AD | Let me be clear: I love blogging. I love the creative writing process, photography, social media, and the fabulously supportive blogging network. But recently I found myself on what I can only term “the blogging hamster wheel”. It was affecting my mental health (NOT a term I use lightly) and my relationships with the most important people in my life. So I took a break. Not something I thought I would ever need to do, but here’s what I learned in the process.
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Taking a break
If you follow me on Twitter, you may have seen a little tweet I posted, where I said it hadn’t been a good week and my confidence had taken a knock. Truth be told, I’d received a comment that was the proverbial camel’s straw. It certainly wasn’t meant with any unkind intent, but it hit me much harder than it should have done. And I burst into tears. After I’d stopped howling, I realised that my emotions were completely skewed because I’d allowed myself to fall into this position where I’d become obsessed with my blog. Pretty much to the exclusion of anything else.
Why I started my blog
When I first started blogging, it was purely an outlet for me, to see if I was any good at writing. I was so clueless, I had no idea about “influencers”. Nor that anyone would want to gift me anything to write about, much less that I could be paid to write something. Fast forward 18 months and I’ve made a not inconsiderable (to me) sum of money from my blog so far this financial year. As well as having been gifted some incredibly lovely experiences and products to write about.
But while I feel very lucky to be able to write that sentence, it comes at a price. Somewhere along the way, I’ve become so used to saying, “Yes, please” that I’ve forgotten how to say “No, thank you, this isn’t for me.” And this has meant I’ve spent less time on building up my own freelance content writing and social media management business, as well as less time with Alan and Flora.
What has taking a break taught me?
One of my freelance clients is a confidence coach, and I’m very grateful she took time out to talk to me last week, it was a huge help. My mini blogging break has allowed me refocus and realise that I need to be more careful with what I choose to write about. If I lose opportunities from this, so be it. Family and friends have to take priority, as does my business. I don’t think I’m the only blogger to get frustrated by “offers” which reel me in and then hit me with little or no budget. Exposure does not pay the bills.
One of my favourite bloggers, Soph Hearts, wrote a post a while back about knowing your worth, and this has resonated very loudly with me of late. Creating unique content, photography, social media promotion, blogger comment swaps etc, all takes many hours. As a small business owner, I can’t afford to work for free or at a loss, so I’m going to have to become more selective. Of course, there will still be topics and products I choose to write about, like this essential oil roll on body massage oil from Kathleen Natural*. Originally, I was only going to post pictures on my social media channels, but I’ve been loving it so much, I’ve decided to write about it in a little more depth.
Kathleen Natural
Kathleen Natural is dedicated to producing luxurious and high-performance skincare using sustainably sourced blends of precious plants, marine extracts and essential oils. Their entire range is free from harmful artificial chemicals, 100% natural, hypoallergenic, and cruelty free. I’m not a stranger to the skincare benefits of essential oils and another of my freelance clients is an essential oils Wellness Advocate. So I was really delighted to be offered one of Kathleen’s three aromatherapy roll on body massage oils. As a fan of citrus scents, I chose Citrus Cheer. The other blends are Sensual Rose (orange, rose and nutmeg) and Tranquil Fields (lavender, frankincense and vanilla).
Citrus Cheer has three main essential oils: lemon (antiseptic and cleansing), rosewood (a known anti-depressant), and geranium (frequently used to treat acne, reduce inflammation, alleviate anxiety and balance hormones). I’ve been using my roll on for just over two weeks now and I absolutely love it. The fragrance combination is so uplifting and while you might think an oil would be greasy, it’s not. Essential oils from plants are so light that they’re very quickly absorbed by our skin and because they’re natural, it’s very unlikely you’d suffer an adverse reaction.
Being a roll on means that there’s very little wastage so the £16 price tag is actually excellent value. My roll on is a staple in my handbag and I’ve been applying it to my pulse points throughout the day, followed by much inhaling and smiling. I’m now eyeing up a full size bottle for a Christmas treat to use after a shower and as a nail/cuticle treatment too. Maybe Santa will be kind, or maybe my invoices will be paid, maybe… 🙂
What’s next?
