Last week I committed the cardinal sin of a blogger who posts regularly about motherhood, bad recipes, and funny things she sees on the internet—I took a blogging break. There. I said it. And now that I have outed myself, I want to encourage you to do the same. There is a unique beauty that comes in silence, a rest that sometimes can only be achieved when we are truly intentional about taking a break from a passion that we hold dear. Here are a few ideas if you plan to take a sabbatical from your online space:
1.) Inform Your Readers.
If you plan to take a blogging break, whether it be a few days, a week, or a month or two, be sure to let your readers know! I took a week long blogging break a few years ago without announcing it on my blog, and by Wednesday I had a friend calling from out of state to see if I was okay. Consistent blogging gives your readership something to look forward to, so be sure to let them know you are taking a break from your space, and let them know when you are returning! They will miss you. Here’s what I did last week during my writing time off.
2.) Keep Them Interested.
So, you’ve told your readership that you will be back in a week, but how do you keep pageviews coming in without your stats flatlining? Social media schedulers, like HootSuite, are your best friend, ma’am. Schedule some of your favorite posts to share on your facebook and twitter in advance for each day you plan to be absent from your blog. Chances are, some of your new followers have yet to see this older content and your veteran readers will appreciate some of their favorites popping up on their news feeds.
Also, post pics on Instagram of your kiddos racing in the yard, the progress in your garden, scripture you read this morning, or the dogwoods blooming downtown. You are still giving your friends and family little glimpses into your week without going into a 500 word blog post.
3.) Enjoy the Break.
Take the time you would use normally for writing to absorb a favorite book, sleep a few minutes later, or curl up and watch season 5 of Friends on DVD with your favorite afghan and a large bowl of ice cream. You are taking a break for a reason–to refresh and replenish. How is the Lord speaking to you this week? What inspiration have you gathered that you can share with your readers next week? Enjoy your time with no regrets. Use this time to clear your mind and develop of renewed sense of direction and purpose for your online space. Kick up your feet and enjoy the break!
Do you have any tips for taking a break from blogging? What have you learned from your sabbaticals?
Elisa Pulliam says
May 12, 2014 at 9:24 amIt’s so funny to see this posted today. I just shared with my team at More to Be that we’re shooting for a summer of rest. I’m scaling back our posting schedule and spreading out new posts from my writers with oldies, but favorites, from the last two years. I’ll use schedulers for FB, Twitter, and Pinterest, to keep things active for our readers while disappearing behind the scenes. I’m looking forward to the refueling that will come from stepping away for a season. It’s been a long two years without a break and it’s time for rest.
christie elkins. says
May 13, 2014 at 7:31 amSounds like a plan! And just want you to know I have LOVED your ITA podcasts with Kat, they have been some of my faves!
Denedriane Dean says
May 12, 2014 at 9:29 amJust what I needed to read today. Thank you for validating the need for a blogging break, no matter what time frame!
christie elkins. says
May 13, 2014 at 7:31 amYou got it! Sometimes we just need a breather!
Rebekah says
May 12, 2014 at 12:59 pmHow fun that you would write this now! I recently took a brief blogging sabbatical in April, and it was one of the most refreshing times I’ve had since I started getting serious about this whole blogging business. Someone I think you know *wink wink* (A Cookie Before Dinner) was my wonderful coach while I was on my break. We talked about different strategies, books to read, and ways to relax. She encouraged me trough notes, Vox messages, and in prayer. I had pre-decided set of books that I wanted to dig in to (one of the things my coach did was have me cut down the list so I could really sink in); spent a lot of time exploring other artistic areas – remembered how much I LOVE art journaling and discovered how much it can inform my writing; listened to many of the podcasts from Kat Lee’s “How They Blog”; and went through many of her exercises – including identifying and personifying my core audience. I stayed somewhat active on social media through Instagram, Twitter, and a little bit of FB, but for the most part, it was a quiet, restful time of meditation, planning, and just enjoying living. Coming back has been more of a challenge than I expected – even after just a month. A good one though, because I find myself measuring my words more carefully, considering what I’m saying – basically putting some of the sabbatical ideas into practice! I’m going to be doing this again for sure.
christie elkins. says
May 13, 2014 at 7:30 amThis is a great testament of how refreshing a blog break can be! Loved that you rekindled your passion for art journaling. And yes, I am super familiar with NJ. She is my go to gal for so much!! Love her. And Kat’s “How the Blog” is such a great resource huh?
Wick Anderson says
June 6, 2014 at 1:24 pmTotally. In the midst of the words we write that call others to breathe deeper and slower…may we allow ourselves such moments as well.