And isn't that true of any week or month? Which leads me to today's topic...how NOT to burn out. I can't say I'm any expert at this, and there's probably something you should know.
Everyone burns out to some extent...eventually.
It's what you do in the face of blogger burnout that matters.
- Take a week, or a month, or three off
- Stop reading and binge-watch TV shows
- Only read comics
- Paint
- Pet your dog or cat
- Develop a Snapchat addiction (ahem!)
Dealing with blogger burnout is completely personal. Maybe you want to quit blogging completely. Maybe you'll find that if you take a break you miss it so much that you have to come charging back.
The most important thing is to NOT FREAK OUT. Take it in stride as best you can, whine to your best blogging buddies if you need to, and ride that shit out. There is life and reading and writing and Tweeting and Instagramming during and after blogger burnout. I even remember once when I had "stuff week" because I wanted to write, but I didn't want to write about books. I wrote about sustainable food instead. Makeup. Shoes. Home decor. Life stuff.
Burned out or not, I hope you can feel enough warm fuzzy love in weeks like this one to believe that blogging is worthwhile in some capacity. It's whatever you make of it for yourself.
I have had blogger burnout multiple times also. I finally started talking about stuff other than books on the blog and that has seemed to help.
ReplyDeleteI love how you added embracing to your title! Compared to you, I'm a newbie, but I have been feeling a bit of burnout lately. Maybe the 3 year itch? Or maybe I'm finding it hard to find the right words to talk about books....or many books I really love. Becoming overwhelmed with visiting all my favorite blogs and responding to my own comments, etc. But, I will try not to freak out!
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting - it seems that we all agree to just embrace the burn-out feeling and take a step back. No post has recommended pushing on through - I think that as a 'finding', that's an important one to make clear!
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with all you said. Especially - everyone burns out to some extent - eventually. Amen to that! And it's OK. Each of us has to handle that and go on or not go on as we choose. I'm a big fan of taking breaks. I know people are scared that everyone will forget them. They won't. Promise.
ReplyDeleteSuch great advice! I have noticed that life posts filter through my blog every once in awhile when I feel the burnout coming! Thankfully Kristina's Favorites cover all the things =)
ReplyDeleteI definitely wish I'd been better riding things out over the years!
ReplyDeleteDon't freak out is the best advice!
ReplyDeleteAwww, I didn't realize your blogging birthday was coming up! Happy early birthday madam! And this is excellent advice from a champion blogger. :)
ReplyDeletegreat advice, and congrats on your 11 years!
ReplyDeleteFor me, reading is my life, but the secret is to read what I want. I chose to ditch the TV, so if I got it back, that would be the beginning of the end for me!
I have definitely suffered from blogger burnout and blogger block, too. I've stepped away for two weeks before, and it certainly helps. I feel like I come out of the gate strong at the beginning of each new year and then fizzle out by the end of the first quarter of the year. The fountain of creativity gets clogged more often than not.
ReplyDeleteHappy early blogiversary! Wow, eleven years! That's amazing to me...and aspiring.
YES YES YES. I really, really don't know what I'd do without my blog friends on those rough days. Like, sometimes it's about blogging. Sometimes it's about life. Sometimes it just helps to have an outlet for the snark you KNOW you shouldn't be tweeting. DON'T FREAK OUT. That's really the best advice in all situations, isn't it? Like, even in the zombie apocalypse. You freak out and you get eaten. Keep your head? You might make it.
ReplyDeleteWise words from a wise woman.
ReplyDeleteI've only been blogging for just shy of two years, so I haven't experienced super bad burnout yet, but I'm sure it will come. Great advice in this post! Congrats on your upcoming Blogiversary!
ReplyDeletePet your dog or cat. I love it. I often blog with my senior cat on my lap. It's harder with the younger one because she likes to lay on my chest. :-)
ReplyDeleteYou are such a sunny spot in this blogging community, even when you might not feel at your best. I appreciate you helping to put this event together. I think it's served its purpose well. You and the others did a great job.
I hope your son is feeling better, Andi.
"Not Freak Out". I love it. I've heard Cheryl Strayed say when she starts to get all nutty "Don't Be Ridiculous" to herself. Thanks for a great week. Off to pet my cat, dog and binge watch tv.
ReplyDeleteI'm certainly feeling inspired after this week of blogger love. Since I don't have pets, I'll go pet my kids instead. :) Thanks for an awesome week, and happy blogoversary. 11 years... wow!
ReplyDeleteLoved your advice. Petting my cats has got me through some rough times. I'm glad I'm not the only one who has let life get in the way of blogging. Stupid life. ;) Love the advice about not freaking out!
ReplyDeleteWhat great advice - do not freak out. When I look back, blogging definitely changed during life highlights, moving house was a huge one.
ReplyDeleteThanks for an amazing week, I have to be honest and say I missed all your posts, weird, I just clicked on the link from Reading the End.
Only read comics is how I get over reading burnouts now... Most of my reading burnout is caused by stress in my life, so I find the quick comic setting is the best way to feel accomplished when everything else may be falling apart!
ReplyDeleteThis post brims with love, Andi. SO much love! Your advice is golden. Thank you for hosting this. Because of BBAW, I met many interesting bloggers. I am receiving so much love in return. Thank you for everything. :)
ReplyDelete"It happens to everyone. DON"T FREAK OUT" is exactly the kind of understanding advice a blogger on the edge of burnout needs to hear. Thank you for continuing to be a pillar of the book-blogging community...and for doing it how it works FOR YOU.
ReplyDeleteYOU'RE PERFECT.
ReplyDeleteSage advice. You're da bomb.
ReplyDeleteVery nice website and articles. I will be realy very pleased to visit your website. Now I am found that we actually want. I check your website everyday and attempt to learn something from a blog. Thank you and looking forward to your new submit.
ReplyDeleteZayn - Pillowtalk Nightcore
Flo Rida - My House Nightcore
Adele - Hello Nightcore
Justin Bieber - Love Yourself Nightcore
This is part of why I'm glad I'm working with contributors! Every time I start to feel a little burnout coming on, I read something they wrote or notice what they're talking about online and it sparks something. Now - I've been blogging for A LOT less time than most of y'all have, but I have found working with other people and bringing in guest writers to help me keep the juices flowing!
ReplyDeleteI have to confess that I've never had a blogging burnout- My problem is the opposite: I want to read and write about books but sometimes I can't because I have to study or work. So then I stop blogging for a month until the exams or whatever pass and then I come back to my blogs, happier than ever :D
ReplyDeleteAnyway, this is a hobby for most of us, so it's OK to write or not to write if you don't feel like it. It has to be pleasant!