressful and uneasy, but at the end, you will enjoy it better, Most especially Blogging can be addictive, All thanks to your advice, I will be taking a break very soon, but still thinking if I will be able to
Hi Temilola,
Yes indeed, if you don’t take a break it can become stressful (I think you meant that), and the work pressure keeps building up slowly till you can take it no more, perhaps that’s one reason some bloggers quit, because they reach a stage of burnout. Breaks ARE essential, whether you are a blogger, writer, or simply working all the time. Glad you are thinking of taking a break, do that – you won’t lose anything 🙂
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts 🙂
I agree that we all need a break every now and then. Most people take vacation time away from work but as a blogger you don’t always think that is possible because your readers are expecting to hear from you. If you plan on taking a break, let your readers know. 🙂
Hi Christy,
Absolutely! That’s the main reason for writing this post, so that I can remind our dear blogging friend’s too, to take a break and take it easy! I think most of the time we sit with guilt or ‘feel’ about what our readers will think about us, if we take a few days break. But being human, even they understand perfectly well and are right back with us, once we return all rejuvenated, isn’t it? Yes, just let them know you are taking a break, and they’d understand.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts 🙂
Nice post Harleena!
I’ll probably take a break in the upcoming weeks because of the holidays. It’s good to kick back and relax and recharge your body, mind and soul. Accepting guest bloggers that you know and trust is an excellent idea. Not only will your blog be updated, but you can rest. Everyone needs a break once in a while.
Hi Amandah,
Glad you liked it, and happy to know that you’d be taking a break in the coming holidays too 🙂
Absolutely! I think we deserve it (look who’s talking!), but we do for all the hard work and effort bloggers put in, isn’t it? Not to mention, it’s not just blogging, a mom or a dad has to additionally take care of a 100 more things at home besides blogging, if they are bloggers. I guess it’s the perfect time to unwind and take it easy.
Guest posts work best, and I’ve seen some bloggers opt for it as the best choice while they are away. Your blog remains updated and you don’t lose anything as well. Nevertheless, taking it completely off too is alright sometimes 🙂
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your views with us 🙂
I agree, and my girlfriend tells me the same more or less everyday. And she’s right also because looking at earnings, generally speaking, blogging isn’t so profitable. Maybe it’s my fault because I don’t sell anything related to blogging. But the ratio between time spent and money earned is usually very unfavorable. 🙂
Or I should simply close my Adsense account and give up earning all those cents a day.
But as you said Harleena blogging is addictive and the personal rewards when someone tells you that you have been of help are priceless.
Also, is there another way to share your thoughts with the world?
Happy holidays!
Hi Andrea – nice to have you back 🙂
Lol…I hear you there, and you aren’t the only one to be reminded about taking a break! Yes, blogging earns you provided you remain consistent, and get the right kind of traffic to your blog. There are many who are making a living from their blogs, and in thousands of dollars! Perhaps even a particular niche related blog makes a difference.
I agree with you there, and that’s where the work-life balance we all need to take care of before things get out of hand. Google Adsense is dependant on the traffic I feel, the one you get from the search engines or the referral one more so. But you could even try other methods to earn, besides Adsense, though perhaps they might not be again as paying, but worth trying for a few days.
Oh yes…that’s exactly why I carry on – because the rewards what people shower upon us with their words is way beyond the monetary aspect of it. Agreed – nothing better than blogging to share your thoughts with everyone, and also to hear what everyone has to say to you. I love the comments and interaction on the posts too.
Thanks for stopping by, and wishing you and yours Happy Holidays as well 🙂
Good Morning Harleena!
When I received your e-mail this morning I was excited to give you a visit to hear you advice on how to go about taking a break from blogging.
I do know when I go and visit my grandson’s that I do sometimes feel guilty because I do abandon my blog to spend some quality time with them and Love your suggestion to let my readers know about this beforehand.
I do know that this does do me good though because when I get back I am refreshed and ready to get back to work.
Thanks for the great advice here today.
Have a Wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year
Chery :))
Hi Chery – a very good morning to you 🙂
Ah…isn’t that just what every blogger needs – a real good break! That’s exactly what happens with most bloggers – they begin feeling guilty for doing the things they want to do, which includes spending time with their families or loved ones. Makes me seriously wonder whether this was the reason we started blogging!