Looking ahead, I have a few more products to review and a couple of lovely blogger collabs to look forward to, but then I’ll be taking a much needed festive break. And I’m going to focus on my family and my business. Because I need to remember that blogging, for me, is not my life, nor is it my main source of income.
Don’t get me wrong, I love blogging. The opportunities, friendships, and ideas like these mood-lifting tips from my fellow blogger, Maria, are giving me so much enjoyment and happiness. Fingers crossed that will all continue for a long time yet. But my recent wobble has reminded me I need a little balance. Something that essential oils are very helpful in providing. Big thank you again to Kathleen Natural for giving me another of my reasons to be cheerful (!)
* This is a sponsored post and gifted post, meaning I received payment and also product in exchange for a review but all opinions are my own and unbiased.
Oh, Lisa, I’m so sorry to know that a comment made you feel that way but, at the same time, it sounds like it might have been a blessing in disguise as it encouraged you to take a much needed break! Well done for taking time away, and I’m glad it has helped you to refocus your attention on the more important matters. I think a festive break spent with family and friends sounds like it will do you the world of good.
It’s so important to discuss this topic because blogging can quickly go from a hobby to taking over your whole life, and not necessarily for the better.
You are one of the bloggers I admire the most. Your content is always flawless, your images are gorgeous and as a person, you are wonderful. Just wanted you to know.
The camel straw comment was actually in real life, not a blog one but your comment has just made me cry but happy tears, Ruth! You are the most supportive and kind lady, thank you so much for your words, they are truly appreciated. I’ve seen a few of my blogger friends crash and burn out since I started blogging and I do think this topic needs more of an airing than I’ve been able to give it here. Maybe I’ll write some more on this subject at a later date. Thank you so much again for your wonderful comments, they’ve absolutely made my day! xxx
Thinking of you Lisa.
xxx
Ah thank you, Mary. Looking forward to seeing you next month! xxx
Taking breaks from blogging Lisa is SO key; helps us dissolve attachments (attachments leading to breakdowns) and keeps us recharged too. Fab post.
Thank you very much, that’s so kind of you 🙂
I love your honesty and made me remember why I started my blog too! I’ve just come back from a break after a year away and it’s tough but as long as I enjoy it I’ll kee it up! Really like the idea of these oils – great post
Thank you, and welcome back! Your posts do make me hungry, haha, I hope you keep writing them 🙂
I can totally relate to everything you’ve said. Recently I’ve found blogging has pretty much become my life and it’s not healthy at all. I adore blogging and I’m so glad when opportunities arise but it’s very easy for it to completely take over. I’ve started trying to have more regular breaks now just so I can get away from it all and focus on what really matters. I totally agree with you too on how easy it becomes to say yes to everything. I’m trying to be more mindful now of the brands I work with and ensure they really are a good fit for my blog, and also that what I’m getting in return is fair. I do think over the last few months especially there has been a real increase in brands with either no budget or a very small amount which is disappointing. Anyway, that ended up being an essay but you’re definitely not alone in feeling like this. A break over the festive period sounds like the perfect thing and I really hope you all have a wonderful Christmas xxx
Tiffany x http://www.foodandotherloves.co.uk
Tiffany, this is so good to read. Blogging can be amazing, rewarding, and hugely satisfying. But it can also be a wormhole. And it’s not always easy to spot when things aren’t right. What doesn’t help is when expectations aren’t matched, that leads to frustration and upset. I’m glad you’re taking regular breaks and being more selective too. Bring on Christmas and a proper break for all of us! Xx
I think it’s absolutely great that you’re actively making sure that the brands you work with are offering a mutual benefit and I’m sure that Alan and Flora are really happy to be spending more time with you. I’m so sorry to hear that you had a bit of a rough time but it sounds like you’re bouncing back! Thank you so much for mentioning my post and labelling me as a favourite blogger (yay), you’ve made my day and I’m so glad that one of my favourite posts of mine has resonated with you so much. Sending you lots of love!
Soph – https://sophhearts.com x
Ah, thank you, Soph! I did wonder whether or not to post this but I think the whole topic of what can happen when blogging becomes an obsession is one that needs to be discussed. I think I’ll probably revisit this at a future date too. So glad you liked it and sending you lots of love too! Xx
I could relate to this post so much! I took my own blogging break a couple of weeks ago and it really helped me rediscover that balance and figure out which parts of my life I needed to tend to a bit more. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings on this.
