It’s been quite a while since I sat down to write a blog post. My last post went live two months ago today as I write this and it feels like a lifetime ago. I thought before resuming regular service, so to speak, I’d try and explain where I’ve been and why I took a much-needed blogging break.
In short, I was completely burnt out.
UNIVERSITY
If you’ve read my blog for a while you may know that I study English. I’m in my final year and the academic year got busy. I was trying to balance writing essays, my dissertation, lectures and seminars all while keeping my blog going. It was a struggle to juggle everything and I found that I didn’t have the time to keep running my blog the way I wanted to. I finished my degree (!!) nearly a month ago now and managed to achieve the first that I wanted in my dissertation. Even when I finished, although I wanted to get back to blogging I just could not face staring at a screen again so I continued to take some time away.
PERSONAL
Probably one of the main reasons why I stopped blogging was due to a few personal things that happened in my life over the past few months. Life has been challenging and I’m still struggling with a few things but hopefully, with time, I’ll get there. My head felt completely scrambled and burnt out (it still does some days). As a result of that, something had to give and my blog was what suffered for a few months as I wasn’t in the right headspace to put out my usual content.
GRADUATION ANXIETY
Also known as what on earth do I do with my life?!!? Graduating can be hard enough as it is, graduating in a pandemic is even harder. Finishing my degree was so lacklustre that it doesn’t even feel like I’ve finished. I am now in a cycle of trying to figure what I want to do next and where to go from here. I’m still not 100% but I took some time to try and figure out what I wanted without feeling pressurised or rushed into anything.
DEALING WITH BURNOUT
I think often one of the hardest parts of burnout is knowing that you’re suffering from it. I’m the type of person who likes to continue regardless but between mid-April to mid-May, I wasn’t myself. I was trying to do too much and couldn’t quite juggle everything successfully. Managing a blog and everything that goes with it, finishing a degree, keeping in contact with friends and family and living in a pandemic took its toll. To make things better I needed a break and I’m so glad I had one.
TREATING BURNOUT
Reach out to People
I’m not very good at talking to people but I needed support. I was, and still am, going through a bit of a difficult phase and you need people to talk to. Seeking help or advice or just a chat is not bad and often it can help you feel better or rationalise things.
Balance
As hard as it can be, trying to set limits for work/blogging/life commitments really helps. I am a morning person so I would try and start work before 10 have an hours lunch, take a couple of afternoon breaks and aim to be done by 4 so that I had the afternoon to chill and do things for me. I also tried to give myself at least 1 day off a week so I could remove myself from screens and do whatever I wanted. It made such a huge difference to my energy levels and motivation.
Look After Yourself
It’s easy to forget about yourself when you’re feeling burnt out but it’s so important not to. Taking the time to get a decent night’s sleep, factoring in time for things you enjoy, trying to move during the day and eating well will help you feel better.
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While I am still struggling with some personal things I am feeling a lot better about returning to blogging. Burning out can be so easy to do without even realising it but recognising it is half the battle in helping you deal with burnout. Take the time to look after yourself, find a balance if you can, and talk to whoever you need to.
Hi, welcome back! I just got back from blogging break too. I decided to take a break from blogging after I got my first vaccine. Good post. Thank you for sharing.
First of all congratulations on your degree and achieving what you wanted in your dissertation! I think that taking a break is so necessary and the best tip you gave is to find a balance between all things. Still working on that too! Hope you have positive months ahead x
Thank you!
This is such a real and raw post – thank you for sharing your story! Congratulations on completing your degree 🙂 I appreciate your honestly with where you were at with blogging, and applaud you taking the time to step back and take care of yourself first (which is SO important!). You’ve offered some lovely tips on burnout that I imagine will help a lot of folks. Thanks for sharing.
Alex – https://www.simplyalexjean.com
Thank you so much!
Welcome back! Blogging breaks are so so important. I’ve definitely experienced it way too often as I’m not good at taking breaks but you’re so right about having balance x
Welcome back! I’m glad to hear you’re doing better now. Thank you for being so honest and sharing your experiences. Blogging breaks are so important, there’s absolutely no shame in taking a step back when you need to. Also, congratulations on achieving your degree! x
Thank you!
Hi Tash,
Welcome back! I’m glad that you are feeling a little better. And congratulations on your degree.
Taking a break now and then (be that a 15 minute break during a busy day or a fortnight off on holiday) is essential – it helps process and unwind.
And the balance of which you speak is a vital aspect to consider once you start work, too. Get the right work/life balance – far too many don’t and the health and relationships suffer because of it.
I did suffer from bad creative burnouts that affected my blogging, reading, and everything hobby-related. Eventually I learnt to recognise the signs and take breaks when I need to. Take care, Tash! Burnouts suck but they only come when you literally can’t go on in the same pace.
Thank you!
First and foremost I want to congratulate you on such a big accomplishment. Getting a degree is not easy , and I’m glad you reached that goal. I am also happy to hear you took a break for yourself. Self -care is needed and I’m sure that break is what you needed to take your blog to the next level. If you would’ve forced creating content it wouldn’t have been as good as it would be now when you have the time. I wish the best of luck in your career journey. You got this.
Thank you!
Congratulations on the first! And for completing your degree 🎉💖. I’ve missed your posts but definitely understand a burnout. It can be so hard to acknowledge it but it is super important to let someone know and plan out how to get through it xx
Thank you!
I think you’re right when you say the hardest thing about burnout is recognising it. I’ve definitely learnt to become a bit more self aware recently, however there’s been lots of times where I’ve just ‘powered through’ and it’s made things worse. Time away for yourself can never be a bad thing. I’ve just had a couple of weeks away from my blog & I feel so much more motivated and excited to come back now. Hope you’re doing okay love!
Claire.X
http://www.clairemac.co.uk
I’m so glad to have you back but know the importance of a break! Blogging is hard enough without all of the other stuff you manage to do on top.
Rosie
Graduating is so exciting but so terrifying at the same time! I completely agree with your points here and I think regular blogging breaks are so important x
Welcome back lovely! I took a blogging break quite recently and it’s honestly the best thing I’ve done in a long time! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk