A few months ago I read a post by Karren over at Oh My Heartsie Girl about how she was going through blogger burnout. Seeing that I had recently went through it myself, I shared an extensive list of ideas on how to combat it. Once done “commenting” I realized I had pretty much wrote a blog post.
So, without further ado, here are my thoughts on how to avoid blogger burnout.
Avoid blogger burnout: 9 tips to help you stay on fire! #blogging Click To Tweet
Carefully select the times you publish your posts
A good sleep helps to combat blogger burnout.
I used to schedule my posts to go live at 8 pm but I would have troubles falling asleep at night because I was excited about the comments coming in.
Then I started scheduling my posts for 4 am. I have no idea why I selected this time but it messed with my sleep patterns because I would wake up at about 4:00 and be wondering if everything published okay without any glitches. I changed my publishing time to 6 am. I actually sleep until 5:30 am now!
Drop the baggage
Blogging out of obligation or habit can take the appeal out of writing.
For instance, I stopped participating in my Friday {this moment} postings. Even though they were super easy to whip up, sometimes I would be scrambling to pull them together on a Thursday night. Plus, when I had surveyed my readers back in January they had indicated that they didn’t enjoy the {this moment} posts as much as my other posts.
When I evaluated it, I realized I had lost my enthusiasm for these posts. The extra time it took to promote and share something that I was less than enthused about, seemed like a waste of blogging energy.
Don’t post for the sake of posting
Speaking of dropping the baggage… don’t post for the sake of posting.
I realize there’s a lot of blogging advice out there that says to publish at least 5 times a week. While this may potentially increase your visibility in search engines, I guarantee there’s something better for increasing your visibility… quality content.
Don’t ever sacrifice quality for quantity.
I sometimes leave 2-3 days between post publications. When I do this something amazing happens… the post “ripens” and gets viewed a lot more in comparison to if I had thrown up a post the next day. Let your readers savour a piece of written work for a couple of days!
Don’t compare
“That blog has only been running for 7 months and it has 2500 followers but I’ve been blogging for 3 years and I only have 320 followers. What am I doing wrong?”
There’s something that happens when you start blogging “seriously”… you get sucked into the vortex of numbers and comparison. This is a surefire way to burn yourself out. Don’t look at other bloggers’ numbers and compare your blog to theirs. They are on a very individual journey.
Blogging “success” can’t be duplicated… it’s as individual as the bloggers themselves. Discover what your readers love and capitalize on it.
Seek community
There is comfort in friends, support, and in mutual experiences. No one knows blogger’s burnout like someone who’s already been through it.
If you don’t already have a “tribe” find one… or make one! There are many blogging groups out there. Personally, I love SITS Girls… it’s my favourite place for support and community.
Attend a blogger’s conference or a virtual gathering. For instance, I recently enjoyed a Blog Staycation. The energy, encouragement, and enthusiasm that I encountered in that event was so inspiring!
Take a break
One of the best ways to combat burnout is to take a break from posting.
- Consider getting guest bloggers to write for your blog. Plan their publication times for when you need a break.
- Plan a flashback week where every post for the week is a short snippet with a link to older (perhaps undiscovered) content. Robin Kramer did this beautifully on her blog and called it a Blog Pause. You can see an example of one of her blog pause posts HERE.
You may need to take a break from commenting on a specific blog.
Every blogger knows that blogging involves visiting other people’s blogs. However, a relationship needs to be two ways. If you’re dedicating loads of time and energy into visiting and commenting on someone’s blog and they never reciprocate, perhaps take a break from visiting them. Consider investing your time into a relationship that will give back to you.
Seek help
I know it’s sometimes hard to do but asking for help is a huge way to combat burnout.
- Hire a virtual assistant
- Consider having regular contributors for your blog
- If you host a blog hop, seek a co-host (or two) to lighten the load
I opened my SHINE Blog Hop to co-hosts because I was quickly getting overwhelmed by all the work it took to host the hop. Having a co-host makes the blog hop a lot more manageable.
Make a social media plan
If you haven’t yet written a social media plan, then I advise you to do so as soon as possible. Social media is often more time-consuming and exhausting than the actual writing of posts. Need some ideas as to what your social media plan should look like?
