Welcome to What’s On Your Mind – a place to share your thoughts and learn what others think about issues near and dear to a blogger’s heart!
This Week’s Topic: Balance Versus Burnout
Have you ever visited one of your favorite blogs, only to learn that it is closing because the owner feels that she can no longer keep up with all of the demands being made upon her in her personal, professional, and blogging life?
Do you sometimes feel guilty because you want to spend more time with family but it seems like your blog is consuming more and more of your time?
Have you ever wondered if you at risk of blogging burnout?
This week, I invite you to join a discussion that impacts bloggers everywhere – how to achieve balance and avoid burnout in our blogging lives. The official questions are below but, as always, you are welcome to discuss anything related to this topic. The information you share benefits us all. We eagerly await your response!
Questions
1. How do you maintain balance between your blogging responsibilities and your personal life?
2. What steps can you take to avoid blog burnout?
Thanks for participating and have a fabulous weekend, my friends!
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Is this where I answer?
ReplyDeleteWell, lately I have been purposely setting aside "computer free" days where I do not turn on the computer all day - that helps. I also have purposely limited my time on my blog because it's easy to get "sucked in" and before you know it, half a day is gone.
I have other responsibilities to take care of and fortunately most of my blogging buddies (followers) do understand that and receive me back with open arms after an extended absence from blogging.
I don't blog every day - to me that would be like a job and very stressful - and I do not comment every day for the folks that blog every day - I can not keep up because I want to see everyone and can not be pressured into regularly visiting someone every single day.
I basically set boundaries and most of my friends understand.
being so new to blogging, this doesn't apply yet BUT i can surely identify with the polarity of family vs _____________. i find lists/personal schedules to be my saving grace. if nothing else, at least it makes me see that x, y and z actually CAN fit in to a certain day/week. and when it comes down to it, i always error on the side of family. if they don't feel loved and supported then i am failing at my primary job!
ReplyDeleteBlogger burnout? what is that? I find it hard to stay away from it personally . It's like an addiction and the more I blog the more it feeds my computer addiction . Tell me how does one burnout if they are blogging for the fun of it ?
ReplyDeleteYou know, this is a BIG issue with me. When my laptop was stolen and I had to take a break last fall, I realized that I'd pretty much let blogging take over my life. This time around I've been better about managing my family time vs blogging time. That may mean something doesn't get done when I'd like. It also means I'm watching movies, playing with my kiddo, or reading to her. The blog will be here. My little girl won't always be.
ReplyDelete~K
I've been pondering a post about this for a few weeks now. Thanks for the reminder. I won't have it together in time to link up, but I'll think of you.
ReplyDeleteVery thought provoking question ... I sometimes just have to "disappear" from blogland for a while to create a sense of balance in my life ... to everything there is a season!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Catherine
1. How do you maintain balance between your blogging responsibilities and your personal life?
ReplyDeleteI have an Excel spreadsheet set up with a daily schedule. Much like the deal-a-meal diet program from the 80s, once I have done something, I remove it from my "available" list. That includes writing time. And if I get things done quicker than the slotted amount of time, I turn that into family time if the kids are up or writing if they're not.
2. What steps can you take to avoid blog burnout?
If you find one day that you're really creative, write multiple posts and save them for days when you don't feel creative. That way, you're not feeling like your readers are expecting something that you can't give them. At any given time, I like to have 10 posts written in Word Docs on my computer.
1. How do you maintain balance between your blogging responsibilities and your personal life? I don't have a balance really, it is whatever requires more attention at the moment. Passion is not about balance. If you balance passion, it will take away from excelling.
ReplyDelete2. What steps can you take to avoid blog burnout? I don't get burnout from blogging. I get burn out from the responsibilities and unpleasant issues that could come with blogging.
I recently had a computer free weekend in the Florida Keys and it was worth gold! Automatic posting kept me going, and I realized that my numbers did not suffer because I took a couple of days off to spend with my family.
ReplyDeleteOn the contrary, I came back with renewed inspiration and ideas.
When I start to feel burnout, I spend less time on things outside of writing for my blog
ReplyDeleteOh yeah. I suffered a period of "burn out" earlier this winter. I solved that problem by giving myself permission to "not post everyday". This has really helped!
ReplyDeleteI am a new follower via RSS feed. I already follow you via GFC. I hope you can stop by my blog and check it out and follow back.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.atthemapletable.com
I don't get burnout from blogging very much...I get burnout from the responsibilities I'm supposed to be doing in stead of blogging. Honestly, I have to force myself off the computer sometimes, not because I will get burned out if I don't, but because there's other things I need to do that are honestly more important.
ReplyDeleteI was wondering myself how in the world do these wonderful young Moms balance work, kids and blogging. I have a lot of respect for them.
