But then I turned around from the screen. I looked at the number of books I'd acquired, all the tough due dates I'd put myself under and something sort of just broke inside me. I love writing and reading. It helps me escape. But I'd escaped out of my own life so much that I wasn't really living it anymore and the people I love had noticed.
Suddenly, the four or five hours a day I'd put into blogging seemed like way too much (because it was). Unfortunately for me, I still haven't found a great balance for all this. Right now, I find I really don't want to blog or read because I'm blaming it for something that I did. But blogging and reading are things that I love and things that I plan on sticking with. Just in moderation.
I've come to realize that taking a week off can be the only way to really let yourself wind down. This is not a job, it's supposed to be fun and the second you lose sight of that, you are in trouble.I'm not perfect at figuring this thing out. I'm sure I'll stumble more along the way. But I'm excited to be trying.
Have you stepped away from the screen lately to see what's going on right behind you? I hope you all will just take a moment to breath. It'll make you a much happier blogger.
What are your thoughts on blogging breaks? Have you found your balance?
I think blogging can be very overwhelming at times and it is extremely difficult finding a balance. Still, I don't think I have a nice balance. I've had my blog since April of 2010, and I barely posted. I didn't take blogging seriously at all, and I continued to be like that until August of 2011. So basically, from April 2010 to July 2011 was just a big break, even though I hadn't even officially started blogging (if that makes sense). But since August, I've been trying my best to post consistently. I don't schedule posts or anything, so soon, I may be under stress, but for now, I don't think I need a break. I respect the bloggers who do take some time off. Life gets busy and sometimes having a blog just adds to stress. I think it's wise for bloggers to take a break once in a while. Otherwise, blogging is not fun! And if it's not fun, then there's no point in it, is there? Fabulous topic, Amber!
ReplyDeleteI completely understand what you mean. I was crazy about my blog schedule in Jan and then I cracked and realized I was pushing away my every day life for a blog. I love my blog, it is my baby but I needed to loosen up a bit. Now I've found some people to help me with the blog and I feel I'm finally reading and doing somethings that I want.
ReplyDeletethanks for the great discussion, I hope you find the balance.
I still haven't found the perfect balance, but am trying to get a handle on my review books and blogging obligations. Truth is, I have more than enough books and have been neglecting the books I bought for me, in favor of reviewing the bright, shiny, new titles. I only post a few times a week now, am alternating my review books with my personal reads, and don't accept many review offers any more. It's hard, but life will pass you by otherwise.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with finding your balance!
I completely agree, I threw myself into blogging and it sorta got on top of me. Now I try to put a lot less pressure on myself, I accept less and less review copies and I only post as often as I feel I can. There's definitely a balance to be struck and it can be hard to find that balance sometimes. I definitely think taking a break helps.
ReplyDeleteThe Cait Files
I agree.. Blogging is for fun. But sometimes it feels like work because you use so much time and efford on it.
ReplyDeleteBut fun work. But still you need a break sometimes.
To not get all stress.. I don´t blog everyday anymore. The english blog I maybe blog every second day or less. If I don´t have a review or anything special to share.
I don´t want to just put something in there. Rather have something interesting, and not every day. Instead.
Because for me it doesn´t matter that you don´t blog evert day. Because I wouldn´t be able to get time to read everything. Anyway.. Rather read great stuff.. When you got it :)
And to get something great.. You might need a break for a while. I totally get that :D
I have needed breaks from blogging every now and then, because it isn't a job. I don't want to do it when I'm not having fun with it, so I'll step back and just focus on reading something I want to read, or do other things like watch a TV show I got behind on. And then usually throughout the break little things will start to pop up that make me miss blogging so when my break is over I'm ready to go.
ReplyDeleteI feel like since a blog is for fun (or at least that's how it starts out), you should be able to do whatever you want with it. If a blogger needs a break, then definitely take that break. If a reader truly enjoys visiting your blog, they'll understand and they won't forget about you just because you had to step away for a bit.
ReplyDeleteAs for finding a balance, my blog is kind of low-profile (which is what I'm comfortable with right now) so I'm not feeling too pressured at the moment. But I do have to remind myself of the committments I'm making when I consider doing something new that could further my blog.
Great topic! I hope you can figure out the best way to balance everything. =)
I respect a blogger's decision to take a break. It's supposed to be for fun, but if it's stressing you out, why continue to push yourself to the limit? Your true followers will understand your need for a break.
ReplyDeleteI'm just starting out book blogging but I am trying to be really aware of burn out. I think it is really easy to do in book blogging especially, because there are constant new releases of books, you can see how much others are reading and reviewing very easily, etc. That's why I'm still a bit intimidated, as a newbie. It can be overwhelming!
I'm also realizing that posting consistently doesn't mean you have to put out 3+ reviews a week or try and post everyday. I don't want blogging to become a chore, or see reading as just another thing on my to-do list. I began this because it is fun and I love reading. If that stops happening, then I guess I'll have to re-evaluate.
For me, I read every day and the bulk of my reading doesn't interfere with the PEOPLE in my life as much as the CHORES in my life (working on that, lol). But sometimes the blogging does a little bit. My way of handling that is that every couple of weeks, instead of posting 4-5 times per week, I'll post maybe 2-3 times per week and those will be scheduled in advance if possible. So it's like my family feels like I'm taking a break from it.
ReplyDeleteI'll admit, though, for me - blogging is my let-down at the end of my day, kind of my recharge. After the hustle and bustle of a very busy traveling husband and three very active children, plus all of their activities, blogging is what I enjoy to unwind. I choose this for myself. So when I "take a step back" for them, it makes me sort of sad and I really feel like I'm missing out.
My family has to feel like I'm making them a priority, but I hate that it comes at a cost. That may sound selfish, but it is true. I totally understand what everyone else is saying. But for me, this is what I do to unwind. Taking it away is like keeping me pent-up, ya know? NOBODY WANTS THAT, lol.
I'm glad you took some time off and gained some new perspective. I enjoy reading your blog and hope that you can figure everything out so it all works out for the best for you. ;)
I took all of November and December off from my blog and contemplated quitting all together. I would miss it and the friends I've made too much though so this year I'm learning to relax about it.
ReplyDeleteI'm not worrying about posting every day or reviewing every book I read. I'm reading for fun again. I've been much happier so far.
I hope you find what works for you too.
I'm still trying to find a balance, but I think I'm getting closer. I have books I've said I'll review, so I do need to get to those, but my kids come first, so when something has to wait, it's always the blog. I'm okay with that. My kids are 10 & 3, so we won't always be where we are. As long as there is still an internet, my blog isn't going anywhere.
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