- Decide what you want from social media.
- Decide which social media platforms you want to be active on and focus on them.
- Set goals and make a detailed plan as to how you will achieve them.
- Find a platform to schedule your social media shares – I, for one, love CoSchedule (affiliate link). I purchased my subscription from them within 2 days of starting their free trial because I loved it so much!
- Check out this link from Buffer on social media strategy. It suggests that planning, implementing, and measuring your social media strategy takes time. However, the invested time is well worth it.
Live your life
You’ll burn out quickly if you never take time to rest and recharge!
Schedule times to blog. Outside of those times, live your life! Visit with friends, get outside, explore your city, do some volunteer work… do anything to get away from your blog and social media. Remember… living life will give you the inspiration to write!
Avoid Blogger Burnout! Living your life will give you inspiration to write! #blogging Click To TweetHave you ever experienced blogger burnout? Do you have any tips that you would suggest to avoid it?
SHARE WITH OTHERS
If I had an essential reads for bloggers list, this post would be in it.
I recently dropped the baggage and asked myself some tough questions about my blog and my readers. Through that experience I learned the importance of having blog focus.
I ended up splintering my online presence into three blogs. That sounds like more baggage but they are three focused blogs and I think having focus will allow me to avoid burnout.
I’m so glad you enjoyed this Nicole. I think you’re onto something… an essential reads for bloggers list. Sounds fabulous!
I would think splintering into three blogs would be more challenging to keep up with but it sounds like that worked for you.
Thanks for sharing and connecting!
This is AWE.SOME advice!! Thank you ;)
I started to jump into the “I have to post” mode, and it didn’t feel authentic. Of course, I would love to post everyday, but I want quality. Alike you, I dropped some of my weekly posts because I felt myself becoming rushed and chained, that just doesn’t feel creative. I want to be creative.
I’m my biggest critic, I have obsessed far too much on whether or not a post was good enough. This can burn anyone out, I’m starting to trust myself, have more blogging confidence.
XOXO
I’m so glad you enjoyed this. Posting daily is a surefire way to burnout! I’m so glad you caught onto that on your own.
I’m my biggest critic too – thanks for sharing your perspective on this.
I’m glad I caught it too. Sometimes, I get upset with myself for going days without posting, BUT I know I have to put my heart into it.
Not that I don’t have heart everyday, but I don’t want to post rushed work. I have SO much respect for bloggers who can post quality everyday.
XO
Another great post! I love reading your blog because I see so much of myself in it! I had to play around with my posting times as well. I used to schedule for 8 pm, but I kept staying up with excitement. Then I tried 7 am, but I’d get on my computer first thing in the morning and start checking things, which threw my whole morning off. Now I post at 7 pm and my newsletter goes out at 8. It gives me time to put my daughter to bed, then check to make sure it posted and the newsletter got sent. Plus then I can post a personal link to Facebook and Tweet before 9. It works for me for now, but it took awhile to find my groove. Thanks for the tips!
I’m so glad you enjoyed this Brittany – I think we are kindred spirits indeed!
I loved hearing how you juggled the timing of publishing your posts – I’m glad you found something that works for you.
Great post. Again! It always amazes me that while I’ve been blogging twice as long as you, you seem to have a much better grasp on the whole thing than me! I am always learning from your posts. Off to check out SITS right now.
I’m so glad you enjoyed this Renee. I love writing my blogging posts because I just share what I do and what I figure works for me… it delights and blesses me when it helps someone else.
SITS is fabulous! I absolutely love it.
This is such great advice….I know I get burned out and feel bad when I don’t post as much as I’d like.
Thanks for stopping by Janelle. I’m glad you enjoyed this advice. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Focus on quality and you’ll be fine.
Wonderful post. Touches a reality that I’ve come to recently. I was getting too sucked into the obligation. When I took a break in August, I was surprised how many of my readers stayed with me and were right there when I started again early September. I make it a point to let a day go by between posts (unless I just HAVE to share something) and have enjoyed the freedom. My goal was never to make money or get popular. The first objective of my goal was to record my family’s journey. And I keep reminding myself of that!
Thank you Yanic. I’m glad you came to these realizations on your own. It’s important to take care of ourselves!
