Oh. my. gosh. It’s been SO LONGGGGG since I last posted–or was last alive, to be honest. The past couple of years weeks have been busy (like, really busy), yes, but I also must admit it was also due to pure laziness tinged with exhaustion that this blog went abandoned for such a long time. I might be exaggerating about the length of my unplanned hiatus, but not really..seeing how I don’t usually take such unprecedented hiatuses for this amount of time? But whatever. Life and school..and life, but mostly school, has been unmerciful on me and I was absolutely swamped these past couple of weeks, by either tons of work or bouts of exhaustion and moments of utter zombieness. I had tons of post ideas in my head, but I just couldn’t find the a) time-common excuse, I know, but true–b) motivation, c) strength, or d) the will to get away from my chocolate bars, you know? #sorrynotsorry
SO. All that combined to a very unsuccessful March, in terms of blogging, AND reading too. Le sigh. *cue internal sadness* *grabs chocolate to cure sadness* But I have missed you guys!! I’m currently really really slow with catching up with all your blogs but I am trying, I swear. I spent time yesterday blog hopping (which really cheered me up, actually) and if I have time today I’ll definitely be doing so again. 🙂
Though moving on to the real purpose of this post: having been in a kind-of blogging slump these past two weeks, and finally attempting to restart my inspiration and motivation to blog (so kind of getting out of the slump), obviously I consider myself a total expert* on this subject! 😉 So I’ve decided to become a helpful little chocolate bar–as I always am, of course–and give you guys a list of signs you’re in a blogging slump. If you know the symptoms you can better ward them off, after all. Kind of. Or at least recognize them? And I shall also advise you on how to get out of a blogging slump–you’re welcome.
*Major exaggeration here, folks. Pff, me, an expert? But still. It sounds better this way, sooo. Oh, but I need you guys to correct any of my mistakes! Add your own ideas, tell me what you think, etc etc. Chocolate for you if you contribute! 😛
Reasons We Fall Into Blogging Slumps
Let’s go through some background info. What causes the dreaded blogging slump to present itself? Here’s a quick list (because lists are fabulous–Cait‘s list loving tendencies are contagious!)
- Life gets in the way 24/7. Blogging is something that takes TIME. And boy, does it take lots of it. In an ideal book blogger world, life is merciful and stress-free, and does not try to prevent you from doing the things you actually enjoy. In the real world, well… life is more likely to attack you with a truckload of things you have to do–and it doesn’t include blogging.
- Stats are low. Although everyone repeats, time and time again, that stats don’t matter, to some people they might be quite a large factor in their enjoyment of blogging. To me, I feel concentrating on stats doesn’t really get you anywhere other than down the road of sadness and disappointment, but sometimes low stats can get to be quite discouraging–which, of course can cause a slump.
- Too much pressure. When you start feeling like you have to blog, as if it were a job, it makes it a whole lot less fun! And then the pressure of having to blog (when you might not be feeling like it or in the mood for it) definitely doesn’t help matters.
- You feel like you have no more interesting post ideas. Although in basically all situations this is 100% false in reality, when in your head you feel as if you’re out of ideas, well, you’re not going to want to reach out to your computer to blog. (And so then the slump occurs, obviously.)
- Not enough time. A seemingly empty excuse (and a common one at that), this is definitely one of the big reasons why someone might fall into a slump! Like, sometimes life just gets really busy, and when that continuously happens, there’s just not enough time for you to blog. There just isn’t. (*cue sadness*)
- Tiredness. Sometimes, even when we do have time, simply exhaustion or laziness after a long day causes for us to not reach for the computer to blog. And when this tiredness continues to occur often, well, say hello to the blogging slump. (Erm, I’m kind of guilty of this.. I blame school. And life. But mostly school.)
- Expectations are not being met. Whether this be in terms of stats, or comments, or anything, really, any expectation that someone may have had for blogging, when it isn’t met, it can be very discouraging (much like the low stats thing). And we all know where that can lead.
- We run out of chocolate and therefore spend many many days huddled in a corner and crying. (This is totally legit, what are you talking about?)
I think those are the top ones? At least that I could think of right away. I know there are tons more though–so if there’s a reason (or several reasons) you fell into a blogging slump that I haven’t listed, TELL ME. Because I must know all the reasons and become an all-knowing blogging slump master. Yes yes.
Anyway, moving on to the actual…
Signs that a blogging slump is on the way or has reached you
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You start to be constantly ‘not in the mood’ to blog.
Omg. #1 sign, I tell you. #1. Or at least in the top 10. When you keep making those same “I don’t feel like it” or “I’m not in the mood to blog” excuses, you know. And if you didn’t recognize the sign until now, well, you’re welcome.
Tip: Read blogs that inspire you! Your favourite blogs, favourite posts, whatever. Even if you don’t feel like blogging, looking at other posts that you like might help you to become back in the mood to blog. It’s simple in theory, and most of the time, it also works.
