4 Reasons Why It’s Perfectly Okay To Take A Break From Blogging

How long have you been blogging? Have you taken a break from blogging during those times?

Let’s talk about something that doesn’t get nearly enough attention in our hustle-and-bustle world: taking a break from blogging. Yes, you heard me right. A while ago, I asked on Twitter about taking a break from blogging.

So, what’s the deal with taking a blogging break, you ask?

Well, I’ve totally been there, engrossed in the mission to turn my blog into a sensation, to the point where I started losing sight of what really mattered in life. That’s when I had to step in and remind myself that it was high time for a blogging breather.

At first, I resisted—I had those ambitious goals, after all. I’m churning out content like a content-producing machine. I’ve got my posting schedule down to the minute, and my editorial calendar is bursting at the seams. But on deeper reflection, I realized I had plunged headfirst into what I like to call ‘crazy blogger mode.’ You know, where your blog becomes your world—you eat, sleep, and breathe blog stuff.

I asked myself, when was the last time I sat back and took a breath?

Life outside starts taking a hit. Self-care? Forget it. It’s easy to get caught on the never-ending treadmill of “gotta post, gotta post.” It’s like a marathon where the finish line keeps moving and your legs are screaming for a break.

You could argue that starting a business, whether it’s a blog or anything else, demands a grind at the beginning. And you’re right. But even with a startup, pacing yourself is key. The same rule applies to crafting and nurturing a successful blog.

Are you concerned your blog traffic will nosedive if you take a break from blogging? Hold that thought:

• Have you been promoting your blog on Pinterest? Well, those pins will keep working their magic.
• Did you ensure your blog posts are SEO-friendly? If you’ve been playing the SEO game right along, you’re likely still drawing in some organic traffic. You’ll be just fine. I’ve been focusing on SEO for the last two years and have been getting steady organic traffic.

Now that you know you can take a break from blogging, let’s talk about why you absolutely should.

Why it’s okay to take a break from blogging

Let’s clear one thing up right away: taking a break from blogging doesn’t mean you’re giving up on your passion or letting your readers down. It means you’re acknowledging that you’re human and, like all of us, you need rest and recharge. Here’s why hitting pause can be a game-changer:

Avoid Burnout

When you’re burning the midnight oil, grabbing less than five hours of shuteye, you’re on a fast track to blogger burnout. Trust me, I’ve got the data to prove it. I was averaging a measly 4-5 hours of sleep a night.

My mood? Less than stellar. I’d snap at my family for the smallest things, not to mention the errors and forgetfulness. This also can lead to writer’s block and frustration. Learning to hit the brakes and limit your hours is a game-changer for your success as a blogger or entrepreneur.

You need to allocate specific time during the day or week for blogging. If possible, chat with your family about your blogging schedule so they can back you up and pick up the slack when needed. Decide when you’ll wrap up your blogging activities in the evening to enjoy some quality time with your partner and just kick back. Planning out your days, weeks, and months with just a few tasks is the key to staying on top of things without overdoing it.

Beat the Overwhelm

When your to-do list for your blog looks more like the epic scroll of eternity, and you can’t figure out where to start, it’s a flashing neon sign to take a breather. I had notes and notebooks filled with blog-related tasks and ideas. So much to create and promote. Trying to tackle it all at once was like chasing a unicorn. I had to get real about what was doable given my home and work life. Creating a daily and weekly to-do list became my savior, helping me tackle one thing at a time.

Here’s how I break down my daily tasks to handle the overwhelm:

1. Nail a super-easy task first.
2. Tackle one larger project (it doesn’t necessarily have to be finished that day).

By knocking off that little task, I feel like I’m making progress with the blog. One less thing on the endless to-do list. With the bigger project, I remind myself – Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a killer blog. It’s always a work in progress, so don’t let it stress you out!

Ditch the Perfection

If you’re on a relentless quest to make your blog the best blog ever, outshining all your competitors and skyrocketing your traffic and earnings, it’s time for a breather. Success will come. It could be a few months or maybe more than a year.

The key is not to give up, quit blogging, and avoid burnout. If you’re striving to match your competitor’s years of work, you’re setting yourself up for a wild ride. Who knows what they’ve sacrificed to get where they are (relationships, health, you name it).

Know that you’ll eventually reach a point where you’re content with your site. You’ll have a following. You’ll have revenue.

Reconnect with Your Inner Circle

Think of a break from blogging as a vacation from your blog task. Set the phone aside for a while and truly engage with your family and friends. I had to practically hide my phone to resist the urge to work on my blog endlessly. Why? Because my phone was my gateway to writing content, leading to hours of planning and researching.

If you’re considering your blog as a side hustle or an online business, you might justify it by saying it’s to bring in money for your family. But let’s face it – you’re teetering on the edge of typical workaholic territory, missing out on the richer parts of life.

This is where setting boundaries around when it’s ‘work’ time and when it’s ‘family and relaxation’ time becomes crucial. Establish a schedule and stick to it!

Crafting a daily, weekly, and monthly to-do list will keep you on top of your priorities and time management. You can keep it simple with a notebook or printable planners, but I find myself taking my blogging time more seriously when I have a dedicated planner. Invest in one that genuinely helps you stay organized.