I’m so pleased you’ve been able to work out what’s right for you. Blogging needs to be enjoyable but not at the expense of friends and family! X
Aww, I’m so sorry it got to this point that you felt this way. It’s definitely important to be able to take breaks, and you’ve definitely earned them! I’m so happy to hear that you are bouncing back and have a few things to look forward to before taking a lovely festive break 🙂 you definitely deserve a lovely break over Christmas to spend with the important people in your life – I do hope you have an amazing time!
Amy,
https://creativenails.uk
I think it had been brewing for quite some time, I just had my head buried in the sand. But I’m glad I had my wake up call, I feel a lot calmer now! Xx
You’re absolutely right, it is important to take a break and find balance. I had a wobble recently that almost made me throw the towel in. Wobbles can be good sometimes as they make us reassess.
Yes, it’s strange, but my wobble is probably the best thing that’s happened to me for a while. I do feel a lot better about things now. I’m glad you haven’t stopped blogging though 🙂 x
Even the best, most enjoyable jobs will need breaks. This was probably good for a lot of bloggers to read.
I hope so, I think blogging (and freelancing) can become quite obsessive and it’s easy to slip. Thank you for reading 🙂
I’m really glad you’ve found so much value from taking a break – they really can be so beneficial and teach you so much about what you really want! It’s nice to have you back though 🙂 I think if blogging isn’t your job, then there’s no point sacrificing other areas of your life for it. I learnt this year as well how much I’m sorta, missing, in my real life because I’m OBSESSED with my phone and social media. So that’s something I’m working on too 🙂 xxx
Thank you, Jenny, it’s nice to be back! I just need to be careful with how much time I spend on blogging and my socials because I don’t want to fall down the wormhole again, for all the reasons I outlined above. I want to enjoy everything so I need to balance things out! xxx
Such a great post! I’m sorry you had to go through that but taking break is definitely necessary at times! With blogging, it’s very easy to yes to any opportunity that comes your way and I love that you highlighted that it’s okay to say no! Great post! xx
Thank you so much – I’m learning to say no more now, and I feel a lot less stressed already ☺ xx
Sorry to hear a comment made you upset! I think your blog is beautiful and your posts are such a pleasure to read. I have also seen benefits from being away and sometimes I put so much pressure on myself that I need to take a break. Balancing work full time, coursework and family and social life. Thank you for sharing! ❤️
Aw, Lauren, that’s so kind, thank you! I can’t even begin to imagine how you balance full time work, coursework, family, and blogging. Massive kudos to you, and I love your blog too 🙂 xx
I hate that people feel so anonymous online that they have no difficulty being cruel or hurtful or just careless with someone else’s feeling. I experienced that my third week of blogging (I’d done a mini-review on a product I used regularly and this person questioned my qualification to write a review and made fun of it. Even though I thought her response was ignorant, I was hurt). I blocked her and got past it. Taking a break is a good thing. Knowing when you need to take one is even better. Great write-up! And I would love to try some of the oil – it sounds wonderful!
That’s so horrible that someone was so unkind to you when you were a new blogger too. You definitely did the right thing to block her, I’m glad to hear you moved on and are still blogging. Yes, knowing when you need a break is the key thing, I think! I can highly recommend the roll-on though, it’s really helped me relax. Thank you for reading this post 🙂 xx
I’m so sorry to hear that a comment hit you so hard! That’s awful! It sounds like the break has done you the world of good in terms of reflection. I was about to say there’s no value in letting it take over your life, then I realised I need to practice what I preach because my phone has become as attached to me as a vital organ since I started blogging. If you do happen to lose some opportunities from this new outlook, it’s probably for the best as they were unlikely to be the best fit anyway. Love your honesty here! x
Sophie
http://www.glowsteady.co.uk
Thank you, Sophie, that’s so kind of you. I know what you mean about being attached to your phone, it drives Alan mad! It’s so hard trying to strike that balance because blogging doesn’t end once you publish the post, but I’m going to make concerted efforts to carve out more “off” time 🙂 xx
Ah! Lisa I felt so sorry that you were sad reading some comment. You are absolutely right about taking breaks. We give so much time just doing everything for blogging. But I feel fresh and recharged to start over again after a short break. Have a nice day my dear 🙂
Via | http://glossnglitters.com
Thank you, Via, it’s good to take a break sometimes, it helps to get everything into perspective. I’m looking forward to a proper break over Christmas too! xx
I’m so sorry that comment made you feel this way Lisa. 🙁 Taking a breaking from blogging is more than OK and sometimes necessary to take time to reflect. I took a break from blogging last year into early this year. It was just what I needed at the time.