These are great tips! I think bloggers need to take a break once in a while to get their passion for writing back again.
I agree Susan. Those breaks are much needed.
I love this post because it covers so much! I’ve definitely had to stop visiting blogs for a lack of reciprocation. There’s not enough time in the day to spread efforts where they don’t return. Quantity over quality is always a bad move and rules I live by outside the blogging world too. Like I said…I love this post!!
I’m so glad you’re already taking some measures to avoid burnout. I, for one, would be very disappointed if you suffered from blogger’s burnout.
Thanks for sharing your own perspective on this.
I completely understand all these. Love your blog, I’m your newest follower!
So glad you enjoyed these tips Ashley. I hope they help.
Thanks for the follow! I just visited your site and reciprocated.
I look forward to getting to know you more.
Great post! From the start I knew I didn’t want to post every day. I post 4x per week and that feels right for me. Building in time for breaks is very important…and something I get right most weeks. ; )
It’s so great to establish your routine that works for you. It took me a while to do that.
Thanks so much for sharing how you manage your blog.
Love this post for so many reasons. I have been blogging for a few years now and I have seen friends come and go. It always makes me sad.
I enjoy blogging and since it isn’t bringing in millions of dollars :) and if I want to continue enjoying it then I need to give myself boundaries and limits and follow them!
Great tips, have a wonderful weekend!
It’s hard to see those blogging friends go. While I understand sometimes it’s due to family circumstances, I find it really sad when it’s due to burnout. Burnout is completely avoidable… because when it comes down to it, we’re doing it to ourselves.
I’ve come to accept that I probably won’t make lots of money blogging but I enjoy it… and for now, that’s all that matter.
I’m so glad you enjoyed this post Jen.
Thank you!! I think I needed to see someone actually write this out
You’re welcome. I hope this helps you avoid burnout… and thank you for the times you helped me with the SHINE Blog Hop. Having a co-host keeps me afloat!
I really got a lot out of what you wrote. I just started blogging in January and did not have a clue as to what I was doing…still really don’t. I’m learning by blogs like these what I should and shouldn’t be doing. Thank you for taking the time to write and share this with all of us.
I’m glad this was informative for you! I think these tips are essential whether you’re new to blogging or you’ve been doing it for years!
Thanks so much for stopping by.
Hi Jennifer,
I just read your post again and WOW what a difference four months makes. I am in the beginning stages of blogger burnout right now as a matter of fact. Thankfully I have great friends like you that write posts like these that bring me back from the dark side. lol
I need another mini-break from my blog after tomorrow’s Facebook party is done. I have been killing myself with the brilliant idea I came up with to have this BIG BIRTHDAY BASH! Don’t get me wrong it has been a lot of fun but I’m tired now. Hahaha
Congrats again for having this blog featured by the SITS Girls today. I hope you are enjoying your Friday and that you have a fun filled weekend!
xx
Lysa
You’ve been working so hard on your party… yes, sometimes those major events can be exhausting. Be gentle on yourself and take a break if needed. I don’t want my blogging buddy to burn out!
Great tips!! I love to social media plan and focusing on quality over quantity. But like you said. Quality posts get so much more response than just your everyday post. Thanks for all the great tips!! Pinned :)
Social media planning is essential.
I learned at the beginning of this past year that quality over quantity was essential. I wish I had learned that sooner.
Thanks for pinning!
excellent tips! Thanks for writing and sharing!
I’m so glad you enjoyed these tips Susen. I hope they help you out as well.
Great post! I agree with all of the above. I burnt out quickly when I blogged before, and I think key is finding balance, and finding out what YOU want from blogging. That will be different for everyone.
Good point to establish what YOU want from blogging. Otherwise, you’re spinning your wheels in so many different directions.
Thanks for sharing Misty. I’m glad you enjoyed this.
I think I am most likely to get burned out when I wait until I have run out of posts and have to come up with something under pressure. I’m much better off if I pre-schedule several weeks of posts – combining in a mix of new and “recycled” posts. Then I’m not under the gun to meet my post dates. And I’m in the process of switching to WordPress, which should give me some new toys to play with and some new things to keep it fresh for me. I’ve been blogging since 2007 and I’m also a big fan of the SITS girls. I’ve been to at least 3 (maybe 4?) of their blog conferences. #SITSSharefest
I’m the same way Adrian. I like having my posts scheduled and a few on the back burner at all times. When I’m under pressure to write, I get quickly overwhelmed.