Yes, if we inform our readers beforehand, we lose nothing, instead, gain their trust and they are also aware about our posting schedule or return. Carolyn does that whenever she takes a little trip out, so I know it does work well.
I think we can all work much better when we return from a short break, all renewed and refreshed. Not to mention that a few days it takes a while to get used to blogging once again because we lose touch, if we’ve been away for long, isn’t it?
Thanks for stopping by, and wishing you Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year as well 🙂
Oh boy, Harleena!!!
I definitely needed to hear this today. You’ve completely described me in this post! I find myself feeling so guilty if I skip a week of blogging! I get this pain that everything is just going to collapse and my readers are going to run away if they don’t hear from me. I know it’s not true, but the feeling creeps up anyways! But, I completely agree, if you consistently push yourself, the quality of your articles will lessen.
I have an upcoming trip to Argentina, and I won’t be blogging at that time. So, I have planned on loading up two posts to go out when I’m away. I may in fact, reduce that to one since I have a lot of other things going on right now too.
My biggest thing, though, is reducing the guilt I feel. Perhaps, it really is about just notifying my current readership and changing the wording in my welcome email to reflect that I will possibly write 2 times a month.
Hi Jennifer,
Nice to hear that because that’s somehow what every blogger is saying, so you certainly aren’t the only one! I guess we all need reminders about taking a break off and on, isn’t it? 🙂
I think the guilt factor remains in most of us, who are really serious about blogging and want to remain committed to our blogs and readers, and in such cases, it’s tough to take a break – ask me! Yes, the ‘feeling’ is what we assume half the time, while it might just not be the case – in-fact it isn’t, because our readers understand things pretty well, but we keep thinking they don’t.
Wow! Argentina sounds wonderful, and you are doing the right thing by scheduling one odd post, just to keep things moving, and as Carolyn mentioned, she lets the readers know of her return and taking up the comments later for those posts when she is away. So, something like this can always be arranged.
You should do what you are comfortable with, Jennifer, this is something I’ve come to learn with time. I was just getting too many comments to handle earlier with my posts twice a week, about a month back, till I reduced it to once a week so that I could take care of a few things at my blog, my writing projects, and at least reply to all the comments and visit back those who came over. You lose nothing much, honestly speaking, and are more at peace with yourself at the end of the day, something that we all want, isn’t it? Yes, let your readers know about the changes in your welcome email if you want, or about me page or anywhere on some pots too – they all understand 🙂
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your views with us 🙂
Thanks for a great post Harleena. Very timely 🙂
Blogging can be addictive and takes over your life. I know because I’ve been there. My poor family hardly got a look in because my priority was writing post after post. Especially when I first started blogging. I was desperate to have lots for people to read. But now, I know when to ease off.
I love my blog but I also have to earn a living. So, my priority has shifted.
What I’m about to say has nothing to do with your article. But I need to let off steam. I’m so angry. I paid my monthly invoice to Hostgator on Sunday. I had an expired domain which I decided not to renew with them. Instead of allocating the cash to the outstanding invoice for Miraculous Ladies,they offset it against the expired domain and suspended my blog. I paid it again last night. That made two payments.
I sent six emails last night. They didn’t respond. I went on live chat today. I was online for 55 minutes. They admitted the payment was received and the billing department would sort it out as a matter of priority. Well,I just checked my blog and it’s still suspended. I’m fuming right now. I think the best option is to leave Hostgator.
Anyway, sorry for going off track. But I’m sure you understand my frustration.
Thanks for sharing a great post with us.
Enjoy the rest of the week. 🙂
Hi June,
Nice to know that you found this post in time for you 🙂
Very true! It’s slowly taking over mine even though I know what it’s resulting in slowly, so I need to put a break on it all before it eats me up and I become an addict too! That’s just it – either our family, or kids, or spouse and relations suffer, or else our work suffers. Striking the right balance is the toughest part, and when you try doing that, you cannot still give your full because either of the two (family or work) still remains on the back of your mind, and I think such is the case with every working parent, whether mom or dad, who have to take care of their kids, home, and the work front.