Tip: Taking a break from blogging is 100% okay when you’re feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or just don’t have time. It really is. You don’t have to be worried about taking a break. But when you stop blogging for reasons that are more based on laziness or moodiness, well.. my one tip is to push yourself a bit more to blog. Not so much that it puts tons of pressure on you, but enough so that you
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You’re having more fun doing anything except blogging.
It’s a fact to most people that blogging is hard work. Yes, it can be fun, but the amount of time and effort that has to go in to make a good, quality post is insane. Most people know this yet they still continue blogging. Why? Because they enjoy it. When you no longer enjoy blogging, well, you won’t feel like doing it, now will you? When that happens, you know what it means..
Tip: Taking a break can definitely help in this situation! Though that’s just a temporary solution. To really cure this, one of the things I recommend doing is making a list, or reading a list, about the things you love about blogging. When you focus on the positives, maybe it will help you enjoy it once again. Do what you enjoy about blogging, instead of focusing on what you don’t really enjoy.
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Blogging becomes a chore/an unwanted reminder of something you have to do.
It’s never a good sign when the thing that was supposed to be a fun, light, hobby, and what used to make you happy, becomes the thing that makes you frown or sigh in frustration. Never!
Tip: Really, I feel like the same tips can help with multiple things. Finding things you love about blogging (mentioned above) can really help for this. When something that was previously associated with positive ideals, becomes associated with negatives, it really helps to have a reminder that the thing (in our case, blogging) isn’t truly something that bad! It’s hard, but it’s generally something we love to do, no? I hope all that made sense, oops.
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You purposefully spend your free time doing other things even if that time could be spent blogging.
“Oh, I finished all my homework/household duties/whatever other requirements you have! Hm, I think I’m going to go surf the channels on TV, even though I know there’s nothing good on.” A bad example (but maybe it’s possible?) but you get what I mean! This is definitely another obvious sign that a blogging slump is either on its way or has reached you.
Tip: Push yourself a bit more to use that free time to blog! I doubt there’s ever going to be a time where after you write a post (instead of watching boring TV, for example), you’re going to be like, “I wish I had watched that old TV sports show that I don’t like!” or something. You know?
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You no longer prioritize blogging or really care so much about posting on time/at all.
Another very obvious sign that you’re soon to be a victim of a blogging slump, this one can make it hard to get back into blogging once you fall into a slump. When you stop making blogging a priorty, or really caring much about it, well, you have more of a ‘it doesn’t really matter’ attitude, you know? Which can make things difficult.
Tip: Try and find new post ideas! Inspire yourself. Motivate yourself so that you’re able to get rid of the ‘I don’t care’ attitude, because, let me tell you, that ain’t gonna help anything. This seems like a very ‘bad’ thing to fall into, but all it really is is an effect of falling into a blogging slump. If inspiration just isn’t coming to you, then sometimes also just taking a break, being disconnected from the blog and everything, might help. Chances are the bookworm in you (if you’re a book blogger) won’t be able to resist squealing about the newest 5-star book your read. 😉
Last minute babbling…
I will forever back the statement of taking a break when you need one. (98% of the time, at least.) Sometimes it’s what it takes for you to get back your blogging game, you know? However, I also believe in a good balance. Yes, life can be a real bully to us little people, and yes, so is time. It is SO DIFFICULT to blog when we have to constantly battle the force of real life. I get that. I really do. But sometimes, another part of it is just us sitting around and choosing not to do it–which leads to being a blogging slump most of the time rather than being a productive hiatus. Lol. Sometimes it’s good if we push ourselves a bit more. I’ve been in a blogging slump for almost 3 weeks now? It was tempting to just leave this post in the drafts, along with all my other ones, but I found that when I finally pushed myself to write up a post, it really felt good and satisfying. Reading other blog posts and reminding myself what an amazing journey blogging has been for me is two of the things that pushed me out of my blogging slump–so I definitely recommend those two tips the most! Blogging slumps are seemingly impossible to get rid of, but if you try, I promise it’s not that hard. 😉
Okay, so that turned out to be a lot more rambling on my part than I had expected–sorry for all that, guys. I do hope it all made sense.
Life getting in the way is the worst. Last weekend I was at a dance competition with no wifi, I have data so I could text but I couldn’t blog. I haven’t had an actual blogging slump yet, I’m just a lot of the time short of time but I hope I don’t fall into one.
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Agh, it really is!! 😒
Aw no, that sucks! It’s so frustrating when we can’t find the time to blog because things like life are so out of our control sometimes. 😕
I have my fingers crossed for you that you don’t fall into a slump! ❤️ Here’s hoping.
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Thanks! But over the past few days I’ve blogged more than usual and I have tons of prewritten posts now even though I had another competition this weekend! No slump phew!
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Yayyy, crisis averted! 😛 Seems like you have everything under control, good for you! ❤
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Thanks 😀
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I have to admit the main reason blogging takes a back seat is because I’d rather be reading 🙂
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Haha that can definitely happen! 😂
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ANALEE I have MISSED THOSE POSTS, like, badly. And your endless stock of chocolate, too… but I missed you more, obviously.