The process of switching to WordPress is huge. I’ve recommended to others to have your posts planned for a couple weeks after the switch because there’s a bit of a learning curve. It’s good to spend the time learning the system rather than learning and struggling to write content.
Thanks for stopping by Adrian!
I’ve not yet experienced bloggers burnout. At the moment I am in the midst of a bloggers tiz, meaning I am feeling all out of sync at the moment. Before my sister turned up (bless her) I had a good blogging routine that I was happy with, but now I am struggling to get back into a routine.
I am very much a person of routine. I need to have a routine in order to get things done, so when I am thrown a curve ball it sends me wobbling.
Once I am out of my blogging tiz I must put a social media plan together, but to be honest I really don’t know where to start on that one.
Bloggers tiz… LOL… that’s a new one! I rely heavily on my schedule too and I get quickly overwhelmed when it’s thrown off.
Love this post!! It is so hard not to get ‘caught up’ in the posting schedules, etc.
So glad you enjoyed this Lauren. Just this past year I learned that quality is better than quantity. The interaction on my blog shows it. It’s a lesson I wish I had learned years ago but I’m thankful I learned it nonetheless.
This all sounds like such beautiful advice to avoid burnout. I love the idea of preventing it instead of dealing with it after you’re already feeling it. Thanks for always helping us to be better bloggers, my friend. <3
Yes… prevention is key because recovering from it can take a lot more effort.
Thanks for your kind words and for stopping by Topaz. I always love seeing you.
xoxo
I went through some burnout thoughts last month when I started to wonder if I should keep going. It was at a time when life was very busy and the blogging layer was just adding more stress. Thankfully life, slowed down a bit, I got back into my groove and now things seem to be working again. This article has some great advice that I will remember for the next time things get crazy!
Yes, sometimes when life is busy, it’s hard to give any time and energy to our blogs. Having backup posts, a guest blogger, or simply linking up to old content can get you through those seasons in life.
Thank you for sharing your experience with this Rabia.
Awesome tips Jen! I found out very quickly that it helps me greatly when I batch write my posts and pre-schedule some of the social media updates. I think it also helps when you focus on social media that you really want, instead of trying to be everywhere and I think a lot of beginner bloggers fall into that trap.
I do batch writing as well! It makes a world of difference doesn’t it?! Yes, it’s important to be intentional with the social media we intend on using… we can’t be everywhere at once.
So glad you enjoyed this Ana Lynn.
thanks jennifer!! restarting blogging again has made me remember how stressful it can be if you don’t pace yourself. I shared this on my blog for saturday sharefest!
I’m delighted you enjoyed this. Pacing yourself is so important.
Thank you so much for sharing!
Ah – Blogger Burnout was August for me. I tried a bunch of new stuff in July and quickly got a bit … much of blogging. After a break I paired it back again to what was doable for me and what I enjoy. 2-3 posts a week; replying and visiting my good blog friends and commenters, and being okay if I miss a post I would have done if “only there were more hours in the day”. Because there aren’t.
A great post!
I’m so glad you were able to figure things out Louise. It’s sounds like you have a good plan and schedule that works for you… that’s important.
This is an awesome post Jennifer. I’ve definitely had times where I felt burnt out. I think taking a break is perfectly acceptable. I rarely post 5 days a week and I’m totally OK with that. I really need to step up my social media game, but it just takes time. Great tips as usual my dear. :)
xoxo
A break can make the world of difference. I’m glad you’ve been able to navigate burn out. The blogging world would be very lonely without you.
xoxo
Great tips!!! It is so hard not to get discouraged when you compare yourself to other bloggers. I have to remind myself not to compare myself to others all the time.
Comparing oneself to others only leads to disappointment and discouragement. It’s a good practice to stay away from comparison.
This was awesome, and I pinned it to my Blogging Pinterest board! :) I recently took a half-year hiatus because I was getting frustrated, so these are some awesome tips to avoid it.
oh, and as a former VA, I seriously approve of that recommendation! ;)
I’m so glad you enjoyed this and thank you for pinning.