ReplyDeleteI am following via All Week blog hop.
Please follow Mamaw's blog, follow me please.
www.itsabouttimemamaw.blogspot.com
I have set aside early morning hours to blog and hop! I get up early before anyone else - have my coffee and blog! Otherwise! I could blog all day! Then right before bed (I know they say it is bad for you) I blog hop.
ReplyDeleteHi - Found you through the Follow Friday 40 & Over. New follower!
ReplyDeletegigglelaughcry.blogspot.com
I don't get burnout so much from blogging as from sitting in front of the computer. I blog, I freelance write, and I do other stuff on the computer, so my butt hurts at the end of the day! I try to schedule different chunks of time so I'm always doing something different. That helps a lot. I blog hop and catch up on FB first thing in the morning, then I write a few articles, then read a bit, come back and do a blog post, write more articles, and so on. It breaks up the day.
ReplyDeleteI'm a new follower from the Stalk Me hop!
Nikki
http://www.prettyopinionated.com
I have set times where I spend time in front of the computer - and make sure I step away when there are other pressing needs to take care of, you know, like feeding my family. ;)
ReplyDeleteI used to post 7 days a week, but started to feel like I was on the cusp of Blogger Burnout - now I don't post anything on the weekends, and if life gets too busy, I won't post a day or two during the week.
Aloha: Pet Food
I've never hit that wall...knock on wood.
ReplyDeleteHave a great Friday!
http://harrietandfriends.com/2011/04/should-miss-america-contestants-show-their-birth-certificates/
I think one of the challenges of this life is to find balance. I had a religion professor say all the time, "Any virtue overdone is a vice."
ReplyDeleteI found you on Design it Chic and am following now. Your blog is lovely!
I found you through the blog hop on The Adv. of J-Man. Anyway, this is a timely post. Lately I've found myself feeling 'consumed' by the whole blogging business...building a community, posting quality entries, hosting a blog hop (my very first time yesterday and I guess my expectations were too high, lol!). I do need to find balance in all this and there is much to reflect on. Thanks for making me think. See you around!
ReplyDeleteThis is a very thought provoking post! Thank you for linking up with Feed Me Tweet Me Follow Me Home. This week's linky is now up - hope to see you there!
ReplyDeleteThere are times when I just have to walk away from the blog and take my family as priority. It's less frustration.
ReplyDeleteAnd I try to space things out on my blog so I don't get stressed about postings and stuff like that. It's hard sometimes, but I"ll walk away if it gets to stressful.
Aloha!
Newest follower, love the blog, please follow me at http://twinsboutique09.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteGreat questions - I blog because I enjoy it - but when family, work, and other life stuff needs attention - blogging comes last... I'm glad for the most part my life is pretty balanced.
ReplyDeleteI've Become My Mother
Kelly's Ideas
Amazing Salvation
I enjoyed reading others answers to your questions. I definitely have to do a better job about balancing my time with blogging and home life. If it was up to my husband he would rather I quit the "addiction" all together. Thanks for sharing on NOBH! :)
ReplyDeleteBlogging can take up way to much of my time.
ReplyDeleteI am still working on balance. I don't have all the answers yet.
I saw you at the macobi scribe link up. I am now following through google connect. You can find me at
http://bacontimewiththehungryhypo.blogspot.com/
ps it's not all bacon
I am a new follower to you/blogger and this is very timely post for me. My hubby, although a sweetie pie, just does NOT get blogging and for me it is an outlet...something my own. I look forward to readiing more comments, this is great. I think as a new blogger one is trying to establish that we are a "real deal" and offer something fun and of value to others. At least sometimes I think that. I work in addition to family and blogging so I REALLY need to shake out this balance. Thanks!!
ReplyDeleteBlogging is not my whole life! I am a working artist, I play golf twice a week, I play bridge, I frequently lunch with my artist friends, in other words, blogging is a fun activity for me, but it does not consume my life. OMG! I think I am finally well-balanced! Will wonders never cease!!
ReplyDeleteIt cane be hard to balance everything. I think with all things in life we have to learn to balance and blogging is just part of that. Prioritizing helps a lot.
ReplyDeleteI'm stopping by from the Alexa Hop. I'm a new follower too.
PS Mom Reviews
It's an addiction for me too, but I can totally see a point where I will get burned out, it is a lot of work!
ReplyDeleteBlogging takes back burner to most everything else. I try to keep up with it, but I also try not to let it consume me. I have many other roles in life, and blogging is not on the top of the list. I try to reserve every sunday for just my family, that seems to help.
