There comes a time in every blogger’s creative journey where we run out of motivation or enjoyment for what we do. It’s difficult to admit that sometimes the passion has disappeared and we’re left wondering if blogging is still worth it. Taking a temporary step away can seem daunting; but trust me, it’s better than lingering until all the love is gone.
Being underwhelmed or feeling like blogging no longer motivates or generates engagement can cause us to question if we should continue. It can happen spontaneously or from the slow burn of dissatisfaction; either way, it’s important to know that this is normal.
Whether it’s because life got busy or time became constrained; ideas are running dry or you don’t currently retain the mental/emotional energy to focus on your blog — all of these reasons are valid and should be paid attention to. You don’t have to immediately grasp why a blogging break is required (that often comes once you’ve stepped away); simply being able to identify this feeling is reason enough to listen and take action.
Anticipating that a much needed break from blogging is likely to occur will allow for preparation; facilitating steps to rest, recover and possibly regain appreciation for your site. It’s worth mentioning, however, that not all blogging disruptions can be planned for; a swift and unexpected exit can occur because something more important takes precedence. It’s perfectly acceptable to completely walk away without any notice if unavoidable or essential; I had to do this for most of 2020 (and a few times since then) to care for my husband. No matter whether a pause from blogging is foreseen or not; your site will still be there to build on once more when you choose to return.
If you have the time, foresight and energy; these tips can help make sure you retain reader and viewer engagement while on a blogging break …
Switch Up Your Schedule
Sometimes all the respite you need is a temporary change to your posting timetable. Instead of updating your blog every few days, do it once a week, bi-weekly or even monthly; you can be as flexible as you like.
Promote Older Content
While you may not want to write anything new; promoting older posts on social media will help maintain a presence within the blogging community. In addition, updating content can refresh interest and direct new readers to your site.
Keep Commenting
Making sure you visit, read and comment on a variety of blogs continues to be one of the best ways to establish and retain engagement; even when you haven’t added anything new to your own content.
Advertise Your Site
We’ve all seen bloggers offer advertising; taking a break can be an ideal time to make use of this option. Their paid packages not only promote your site and highlight previously published posts, they will encourage people to support you while you’re stepping away for a bit.
Repost Content
With permission, reblog content from other sites that complement or match your blogging niche. This offers your readers a fresh perspective and supports the work of those you enjoy and appreciate.
Allow A Blog Takeover
If you feel comfortable permitting this, and you’ve built up enough trust with someone; you could hand over your site to a fellow blogger who will update and write posts for you. Providing login details to another person won’t be for everyone; however, if this seems like an option, I recommend obtaining a formal agreement that outlines rules and expectations — including when/how to hand back control.
Use Guest Posts
Bloggers like to write content that gets highlighted on other sites; it increases visibility, builds connections and improves domain authority. Curating a series of guest posts helps to maintain reader interest, viewership and site promotion because featured bloggers will direct their audience and followers to the work they have provided.
Host A Linky List
If you’re unsure what a blog linky is, it’s a tool that allows others to add their content to the end of your post. Often used for themed challenges, topics or tags; it encourages bloggers to join in and share their work. For example, you could moderate a weekly link-up dedicated to Sunday self-care where anyone with posts on this subject can include them on your site. Despite requiring some promotion to entice people to take part and a sign-up to Linky Tools that generates the list widget, using them is really straightforward.
Join A Linky List
Instead of managing your own blog link party (outlined above), connect with the ones you can find on the Linky List Directory.
Have A Comeback Plan
Sometimes the sole focus of a blogging break is figuring out whether or not any changes need to be implemented. It’s an ideal time, for example, to redesign, rebrand or establish an alternative direction for your site. Once you’ve identified objectives that facilitate a return to blogging, renewed enthusiasm may follow.
No matter what you explore while on hiatus; discovering a balance that reignites dedication and enjoyment towards blogging represents an achievable goal. Dissatisfaction in life is often a sign that new growth is taking place; if something no longer sustains us, it must evolve as we do — it’s much the same with blog writing.
Have you experienced a blogging slump? Are you thinking of taking a break?
Further Info:
Your Body Knows You’re Burned Out – The New York Times
transatlantic | notes 
I honestly haven’t taken more than a few days off from blogging over the past 2.5 years. These are all very helpful tips especially when the break is not a planned one. Linky tools and LuvComment are great – do you know if they impact SEO? Thanks for sharing!
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The info I’ve gathered thus far is that Linky Tools, etc do not negatively impact SEO unless used to spam. I think if they are used appropriately (and probably sparingly; as would be the case if it’s for an occasional blog break) then they can be a useful idea to try out. Thanks so much for reading!