Sometimes we need that break don’t we? I’m glad to hear you were able to return… for many, things don’t pan out like that. I hope these tips help you avoid another burnout.
Thanks for visiting Amanda Sue!
I posted this on my Facebook status yesterday and got lots of likes and comments from people who are feeling burnt out.
So thank you for that!
It’s totally a thing. I’ve gotten it before, usually before some sort of big change and shake up that needs to happen. It helps me to just live my life. And take some photos.
Then the stories follow.
Being in a blogging community is so key for me because there are linkups, prompts, and the potential for guests! The best!
Thank you so much for sharing this to your Facebook Tamara. Burnout makes me so sad. It can totally be avoided. I understand when bloggers quit because of health or family issues… but burnout?! It’s a shame.
Thanks for sharing your perspective on blogger’s burnout as well. I can’t thank you enough for sharing. I hope this post helps someone who’s going through a rough time.
xoxo
You are so wise girl! I think all of these are great points!! Thanks for sharing us and helping us to not burn out :)
Thanks Caroline… I’m glad you enjoyed this.
I am still a new enough blogger that I haven’t experienced burnout yet, but this advice is still excellent and helpful to me. I’m going to pin this for later (if or) when I experience it. Thanks for much!
Thank you for pinning Heather. It’s good to keep these things in mind even if you’re a new blogger. I always find it’s better to be proactive rather than reactive. Although, as a new blogger, you might have to blog more frequently to build your credibility with search engines. However, after a year you could probably slow down.
Thanks for the advice, Jennifer. Right now, it’s easy to keep posting regularly. If, as time goes on, I naturally slow down, I will just roll with it. We’ll see how it goes. So far, it’s a ton of fun.
Hi Jennifer. Thanks for the inspiration. I took August off from blogging and that was my first break after almost 3 years of blogging. It was divine. I found your blog from Tamara’s blog! Nice to meet you. How about Hootsuite? I haven’t used it myself but I hear it’s awesome for planning social media posts.
Oh that Tamara, she’s such a sweetie for sharing this.
I’ve seen a lot of blogging friends walk away from it. Walking away makes perfect sense if there’s family issues or health issues but burnout is completely preventable. I hope this post helps some people avoid burnout.
Glad to hear you made your way back to blogging after a break.
Hootsuite works great – especially if you have a Blogger blog or you like to participate in Twitter parties. I prefer CoSchedule because it’s integrated with WordPress and does more than social media sharing.
So pleased to meet you. Thanks for stopping by!
Great tips Jen. I’m currently feeling a little burned out/overwhelmed with everything going on in my life and all of these tips really DO help. I also like to try to join other bloggers by participating in link ups, sometimes they do themed links which can be fun and you don’t have to come up with anything too original. It’s fun and you get to be a part of the community. I should really look more into the social networking schedulers, thanks for the reminder.
I’m delighted you enjoyed this and I’m so glad you stopped by. I hope these tips help you.
I would definitely recommend social media schedulers… it makes a world of difference.
Jennifer you had disclose interesting points in this article. First I have a schedule for every Monday Morning my post goes live, If I come out with a review or any other article in between I posted during mornings. But most of the time my readers know that every Monday I have something new. Second like you state posting 3 to 5 articles every week its a myth that you will get seen by SEO, I also believe in Quality than Quantity. I do also have a few apps that I can answer my Facebook comments and tweeter RT in my phone, however, I try to avoid having my phone all the time with me, it’s time consuming. Tribes as always good to new meet people, and I always pay forward your comments. If someone had the time to visit my blog, read my articles and leave me a comment I do the same.
Great post Jenn! xoxo Have a great week.
It sounds like you have a wonderful schedule that’s working for your Remy.
Thank you so much for sharing your strategies to avoid burnout.
Wishing you a lovely week as well.
xoxo
Those are all really great tips Jennifer. I’ve actually experienced it before myself and had to take a break completely but I’ve taken breaks for other reasons as well and it surely has helped. I’ve never thought about the times I post. I usually do it at any time. I would have it scheduled usually late in the afternoon when I get home, that way I can make sure it does post but every once in a while I would post early in the morning before I go to work. I really should have a specific time and stick to it.