ReplyDeleteJenilee from Six in the Nest visiting from the Alexa Hop. :)
I love this post! I have seen this a lot lately with blogs I follow. At this point, I don't have a problem just letting my blog go for a few days (or a couple weeks?) and just being with my family. Although, I do end up spending too much time on the computer- whether it's blogging, or not! I think the balance is different for everyone. Some people can't go one day without a blog post--that's definitely not me! (following you from the alexa blog hop!)
ReplyDeleteTake a deep breath - and walk away for a few days - works for me to keep balance. I come back renewed, and hopefully with something new to blog about!
ReplyDeleteStopping by from Follow on Friday - and now following. Don't you love how that works! Thanks for the thoughtful post.
Susan
I'm now following you. I want to invite you to my blog hop and give-away.
ReplyDeleteRenee
http://renee-joyjourney.blogspot.com/2011/04/april-give-away.html
I haven't hit burnout yet. I sometimes become overwhelmed with all I want to write about; which I then have to take time out to sort things out by watching TV or cleaning. For me, the computer is my connection to the outside world for the most part, so I rarely get bored with anything to do with online activities. I actually have to discipline myself to get the dreaded cleaning chore done and the mounds of paper work I have to complete b/c I'd rather be doing online activities! Came to visit from the Alexa Hop ;-) Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteBlogging and home lie are so NOT easy to balance some days!
ReplyDeleteI struggle with this all the time.
ReplyDeleteI'm trying to slow down a little on my blog until I can figure out how to more efficiently use my time on the computer...otherwise I easily get sucked into spending most of my day sitting at my desk, and before you know it, it's dinner time, hubby is about to get home and the house is *still* a MESS. :-P
Just trying not to bite off more than I can chew. :-)
Stopping by with my Alexa toolbar! ;-)
Johanna at Mama Chocolate
Family life, tips for mom, reviews, giveaways and more!
Yes, I feel guilty. Tonight, I let my daughter sleep first before I do alot of blogging.
ReplyDeleteVisiting from the Alexa hop.
http://momdaughterstyle.blogspot.com/
Stopping by from the Alexa hop. I don't find blogging being a burden. It does involve as many hours as my full time job. I work full time, another part time job, and blog. I don't have small children (I only have one still at home and he is almost 12). I don't go out much so I guess this is why I don't find blogging being an issue. It is my "fun" time. I make sure I post every day. And yes, the house gets cleaned as well (my husband and son do help).
ReplyDeleteYes!! I've only been blogging 4 months and I've already hit the point several times when I've just wanted to throw in the towel. I have no idea how to balance things right now. I'm trying to build right now and it seems to be taking a lot of time. Plus, when I visit someone's blog, I really would like to be able to spend time looking around. I don't want to be the one who just leaves a "visiting from xyz hop, please follow me". I want to leave a meaningful comment. So, that's what takes so much of my time. And it IS taking time away from my family. So, I do need to come up with some kind of system! I'll let you know if I ever come up with one!
ReplyDeleteI think many "newbies" feel they need to post everyday or not at all.
ReplyDeleteNot true,,,go with your flow.
And I feel the same way about writing multiple posts when you're in the groove.
I wrote 4 posts on my mom blog this past Monday and scheduled them to go out one each day. I wrote a fresh one yesterday for the blog hops
That gave me time to work on my new social network for bloggers- check it out:
The Blogging Buddies Social Network...you can create a profile, and add your blog, Twitter and Facebook links in the appropriate groups.
We are hosting a week-long blog hop starting tomorrow.
Why not join in the fun?
Have a great weekend!
Carolee
Come on home - mom blog
Working at home advice
In order to keep up with my real job--I have to limit my time posting and reading posts. I try to comment on one blog a day or stumbleon one!
ReplyDeleteIf I try to do more than I get sucked into the vast empty hole called the internet.
I don't post everyday, I just post when I feel like and refuse to compare myself to other bloggers. In the past 2 years I have actually enjoyed all of it!
Following via the weekend blog hop! Glad to add you to my friends!
http://didoodlings.com
My problem doesn't stem from blogging and family... it's a three-way tie between blogging, online courses, and family...
ReplyDeleteI do need to work on balancing all three and will be easier when I'm out of college for the summer.
School Lunch- Worth it or Not? I would love for you to read my post...
Nah, I don't get burned out, but I don't put a whole lot of pressure on myself, either. I write when I want, and I ALWAYS return comments, but I do it once a week now. I used to run to the computer and whip it open the moment I had one to return it, but now, I sit down, and I read EVERYTHING my friends have written since the last time I was there. It takes a solid hour or two once a week, but doing it everyday was too much. I also only do a couple of reviews at a time to stay sane.
ReplyDeletefrom the Alexa hop.
I don't post to my blog every day although blogging is still an every day business. Building a community and thinking ahead of your next post, etc. It can easily consume you.
ReplyDeleteSandy- Cherished Handmade Treasures
Great question as I feel that I am at that point!