No worries at all, June. You’re welcome here anytime to share your feelings with me, even though not related to the post. Oh dear…that means paying twice for the same account and your blog is still suspended? That can surely get you angry and frustrated! But I’ve somehow found Hostgator to be very prompt with their live chats and service, so perhaps let them take their time because the time zone might be an issue also, and I hope they refund the amount and sort out your blog soon. Yes, I just checked your blog and it is up, and I see a new Hostgator post there too and why you are angry with them…lol… 🙂
If you have a better service than Hostgator, you could, or perhaps try the new one Adrienne’s using, though I feel none of them is completely flawless. It’s the customer support that needs to be good with the one you choose, more than anything else. So, see what you like and study its pros and cons before switching over.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts with us 🙂
Hi Harleena, What a timely post!
I’m surprised you didn’t mention me by name in your article. I’ve been blogging up a storm this month, trying to squeeze all of the Christmas articles in that I can before the 25th. Today is the first weekday in December that I’m not posting. So hey, I’m taking a break, right?
You’re right, over-blogging can make us burned out, reduce our effectiveness at getting stuff done in the real world, diminish the quality of our writing and affect our personal relationships. I know because I blogged 5x a week in the beginning of my blog and I’m seeing the signs again now.
You offer excellent advice about how we can manage the expectations of our readers. Let them know what to expect and they’ll be back!
You also give good ideas about pre-scheduling articles. When I head out on holidays I pre-schedule articles to keep the consistency of my blog going but I’m not around to answer comments. I let the readers know and when I’ll be back.
Thanks for giving us a reality check and great advice, Harleena!
Hi Carolyn,
Lol…Yes, I should have for the way you’ve been posting nearly every alternate day, or sometimes daily – GOSH! How do you manage all of this? 🙂
I know the tough time I have with my one post and the numerous comments, and I can never think of having more than two. I know Adrienne does a wonderful job with her two posts and 100s of comments too, but you take the cake for writing so many posts dear friend- even though it’s for this one month presently, but you have written 5 in a week earlier!
I like the ‘one-day’ gap that you call a break! I wonder how YOUR life would be if there is NO Internet, Carolyn!! I need to write a post on that pretty soon too, just think about it as to what you’d do?!
Yes indeed, everything suffers if you are blogging daily and doing so consistently. Some bloggers manage it off pretty well too, but then they take a back seat where social media or their social presence is concerned, or they don’t bother about their social status, comment replying, or visiting other blogs, which actually is the major part of blogging. It’s not the writing of the posts that takes that much of time as these other things, isn’t it?
We all need a break, honestly speaking. And if we sort and plan things out before leaving, we ensure our readers keep getting new stuff on our blog, in-case we want it that ways, or else just take it easy and enjoy your little holiday.
I know you always have your posts done up before you head for a break, though you rarely take a few days off together I think. I like the little note in the end you leave that tells your readers when you’d be back to take up the comments perhaps. I think our readers pretty well understand that, and their visits might lessen during such times too, or they think about the comments we’d have to answer, so comment less 🙂
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your pearls of wisdom with us. 🙂
Hi Harleena,
I so understand what you’re talking about here. In my life at the moment it’s not easy for me to take a break, that’s why usually between Saturday afternoon and Sunday evening I’m rarely online. That’s when I take a break from my work online.
I do OK posting on my 3 blogs each week, but there has been some seldom times where I had to skip for one reason or another. Usually the first one that goes is my France blog because it’s the one that has least traffic. But for example, when I moved this past May, I’ve skipped a couple of weeks on all of them, but I did paid dearly for it a bit later in traffic and even my Alexa ranking totally plunge, so while taking a break with blog posts for some seems to be OK, it wasn’t for me.
Of course, if we feel that we’re burned out it’s our body and brain telling us that we need a break, and we NEED to take it.
Americans don’t believe in vacation, that’s why people are working their whole life with a ridiculous 2 week vacation, but in Europe, and France especially people already had 4-5 weeks’ vacation back in the 1970’s. If you work for the government that number is doubled. This is because they recognize the importance of giving people a break.
When you give yourself a break, you renew yourself and are ready to start stronger than ever. Taking a break is important indeed!
I hope you’re taking a well deserve break at this end of the year, and all the best to you for 2014!