I for one miss your Friday Moments post. I love seeing the pics of the girls. I know they’re on instagram now but I don’t keep up on instagram like I really should. Anyway thank you for these awesome tips and I hope you had a great weekend!
Awww, I’m glad you enjoyed my this moment posts… I prefer the monthly {these moments} posts though.
I’m glad you enjoyed this and I hope some of my suggestions help.
Thanks for sharing your experience with burnout. It helps to learn from one another.
I love this Jennifer. It is so imperative we pace ourselves and never compare our road with another. MUCH easier said than done!!! I find myself ‘wilting’ at times from being in this overwhelming state of ‘never enough reading….never enough readers’ and it becomes so burdensome, I know it’s time to shift my perspective and take a breath.
I pray. And I once again ask God to lead me in this gig…. because ultimately? It’s His Plan I want and His Purpose. If He wants me to stick in this blog thing, and reach people and connect with others- then I must and I will find joy and fulfillment in it- not stress and anxiety!!!
You mentioned God’s purpose Chris and I’m so thankful you did. Above all, I wish to be doing His will. If He wanted me… or anyone else to stop blogging, well, I would hope that His wishes would be respected.
Thank you so much for visiting and sharing your perspective.
Definitely can relate and will say that I ended up dropping FTSF because it was too much for me on Fridays and the end of the week. As sad as I was to let it go, I must admit I have never been less stressed or happier knowing my end of the week is definitely calmer and less chaotic for it.
I’m glad you did something that helped relieve that burden. Blogger burnout can be avoided… we just have to be proactive about it.
Thanks for sharing your perspective Janine.
these are great tips! i already go by most of them! so true how we need to get out and live our lives! thanks for these wise words!
I’m delighted you enjoyed this Gen. Yes, we need that inspiration from living our lives… with people, with God, enjoying life, and nature!
Thanks for stopping by my friend.
I’ve been feeling a little burned out the past couple weeks and I haven’t even been blogging very long! These are great tips. I’m definitely going to check out the idea of a blog pause. Sounds interesting!
I hope that these tips will help you Marie… I would miss you if you left the blogging world. You’re a wonderful friend.
The blog pause is a lovely idea. I may do it over the holiday season.
great post! i have def had blogger burn out a few times, but i always come back to it with more ideas and stories to share. i love blogging, but there are times i just want to throw in the towel!!! haha!!!
love the post, so much great info! shared!
xo
I’m glad you enjoyed this Lola and I’m happy to hear that you were able to combat blogger burnout by taking a break.
Thanks for sharing your experience and for sharing this post.
xoxo
I needed this post SO BAD right now. I think I’m getting to another burnout phase. Mainly because my husband started going to the gym after work, so I’m not getting around to blogging until super late, and by that time my brain is too tired and I feel overwhelmed, so I’m getting behind on posts I want to write or they aren’t coming out right and like you mentioned, I don’t want to just post something for the heck of it. I’m behind on commenting, etc. You know how it goes! I spent all weekend writing this post that just wasn’t conveying the message the way it was going in my head….I wasted so much time on it and I didn’t even publish it. I loved these ideas, especially the ones about letting your readers savor a post and also the idea of doing a “blog pause”. Brilliant idea! Wow, sorry for the blog post I just wrote here lol!
Oh wow, I hope this helps you. I can completely identify with being exhausted and too burdened to write. My husband frequently works out of town and it’s hard to have energy to write when I’m the sole caregiver for 48-72 straight hours.
I might do a blog pause during the holiday season. Readership goes down a bit during that time anyway but if I can breathe new life into old posts while taking a bit of a break, that would be great.
Thanks for sharing so candidly what’s going on with you.
AMEN! Seriously…preach it! I needed to read this badly, so thank you!
I’m so glad you enjoyed this Kristen. I hope these tips help!
What a great post! I’ve been blogging for over two years now, and I still feel like a fledgling writer. I do it because I love it, and I also feel called to share our story. But that doesn’t prevent me from burning out every so often. THANKS for this list. It’s a good one; I’m tucking the points away for later consideration. :)
I’m so glad you enjoyed this Evelyn. I hope these tips help you to avoid facing any kind of blogger burnout.