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Thank you for providing so many details to prepare for a break. I’ve had a hard time writing over the past 4-6 weeks. With the exception of 1 post, I managed to maintain my schedule, but had to fight for every word I wrote. I may be in need of a break soon. This list is so helpful in figuring out the best way to go about it if/ when the time comes. Thank you for sharing it out!
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I understand completely and I’m with you; it’s been a hard fight lately and I’ve adjusted how I go about a few things which has given me a bit of a break. I am so happy this was useful and I hope you give yourself the blogging rest you need!
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While we haven’t reached this point yet, thanks so much for sharing what to do!
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If it ever does happen; hopefully this will help! Thanks for reading.
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These are great ideas for blogging breaks. My breaks have not been planned ahead of time, unfortunately. Maybe I should have a few pre-written posts ready to go for when they do happen unexpectedly. Thank you for sharing!
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My breaks were the same; unplanned/unexpected so having a few options in play can be really beneficial and take some of the stress out of being away from blogging for a bit. Thanks so much for reading!
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Thank you for this post. It will definitely come in handy for me, one day.
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That is great; thank you so much for stopping by!
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Good tips for blogging break. I like the comeback plan the most. Thank you for sharing.
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I like that too; very useful!
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Absolutely loved reading and it has come at the right for me, I have not been writing new content for about 5 weeks now and I’m really struggling to get back into it. For me it’s time. So much going on, it never occurred to me to promote older posts! Such a simple concept. Great read Molly x
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I have been in your shoes a number of times throughout my blogging journey; I know how upsetting it can feel when you don’t have time or something else is going on that takes overs. I am so happy these ideas were useful; I’m wishing you all the best as you move through this blogging lull!
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i especially loved how you mentioned sharing older content! this is a great strategy to get traffic to your blog when you aren’t in the mood to write new content. thanks for sharing this!
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100% — it’s such a useful strategy that I highly recommend!
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A timely post for me. I’m feeling a bit disheartened and demotivated at the moment with blogging.
Thanks for the tips!
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I feel you on this; it’s definitely a cycle we all go through. I hope these tips help.
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I have had to take a blogging break numerous times simply because I wasn’t inspired enough to write. I was always feel overwhelmed by the thought of needing to step away however. Your tips have eased some of that nervousness. Thank you for taking the time to write this.
Lauren //
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I understand that nervousness; it’s completely normal to need a break and 100% okay to step away for a while. We all get caught up in traffic, blog DA scores or all sorts of stuff; but none of that matters if we’re uninspired. I am so glad this was useful!
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These are some really great suggestions! I’ve taken a couple of blogging breaks before and found that promoting older posts and engaging with others really helped keep thins going. I love the idea of advertising with someone and the linky threads too! Thank you so much for sharing.
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Promoting older content, etc. is such a great way to keep traffic coming and keep a connection going; I am so happy you found these tips useful!
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I used to be so hard on myself about taking breaks and worked hard to get content pre-written so I didn’t have to. Now I take a much more relaxed approach! If I want a break, I just take one and pray to the SEO Gods to bring me some organic traffic while I’m gone. LOL!
Corinne x
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Haha, I LOVE this! I have developed a more relaxed approach too and it has been a game changer; I highly recommend every blogger does this!
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I really needed this right now! I defiantly feel a little burnt out with creating content whilst also being present online. For ages I’ve felt nothing but guilt about it but I’m slowly learning that it’s okay to take a break and focus on myself. Life is hard, we all understand that! I will defiantly be putting these tips to good use lovely, thank you so much for sharing them with us Xo
Elle
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Exactly, it’s okay to take a break when we need it (it’s good self-care). I am so glad these tips were useful as I’ve used them a few times in the past and they have really helped.
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I haven’t experienced blogger burnout (yet). I’m still a newbie, but I remember the very beginning involved a lot of doubt and procrastination. Now that I’m getting into a routine and developing a strategy, the blogging world seems exciting and super engaging right now.
I appreciate you normalizing a blogging break – I’ve heard people talk about it and it feels like a monster lurking around the corner. However, it’s nice to hear that it’s perfectly normal and can pass. These are great tips for preventing or resolving that burnout so we can get back on track! Thanks for the post x
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It’s definitely a good idea to be prepared for it (as best you can) and to not stress over it if/when it happens. Sometimes life comes at you and you have no time to get anything prepared for a break; and that is okay too. I think I’d much rather put something out I connected to and enjoyed/loved rather than just share a post because I thought I had to. I hope you continue to have great experiences on your newbie journey — welcome to the community!
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I have lots of ideas and just not enough time to research & write every week. I try to be kind to myself and just accept posting every other week instead of weekly, but I also read how “consistency is key” so I do feel a bit guilty. Thank you for posting this, though – it’s nice to know I’m not the only one!