Hi Sylviane,
I can understand your situation pretty well, having been in one myself when I had both my blogs running too 🙂
However, I wonder how you manage to blog on all three of your blogs! It requires proper discipline and set timings, I know that, or else you cannot really achieve your desired target. When I was doing it myself, any kind of break or outing would result in a delayed or no post, but that wasn’t what I was liking myself, yet one carries on. But once the comments increased, I had to lessen out on one and concentrate on this one totally.
Yes, I remember the time you moved and were blogging less, which of course had to be done as you had to take care of other things and being alone it’s not easy, the traffic would take a dip. But I’m sure you made up pretty soon for the rank and traffic, isn’t it? I guess scheduling posts in advance works best in such cases, though you need to work extra hard for doing that. I see Carolyn doing that whenever she takes a little trip out, though how she manages to do it all – I really wonder!
After a while, especially if you are not taking a break often, your body is bound to reach that stage when you can’t take it any longer, then perhaps you either slow down, if not forced to quit. I guess taking frequent breaks or limiting your work time to a few hours so that you can relax a bit is another alternative, though I wonder how many bloggers really manage to do that!
Is that the case with all Americans? But they do believe in taking their weekends completely off, so we have hardly any of them replying to emails or posting anything on Saturday and Sunday, something that I want to start with too. I think if one does that, one doesn’t mind it because you are working just five days a week, while the other two days are for taking it easy. I wish the government makes a ruling to give its officials a break too – they have that in the Army in our country, though only in the metros as yet.
Yes, I’m also getting into the mood to take one, though I’d be very much home and catching up with so much work if I do, so not really a break in the real sense.
Thanks for stopping by, and hope you take a few days off too, especially during the holidays 🙂
Hello Harleena,
This is just a lovely article and exactly what I needed. It’s really not easy taking a break from blogging especially when you blog alone. The fears which you mentioned to be loss of revenue, ranking and lots more are entirely true.
In life, one has to make big decisions, every big decision is a direct response to how the next result would be affected. Too much blogging and not taking a rest naturally has effect, in as much as Social life sees a decline, heath implications could arises.
I decided earlier to as a matter of fact, make next year less online dependent. And this article just came at the right time. It was very long but I had no option than to consume all of it and I must say it was worth every time spent.
I sincerely do hope more bloggers can read and bookmark this article. It really makes us sit back and begin to evaluate our lives, knowing what went wrong as well as having a strong conviction to make amends.
Thanks for this lovely piece Madam Harleena.. 🙂
Hi Nosa,
Glad you liked the post and could relate to it 🙂
You are absolutely right, and I know how it feels as I blog alone too. These fears I think are faced by most bloggers, especially who are earning a little at least from their blogs, so you and me aren’t the only ones.
Life is ALL about the choices we make, Nosa. As you rightly mentioned, every decision we make, affects our next result. If we don’t take care of ourselves, or our health, and give attention to our loved ones, we are going to be affected by all of it, sooner or later. I’ve seen health issues creeping up slowly, but because I am aware what they are due to, at least I can take timely action. I think keeping everything within limits is the key, and that goes for blogging or any other work that you do, isn’t it?
Lol…sorry for the length of this post, yes, it did turn a little longer than expected, and even though I thought of reducing the length, but I felt everything was required so that bloggers get the message through this post and DO take a break from blogging, at least for a few days if not more.
Yes, we all make mistakes and that’s natural being humans. But if we know our mistakes and can make timely amends, why not try for those, isn’t it?
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your insightful thoughts with us. I wish you the best in your new ventures next year. 🙂
Hi Harleena,
I must be in High school when I had read these famous lines: ” What is this life if full of care, We have no time to stand and stare!”
Though I was too young at that time to comprehend the import of these words but I am glad they have stayed with me, guided me and made me ‘stand’ from time to time and appreciate little joys of life, taking out time for myself and my family, enjoy the holidays etc.
I started blogging recently but I told myself to write more for pleasure and share that happiness with fellow bloggers. I know what you are saying when you are coaxing to take a break! That is true for whatever work we do. Breaks always add a new perspective and more energy…they reinforce the urge to work harder and better.