Aw, thank you, Kim, that’s very kind. I do feel a lot better now, and I’m really looking forward to some proper time out over the festive season now! x
Sometimes a blogging break is really needed because it puts things in perspective. I’ve had so many this year and each new one has taught me something different. It’s so easy to get the burn out, especially when you’re really putting your all in to the point real life takes a back seat and relationships and other stuff suffers. Reading this has really resohnated with me, I’ve found myself feeling a little “bleh” recently with blogging, social media and online “friendships”. I’m really glad you have addressed this topic because it needs to be talked about more and others need to know that taking a break is ok, it’s not the end of the world. I totally get what you mean about opportunities and learning to say no. My first year and a half I wanted them all, I was scares to say no incase it meant no more opportunities but saying no to some things has been the best thing I’ve ever done. I hope you’re ok and feeling much better.
Jordanne || Thelifeofaglasgowgirl.co.uk
It really is, isn’t it? It’s scary because I worry that if I take a break or am absent for too long that I’ll lose followers and friends as well as opportunities. But at the end of the day, family and friends have to take priority sometimes because otherwise, what’s it all for? I’m so glad to hear this resonated with you too, thank you for reading and sharing your perspective xx
So sorry to hear about the comment Lisa, it’s great that although it got you upset, you are turning it around into something positive and taking a break! Maybe its aptly timed too, just around Christmas – you can enjoy a well deserved holiday and come back stronger 🙂 looking forward to it ?
xx Emma
the25lifecrisis.com
Thank you so much, Emma, that’s very kind of you! I must admit, I’m really looking forwards to Christmas too, not long to go now, haha! x
This is such a brilliant post Lisa and it honestly helped me so much when I was struggling with things last week. So thank you for helping me gain some clarity when everything was a bit confusing (I actually read this post twice as it was so comforting). The blogging hamster wheel is such an accurate description, sometimes we need to get off, step back and put everything into perspective. Balance is so important when being a blogger as it can quickly become our lives. It seems like a wobble is what we need to find that healthy balance again. So thank you again for this post and for all the support you have given me, I am so grateful and glad that even though blogging can be stressful at times, I have found such a kind & lovely friend through it! <3 xxx
Aw, Bexa, thank you so much, these are such lovely things to say, I’m so grateful. I’m glad this post went live at a time when it could help you and I hope you’re feeling much better now. Blogging isn’t my full-time job, which I’m thankful for, but it can and does get all-consuming sometimes, to the detriment of my business, family, and mental health. Taking a break is such a positive step. But I’m forever grateful for the lovely friends like you that I’ve made through blogging too, I just wish you lived closer to me so we could meet IRL! Thank you again, this is so appreciated xxx
I’m so sorry that a comment made you upset. Initially I thought it was a blog comment that made you upset (which is horrible in itself) but then I read it was a real life comment that got you upset.. and I’m so sorry that someone made you feel like that.
You’re such a lovely lady and an amazing blogger and you don’t deserve any negativity!
Taking a break is super important sometimes. It can definitely be too easy to get sucked into the blogging cycle. I have had to step back and take to blogging once a week, as I realised I need to do what I feel I’m able to and not what I think I should be doing. I am even considering taking a break over Christmas, but whether I will or not remains to be seen!
Aw, thank you so much, that’s such a lovely compliment. I must stress that the IRL comment wasn’t meant maliciously but it did hit me hard. In retrospect, it was probably a good thing and the wake up call I needed. Taking a break did me so much good and I can approach things with a clearer perspective now, rather than continuing to get overwhelmed. I hope you continue to do what you need to do to make things easy for yourself too xx