Colleen |
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Consistency is key but that can be flexible if/when it needs to be. If for now you post every other week, then that is consistent — it’s all about what your readers come to expect from your site. I’ve changed my schedule from every other day to every three days to now every five days as that is how I best maintain consistent quality and scheduling. Finding your rhythm is key; you’ve got this!
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Definitely still working on some of these things. I need some of those sweet sweet backlinks lol. Thanks for all the great ideas 🙂
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Glad these were helpful; whenever a breaks comes along many of these are so great to try out!
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This is super relevant to me as I have just had a blogging break due to work deadlines.
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I am so happy this was useful; life happens and we sometimes have to step away for a bit. Thanks for reading!
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These are really great ideas to prepare for a blogging break. My breaks are usually planned, but I sort of drop off from the blogging world. I’d like to implement some of these strategies to retain engagement to my site when I take future breaks. Thanks for sharing.
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I tend to do that too so it was great to have a number of ideas at hand to keep things going when a break is needed. Thanks so much for reading!
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I’ve been kinda on a blogger break the past couple of weeks too. These are all great tips to continue to stay active, even when you are feeling burnt out from writing. Thanks so much for sharing!
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These ideas can definitely help keep us connected to our blog without it being so involved; always good to have a bit of a break!
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Good tips. I’ve had many blogging breaks over my 9 years of blogging. I typically schedule social posts for whilst I’m going to be away and then schedule posts for when I’m coming back, so I can have a full break without worrying about creating content x
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That is a great way to ensure you get to fully enjoy your time away; blogging breaks are much needed so it’s great to be organized when we can!
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Great tips Molly! We have taken a break around Christmas last year to kind of rest and get our energy and mojo back, so we wish we had these tips then! Definitely going to do this again soon, these will come in extra handy x
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I feel that doing it for those reasons (energy and mojo) is exactly what so many of us need. I think I may be planning a break of my own to take care of some blog maintenance, etc.
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I love these ideas! I have been posting slightly less than normal recently, but promoting older posts is a brilliant idea. I’ve never heard of linky tools so that sounds interesting too x
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Linky Tools are pretty useful to take part in or use on a post of our own; they can be a way to get new visitors and readers, etc.
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These are great tips on how to prepare for a blogging break!
I definitely agree it’s good to promote older content and comment on other blogs when you can. I’ve also had guest posts on my blog when I haven’t had the time or energy to write a new post. I haven’t heard of Linky List so I’ll have to look into that too.
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Promoting older posts is a great way to keep blogging fresh and connected to our readers; it’s definitely been a life-saver when taking a break!
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This is an incredible post-Molly and exactly what I’ve needed the past couple of months – my other business has become so busy that my blogging routines are a bit hit and miss and I was so hard on myself for not achieving my previous schedule. A couple of weeks ago I re-evaluated things and made a new schedule and it’s been so helpful to motivate myself back into routiness! I’ll definitely re-visit this post as I need.
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I figured if I’ve been feeling this way then other bloggers do too; it’s so important to re-evaluate what we do when things no longer sit as well as they once did. I am so glad you have found what works for you and I am so happy this was useful!
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these are all amazing tips! We have only taken breaks around Christmas time, but maybe it would be a much-needed one right now! Reorganising your schedule and sharing old content sound like the best tips I can take over x
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I think sometimes you just know when a break is needed (even if you didn’t see it coming). I think it’s healthy to step away for a bit; it gives a new perspective sometimes!
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Thanks for the great advice! Before, when I had lots of ideas, I used to post them all at once which made that after a week, I had no more ideas, with a schedule, I have content for longer which helps a lot! And I’m also working on updating old content so thanks for the tips!
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It’s great to hear that these were useful! A consistent schedule is such a huge help overall with blogging. Once you’ve established one that works for you, you’ve got a routine that helps you perfect your craft. Thanks so much for reading!
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Wow, what an amazing post Molly, so full of detail. I’ve never really prepared for a break, they have always sort of happened and then when it’s over I have high anxiety because my blogs been left to fend for itself. I’m going to be taking a break near Christmas this year as I find the festive season with my blog rather draining and it effects my mood, so I’ll definitely be taking on board some of your suggestions and making sure I’m prepared for it.
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I usually find my blogging breaks are unexpected and I couldn’t prepare for them but now that I know I can take breaks (and everything will be okay) I am definitely going to schedule some in the future. Thanks so much for reading — I am so glad they were useful!
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I’ve never taken a deliberate break from blogging, but there have been times when I haven’t posted in a while because I’ve got too busy in other areas of my life. This post has given me some ideas to consider, next time I don’t have time to blog. I’d never heard of a Linky List before!
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Life definitely gets busy sometimes so it’s great to be able to step away from blogging for a bit; I’m glad some of these ideas were useful!
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thanks for you such a good tips for bloggers now i will follow your tips and trick thanks….
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I am happy these proved useful!
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