As Jennifer mentioned when sharing our calendar, we’ve focused a little less on new content this summer, and there are a lot of reasons for it. For one, we have a lot of big plans in the works and only so much time to commit to planning versus creating content (more on that below). Also, summer is a busy time for travel and events, so our computer time is definitely a bit more limited. Ultimately we decided to post a little less frequently (always an option!), but if this is the case for you, you might want to take a break altogether. Here are 3 signs that might help you decide!
Your brainstorm sessions aren’t inspiring
We all have lulls in inspiration, but for us it often just takes setting aside a couple hours away from the computer, either out exploring or simply with a notebook to get us feeling re-inspired with our business. However, there are times when no matter what we do, coming up with a new blog post idea or fun collaboration is just TOO forced. And honestly, while I think you should always try to stay inspired, I think sometimes forcing it too much can lead to a lack of authenticity in content–where it feels more like just throwing something up there just to stay on schedule. If you’re just not feeling it for whatever reason, it’s probably time for a blogging hiatus.
PS: If you’re still looking for creative ways to inspired, these resources might help!
You don’t have time for strategy
This might only apply to those who blog as part of their brands, but if you are scrambling to post regularly so much that you can’t really plan for the future, you might want to take a break to collect yourself. There’s no perfect amount of time you should take to craft good content (no matter what they say!)–sometimes a blog post just takes longer or doesn’t work out. Lately, we’ve had two or three posts on the schedule that, when it came to writing, just didn’t make sense to post. Obviously that set us back, and then it was hard to keep up with blogging + social media, too. At that point, it might be a good idea to give yourself a little time to rethink your strategy and resume when you’re feeling more organized.
You’re caught up in real life
How many times have you heard a blogger apologize for life getting in the way of their content schedule? How you feel in *real life* is so much more important than the fraction of you your readers see. If you have travel, work, relationships, health or anything else intervening with your blog schedule, don’t feel bad–just embrace it. Put your email in vacation mode, send out a little something on social, or do nothing at all, but just realize that it’s OKAY. I realize this is difficult when a portion of your income or portfolio depends on you blogging, but you’d be surprised at how easy it is to pick up and get the ball rolling again. It takes awhile to realize that each project you do or passion you pursue is, while really important, a small part of you–it’s natural to focus on other things at times, and doesn’t mean it’s the end!
Lastly, if you’re super uninspired or not having fun with blogging, it might not exactly be a break you’re after. Instead, it might be a new direction or creative outlet altogether you need.
When did you last take a blogging break? How was picking up again after?
PS The planner pictured is One Canoe Two’s 2018 Wise Words Planner.
Alicia says
I’ve recently taken a short break from blogging recently because I was so caught up in real life, and while I felt slightly guilty…it was nice to step away from the screen for a while.
Alicia x
http://www.aestheticobsessed.co.uk