So, what goes down when you decide to take a break from blogging, you wonder? Well, it turns out there are plenty of perks to hitting that pause button:

• You get to clear the fog around your blog goals, tasks, and opportunities.
• Your creative juices flow more freely, and you can conjure up fresh ideas, plans, and strategies to give your blog or business a boost.
• More sleep and rest are in the cards, which means you’re in better shape to tackle work, life, and yes, your blog.
• You finally get to reconnect with actual people instead of staring at a screen all day.
• You’re present for those small, yet meaningful life moments, like doing chores with the kids.

Taking a break from blogging lets you gain perspective and figure out where your blog is headed. It helps you spot the need for tweaks and adjustments that can fast-track you toward your goals. And if you’re too hung up on the nitty-gritty details and constantly plowing through your to-do list, you might miss the bigger picture. You could miss out on game-changing opportunities or strategies that can catapult you to faster success.

Now, instead of going MIA from your blog completely, you might opt for a mini-break to rejig your plans or give your site a fresh look. Here’s what many bloggers do when they step back from the content creation and promotion frenzy:

• They evaluate their victories and challenges, dissecting what’s working and where they need a boost.
• They dig into what their readers are craving, tailoring their content accordingly.
• They consider a complete shift in direction if their niche isn’t cutting it anymore – think rebranding.
• They dive into what’s trending and the latest tools for taking their blog to the next level.

A quick blogging break can be the perfect time to refocus on the big picture. Have your goals changed? Is it time to explore new horizons?

When is the right time to take a break from blogging?

Now, you might be wondering, “When should I take a break?”

Well, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here are some signs that it might be time to hit pause:

1. Writer’s block is your new BFF: If every writing session feels like a wrestling match with a blank screen, it might be a hint.
2. Mental and physical exhaustion: If blogging leaves you feeling drained and joyless, it’s time to step back.
3. Your posts are becoming Meh: When you notice a drop in the quality of your content, a break can help you reset your standards.
4. Life throws you a curveball: When life serves up challenges – whether it’s a big move, a new job, or personal matters – it’s okay to prioritize them for a while.

How to take a break without breaking your blog

Alright, you’re convinced; it’s break time. But how do you do it without vanishing into the digital world? Here’s the lowdown:

1. Announce your hiatus: Keep your readers in the loop. Write a short post or update your blog’s “About” page to let them know you’ll be taking a break and when you’ll be back.
2. Schedule content in advance: If possible, prepare and schedule some content to keep your blog alive while you’re away. This is especially useful for longer breaks.
3. Set realistic expectations: If you’re not up for a complete break, consider reducing your posting frequency. Weekly posts can become bi-weekly, or bi-weekly posts can become monthly. Your audience will understand.
4. Stay active on social media: You can maintain a presence by sharing older, evergreen content on social media or engaging with your audience through updates and posts.
5. Use the time wisely: Your break is a perfect opportunity to work on blog-related tasks that don’t involve writing. Maybe you want to redesign your website, update your SEO strategy, or learn new blogging skills. Go for it!

The comeback after taking a break from blogging

So, you’ve recharged your batteries, explored new horizons, and taken a well-deserved break. Now, how do you stage a comeback?

1. Write a “coming back” post. Share what you’ve learned during your break and your excitement to be back. Your readers will appreciate your honesty.
2. Don’t dive headfirst into your old posting schedule. Ease back into it. Remember, quality over quantity.
3. Respond to comments and messages. Reconnect with your readers and let them know you’re genuinely interested in their thoughts.
4. Avoid the temptation to make up for lost time by overloading yourself. Set achievable goals that align with your new approach to blogging.

Now, let’s tackle some burning questions:

Why Do Bloggers Quit?

Well, many bloggers call it quits because they set unreachable goals and get frustrated, overwhelmed, and burnt out trying to master blogging skills, grow their blog, and rake in the dough.

Is Blogging Once a Month Good?

Absolutely, once you’ve got a stash of content built up. If you’re just starting, aim for a steady 4 to 6 posts a month. Consider shorter posts – 750 to 1000 words – that you can jazz up with fresh content later.

Can I Blog Part-Time?

You bet! I’ve been running this blog as a side hustle for about 3 years. It’s doable with good time management, priorities, and a content plan that jives with your lifestyle.

But always remember, take a breather now and then, and savor life!

When’s the Right Time to Hang Up the Blogger Hat?

Well, when your health – mental and physical – starts taking a nosedive, when your relationships begin to fray, or when your lifestyle becomes a hostage to your blogging obsession, it might be time to hit the brakes. Also, if your chosen blog topic no longer floats your boat, it could be a sign to change gears.

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So, give yourself a break – quite literally. Whether you go cold turkey or just ease up on the daily blogging grind, it’s a favor you’re doing for yourself. Taking a break from blogging isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a statement of your dedication to producing valuable and meaningful content.

So the next time you feel like you’re juggling too many balls, consider giving yourself the gift of a blogging break. Your creativity, your readers, and your sanity will thank you for it. Find that blogger groove once more.

Now, here’s a question for you: if you’ve taken a blogging break before, why’d you do it, and what were the results?