ReplyDeleteI promise myself to only set aside certain times of the day to blog. I TRY not to get on during the day but as you see now it is not always easy!
I have to remember that posting everyday is not always a necessity- that there are many successful bloggers who post only 3-5 times a week!
Terrific blog. I'm glad I found you. I don't have any tips on balancing anything. I'm a mess! I just try to do as much as possible and not chastise myself when I can't do it all.
ReplyDeletehttp://divineinmind.blogspot.com/2011/04/my-auction-hangover.html
I used to do this with scrapbooking. I rewarded myself with time to scrapbook if I got other things done first. I sometimes try to do this with time on the computer blogging. By the way, come check out the new scrap stash swap I just posted on my blog at askmichelespecialpaperprojects.blogspot.com and see if it is something you would be interested in or advertising for me. Thanks
ReplyDeleteThese are great questions. I just started my blog in January and often wonder what I would do if this was no longer "fun" and started to feel like it was "work" instead. I am addicted to my computer and all things internet. In addition to the blog, I am also trying to get a crafts business off the ground AND trying to raise my three kids (5 and under). It's sometimes gets frustrating when I am on a roll, in the middle of writing what I feel is a really great post and one of the little ones comes up to me needing their rear end wiped or whatever. Sometimes I wish I had a babysitter, maid, and personal assistant who was willing to work for free (LOL, yeah right) so I can blog more. I enjoy it so much and have always felt both the writing and making crafts were my "dream jobs". On the flip side, since I technically work from home, I never really get a break. I am constantly doing something, but hoping I can find a balance with the Summer months right around the corner.
ReplyDeleteI have seen many blogs start up and stop in the five or six years I have been blogging - everyone needs a break at some time and people do put unnecessary pressure on themselves. Sometimes things like guest blogging or ghost writers can help in bad periods.
ReplyDeleteJust stopping by from the Alexa Blog Stop. Have a great weekend.
This is a tough one. I don't actually schedule my time, I just blog when I want to. (But I blog and do other related activities A LOT!) However, I could go all weekend without blogging...I try not to be too tied to it and let it overtake my life! But, it's a fine line.
ReplyDeleteStopping by from the Alexa hop! Would love if you could visit:
http://www.keenlykristin.com/2011/04/american-idol-nearing-finale.html
Thanks!
Kristin :)
I am giving myself time to spend in a large block and then I stay away from the computer for the day. I get a lot accomplished, while online and feel free to do whatever else is needed or wanted.
ReplyDeleteWhen I figure it out, I'll let you know. I get burnt out so easily. :(
ReplyDeleteI'm your newest follower from the alexa blog hop. :)
Sadie from randomosityblog.com
I said in the beginning that I would blog until it's not fun anymore. I'm not sure when that will be but I think that is the time to throw in the towel. I don't really know how to avoid burnout other than to limit the amount of time you spend blogging.
ReplyDeleteOver from the Alex hop.
http://twinglemommmy.blogspot.com/2011/05/one-scary-morning.html
This is a BIG issue for me. I've been fleeting lately because of visitors and holidays but even so, blogging is something I manage to squeeze in where ever I am. I fear being dumped if I don't keep up with visitors and posts. Thing is, I only started it as a way of developing an online presence for my book - the book blogging has stopped me completing? I will have to find some kind of balance so that I can please the readers while writing my book. I cannot carry on this way, however much I love my bloggers and blogging. My priority must be to complete my book. I'm telling you this and myself of course. Whether it'll happen is another thing. ;D As usual, well done on another interesting and useful discussion. Shah. X
ReplyDeleteWow. What a thought provoking post.
ReplyDeleteI write on my blog everyday as part of the writing discipline I developed for myself almost a year ago. I write every day. Without fail, barring broken wrists. My blog is the catalyst for writing...I often write much more than I post, but I like it for that reason.
I enjoy visiting other blogs, but my real reasons for posting are both the writing and the daily attempt I make to turn outwards and not in with my daily fears and worries.
Thanks for linking.
I am going to read all the comments now.
A+
After reading through these I just wanted to add... I never, ever look at my numbers. I did that early on and found it influenced every word I wrote.
ReplyDeleteI also don't participate in facebook which saves massive amounts of time.
What great timing - I'm a little burned out today! I'm finally getting to the point where I am okay with doing absolutely nothing for a day. It makes it easier to get back on track the next.
ReplyDeletesmart words on B.
ReplyDeletewell done.
Happy Tuesday.
That is really a good question! I don't have so much problem with the blog as much as too much computer time. I am working on some type of 'schedule' because I need one!!
ReplyDeleteStopping by from the Blog it Forward Tuesday linky party!
Stay beautiful and blessed!