I feel like you wrote this post for me. I’ve had 2 crazy weeks and haven’t had the time to blog nor to keep up with blogs and I felt overwhelmed by it since I wanted to do it and couldn’t. This is such refreshing advice and confirms what I believe.
It’s so easy to feel like “you have to” blog when it’s not really like that.
Thanks for sharing! I’m now back on my blogging and stalking blogs mode and this post was a great way to get back into it. :)
I’m so glad you enjoyed this Carolina! The only pressure we feel is that which we put on ourselves.
I hope this post helps you in your blogging journey.
These are some wonderful tips! I started to get burned out by trying to post everyday, so I have decided now to just post 3-4 times a week. It helped me so much! I like the idea of a blog pause – thanks for sharing that! Sometimes our old posts get “lost” and need to be revisited, so I may try that sometime. I also need to decide what I want out of social media…Oftentimes I am way too random with my social media posts, so having a general plan would be helpful!
Writing daily is a sure-fire way to burn out… and really when it comes down to it, the pressure we “feel” is often self-imposed. I’m glad you found some useful tips here. I hope this helps you!
Brilliant, brilliant advice Jennifer! Thank you for sharing! Blogging can overwhelming! When I begin to get a little stressed I remind myself of why I do this. It’s for me and my family, a keepsake of our adventures! I tend to do 3 posts per week, some times more, occasionally less, for me it’s the perfect balance as it gives me time to promote these posts properly across social media and stay up to date with responding to comments etc. Fantastic post!
I’m so glad you found a rhythm that works for you and I’m delighted that you enjoyed this post Ciara. Thank you!
I just came off of a blogger burn out. It was a few weeks and in the weeks of non blogging I decided to start my own blog hop. I don’t know how but now I have a ton of posts Im working on. Funny how things happen. Have a great day.
I’m so happy to hear you were able to move past blogger burn out. Thanks for sharing your experience with it.
This was a timely read for me. I’ve been thinking about taking a break from blogging because my load has definitely increased since homeschooling started. Since I just started the blog earlier this year and have gained a small following, there’s the fear in the back of my mind that I have start over again once I return from the break. But, I feel like I will do a better job keeping up with the blog once I take some time to step away from it.
We need to do what’s right for us. If you take a break, just make sure to let me know when you’re back. I love visiting your corner of the internet.
Wishing you well Ai.
You said so many things that I’ve learned in this short lived journey of mine. :) I’m very grateful I haven’t experienced blogger burnout yet, but I do know that I’ve had to adjust and readjust my time and how often I post depending on what’s going on in real life. Loved that you gave ideas to combat this. :)
I’m so glad you enjoyed this Brittnei. I’m glad you’re able to adjust your posting times with what works for you… it makes a big difference doesn’t it? Thanks for sharing.
Jennifer – great tips/reminders. I have definitely had times when blogging seemed like a chore and I realized it was when I was trying to follow all the rules! Now, I operate authentically which does mean I break many of the tried and true blogging rules but I am happy. I think in the end it negates the fact that I am breaking some rules :-)
I’m glad you enjoyed these tips Tara… and that you’ve given yourself permission to make changes to overcome your own blogging obstacles.
Thanks for sharing.
What a great post! I had major burnout earlier this year and scaled back my posting schedule to only twice a week- the mental break & re-energizing was so helpful & my content is so much better. I’ve been carrying guilt about that (like you said, I feel like I should post daily) so thank you for saying it’s OK NOT TO!
I’m so glad you enjoyed this post Casey… and that you were able to navigate your way through burnout.
Thanks for sharing your experience.
Wonderful list! Thank you for the great suggestions and best practices. I start to feel burnout symptoms whenever blogging becomes rote instead of from a place of passion. I’ve found that taking a week or two to focus on writing and living instead of sharing, commenting, linking and numbers helps tremendously.
Taking blogging “seriously” is what hurts me the most. My page views may take a dip, but my quality and passion goes up!
You’ve shared something I’ve encountered too… when I get too “serious” about blogging I feel like everything falls apart. I need to just keep my eyes on living life and enjoying the community that blogging creates.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on blogger burnout Farrah.