I think you need a break more than anybody else!! your tweets and other updates on social media are so competitive!! So time has come for enjoying these holidays and make sure you do what you are so vociferously telling us:)
Wishing you Relaxing, Fun-filled, mobile free holidays!
Hi Balroop,
Oh yes…I remember those lines too, I think by WH Davies if I’m not mistaken, and it was in high school that we’d to learn it up 🙂
I’m glad that you not only remember these lines but have also made it part of your life and follow it up, something that I need to get back and do now. I think taking a break is SO essential, whether for yourself, your family, or just ‘to be’ – sometimes doing nothing is such a pleasurable state to be in, isn’t it?
You made the right choice, and it’s good you made it from the start. I also started that ways, but with time when things got better and I started learning about how things are done, things caught pace and one thing led to another. Although I enjoy all of it, but at times it just becomes so overwhelming. But as they say, there’s always time to change and get better, and perhaps I might just start doing more of leisure writing – you never know!
Yes indeed, breaks always help, and I realize that the moment I take one. I think you can see the difference when you return with full enthusiasm and renewed energy. Lol…you are so right – I DO need it pretty bad, but I fear that even when I take a break and have my laptop and the Internet connection going, I’d just be catching up with my pending comments, or other to-do work online, if not blogging! I agree with you, the tweets and other social media presence also need a break now! I will….I will…and I will surely take a break Balroop- I think you all telling me, makes me feel that I do need a break badly too – complete break-off in the real sense though 🙂
Thanks so much for your heartfelt comment, and wishing you Happy Holidays as well. 🙂
Hi Madam Harleena,
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy and obviously blogging all year round without a break is one great disservice.
Thanks for these tips!
Hi Emmanuel,
Ah…you said it all in that one line of yours, and you are very correct in saying it too 🙂
We all need a little time to relax and unwind once in a while, and if we can manage to take such breaks, life would be much easier, and we’d be able to accomplish much more when we return, isn’t it?
Thanks for stopping by and adding your two cents to the post 🙂
Hi Harleena,
I was just wondering how interesting stuff I may find in this post.I start reading it and read it till it completed.What I found that this article has come straight from the heart, suffering of creativity, importance of the time given to family, competition, guilt, you have covered everything what needed to be. And you very well understand the psychology of the bloggers/writers.Great Post.
Hi Nitesh,
Thank you for saying that, and I’m glad you liked the post and managed to read through these 3000+ words – sorry for the length 🙂
Yes indeed, the length is the proof that it DID come from my heart, just as my other posts do, so it becomes tough to control the flow of words at times. Oh yes…being a blogger, writer, mom, and very much a family person, I do know what it’s like to go through it all. Not to mention that while I wrote the post, it was all a reminder for me too because I still need to create a perfect balanced life for myself, but I’m working for that.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your views 🙂
Hello Harleena,
When I started reading this post, I was a little confused about what you meant by ‘taking a break’. I was all the more confused because many bloggers pay the bills from their blogs. I was going to ask: ‘Is it not irresponsible to take a break from your source of livelihood?’
However, when I saw your suggestions, I was placated. I’ve already scheduled all my posts via Blogsy App for iPad. That means, I’m sure going to have more time during the holidays!
Your post is ideal…coming at a time when most persons are caught up with celebrations and feel extremely guilty if they don’t work. It is my belief, following your suggestions would make the whole process a lot more easier and beneficial!
Thanks for the superb post! Do have a great day!
– Terungwa
Hi Terungwa,
I can understand your confusion, something that would concern every blogger 🙂
Yes, perhaps taking a long break would affect the livelihood of a blogger, more so when they are earning money from their blogs. Perhaps that’s the major reason they don’t ever take a break – I know many who don’t, and I wonder how they survive! But I guess being humans, we all need to get away, even if it’s for a short time, isn’t it? I think a nice and sweet get-away we all deserve, don’t you think so?
It’s good that you’ve already scheduled things – oh dear! Is there some App for doing that too?!! I need to learn how to handle those gizmos…lol.. And I DO hope you take a little time off during the holidays, or even otherwise.
I know, and I fall in the same category because I also don’t like taking breaks too for the very reasons I mentioned, but sometimes we should. If not for ourselves, for our loved ones and family.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts with us 🙂