Thanks for writing this post. I’ve had my blog for 7 years but have only recently started blogging. I sometimes feel like I have nothing to offer because I compare my blog to other ones. Thanks for the reminder that my blog is mine and a great blog is true to the blogger.
I’m so glad you enjoyed this.
Comparison is so harmful. Blog because you want to blog… do your best and don’t worry about others.
Happy New Year!
Hi Jennifer!
I ran across this post from SITS and LOVE IT! I’m needing to cut back on some of my activities so that I can be more productive. It’s super hard as I love some of them..but time consuming!
I’ve fallen behind on my commenting and that totally bums me out..as I LOVE my readers and friends. :(
Very timely for me to read this.
Thank you and blessings!
I’m so glad you enjoyed this Shari! I had no idea it was featured this morning… what a delightful surprise.
I fall behind on my commenting too… especially on weeks that I have a good turnout at the SHINE Blog Hop. I end up spending so much time visiting my half of the posts from there, that I don’t get enough time to comment on my “regular” tribe’s posts. It’s really a pressure I put on myself and I need to remind myself to not let it get me down.
Thanks so much for sharing your perspective on blogging burnout.
Jennifer just wanted to pop by to thank you for this post. Great tips! I’ve pinned it to my Blogging Tips board for a reminder when I feel burnout knocking on the door.
I’m delighted you enjoyed this Marie. Thanks so much for pinning too! I truly appreciate it.
Ah…. so THIS is why I couldn’t get on yesterday. I’m guessing it was set ABLAZE with this awesome post!! Oh, it’s just spot on, Jennifer! I need to be more planned and intentional about my blogging. I don’t think I use Social media the right way. I don’t use any programs for sharing or anything…
It all confuses me!! If I had the money, I would totally hire a virtual consultant.
These are all fantastic points.
Between this and an epic SHINE Blog Hop, I’m not surprised my site slowed down… although I still don’t get how come you couldn’t get on while others were. I’m scratching my head on that one.
I’m so glad you enjoyed this.
Yes, social media planning can be confusing but it really does ease up a lot of the pressure.
I think all of us wish we could have virtual assistants, and personal assistants, and maids, and a cook…. LOL
This makes so much sense and, although I haven’t been at it a year yet, I’m starting to feel a bit of the burn out. It’s a lot of pressure without immediate results, which can occasionally be trying.
I think I just need that one viral post so I can breathe easy :P
It’ll happen, someday, but for now I’ve got to focus on content instead of just the reviews.
I think you said it perfectly “a lot of pressure without immediate results”. I’ve been waiting for that one viral post too… one day right?!
Jennifer, I totally agree with these points. I wish I had known them earlier. I found them more recently in my own experience. I am a fairly new blogger, but I found that if I focus on numbers and comments and stats that I lose the love for blogging/writing. I also really love your point about taking a break from commenting on a certain blog. I had a few blogger friends that used to reciprocate, but then stopped (I am certain it isn’t personal, but they just got busy), but I need to focus on relationships that are a little more reciprocal and supportive. Glad I found this at SITS! Sharing.
Numbers, comments, and stats can quickly deplete enthusiasm, for sure. Focus on your writing and building relationships… in no time the “numbers” will be moot.
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts on Blogger Burnout.
Thank you so much for this post! I just switched to self-hosted and am slowly learning the ins and outs of having my own website, as well as more freedom. Lately, I’ve been finding myself comparing my blog to other, more “successful” blogs. It’s hard not to compare, but I’m working on trying to just let it go and focus on my own journey.
I’m so glad you enjoyed this Jess and I hope it helps you catch on fire rather than burn out. Comparison can definitely rob you of the joy to blog… do everything you can to stay away from it.
Thank you for taking the time to visit and share such a thoughtful comment.
Wishing you a lovely day!
Jennifer, Another fabulous post! I agree finding a tribe and meeting other bloggers is very important. Any opportunity to learn and share is great. CoSchedule is amazing! Love using it to schedule social media / post shares.
Cheers! Tammi
Early on, when I first started blogging I used to get quite fatigued. I felt like I had to put out content 2-3 times a week.
Now I tend to focus on putting content out once a week or once a fortnight, an dfocuss on making trying to make it good quality