I have to say, not feeling like blogging must be the worst feeling.It happens to me at times, but it’s usually a day or two, and I’m always reminded by beautiful bloggers like you just how much fun it is to blog and share and TALK with people about books. It’s awesome.
When life gets in the way, it’s annoying too, and so frustrating not to have time…
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Omg Marie I MISSED YOU SO MUCH TOOO. ❤️❤️ Aha yes, my fabulous stores of chocolate are definitely something to miss of course. 😂
You’re right, not feeling like blogging is the absolute worst! I’m glad to hear you’ve never had to face it for longer than a couple of days. 😉 And yep, that’s SO TRUE. Talking with other bloggers and just having fun with blogging is honestly the best reward, and the best feeling ever.
*sigh* If only we lived in a world where we have access to ALL THE TIME so we no longer have to worry about life getting in the way of blogging..
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That would be the dream, really, ahah.
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Awesome post and this is pretty much me right now. I’ve been in such a blogging slump for the last couple months and it doesn’t help that I am also in a reading slump as well. I’m pretty sure the reading slump is playing a huge part as to why I am in the blogging slump though! Since I’m not reading, I have nothing to blog about. Sigh.
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Thanks!
AHHH noooooo! I can so totally empathize with your situation; it’s the worst. Ah yes, being in a dual blogging & reading slump definitely does lot help! I agree, being in one can often cause the other. Which is quite inconvenient, really! 😕
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This is such a great post! I haven’t been in a blogging slump (yet, touch wood) but I have been in reading slumps before and I hate them, I just feel so unmotivated to do one of the things I love. I really hope it doesn’t happen with this blog.
Most of the time when I get into a slump it’s life getting in the way. Or work, work is a big one for me because I was so snowed under with work in March it was a miracle I managed to keep my blog actually going!
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Thank you!! Fingers crossed for you that you don’t get into a blogging slump anytime soon. 😘 Agh yes, reading slumps can be just as bad! When something you love turns against you, and turns into something you don’t want to do, it really sucks.
Omg yes!! Life and work and just all the things we have to do are always getting in the way, which sucks. 😒 The universe is plotting against all bookworms and bloggers!
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That’s all right, and I hope I don’t, I’ve never been in a blogging slump but I’ve been in loads of reading slumps and I’ve always hated those! I just never have any motivation to read and I cannot stand that, like you said when something you love turns against you!
For me it’s mainly work:) it’d be great if I could just spend all day every day blogging but, well, I need to earn money to buy all the books I read 😀
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It really is terrible! It’s such a struggle sometimes, balancing so many things at once.
Haha yasss it would be so amazing to simply have all the time in the world to read and blog, without a care in the world.. *sighs wistfully* 😉
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I do find myself sneaking glances at WordPress when I should be working 🙂 and I stay up way too late posting and commenting to people. I have no sense of balance!
Some people manage to make their blog their work. I have no idea how but that would be amazing!
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Hehe you’re not alone!! 😅 I stay up so late sometimes reading posts and commenting and writing up posts for the future… And end up sleeping, way after the time I should be. 😂
Yesssss!! That would be fabulous!
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It makes getting up for work the next morning hell! And I always say I’m going to get more sleep but then the next night it’s the same story. I don’t regret it though, I love blogging and commenting and everything that comes with it 😀
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Omg tell me about it. And then you add in the times I decide to read for a bit… Which then turns into hours… 😅
Lol yep, it can be such a struggle! But all worth it, really. It’s one of the best things! ❤️
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Oh yes the reading after as well! There needs to be more hours in the day, I feel that’s the only way I can blog and read as much as I do and still get a decent nights sleep!
Yeah, I agree, I wouldn’t want to stop blogging for anything at the moment ❤️
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Haha yep that’s so true. If only it were possible!
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Love the post.
I’ve been on a enforced blogging slump – I’ve physically been able to blog as much as I would like since December (damn operations) and then when I got back into it in March I was back for like a week when my second op put me on a ban.
I found that being in the enforced slump felt three times as bad as one that I imposed on myself and I’ve chomping at the bit.
I got out of the slump by looking at other people’s blogs, following their posts and just seeing other people’s enjoyment.
It’s good to see you back 🙂
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Thank you! ❤️
Oh no, that must feel terrible! Going on a slump caused by something that you didn’t choose must be the worst. 😕 Some things are just out of our control, unfortunately!
Yes, reading other blog posts can be so inspiring and motivating!
Eee thank you, it’s great to be blogging again. ❤️
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Oh man, I am IN IT right now. I have a huge stack of library books to get through, and I’m way behind on my monthly TBR, and I just have NO time. My brain is completely overloaded. I finally decided this week to put my blog on hold for a month until I get myself sorted. I’ll read at my own pace, and keep my blog posts in queue until I’m ready to get started again. I hate doing it, but it needs to be done.
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AHHH noo!! I can so totally sympathize, omg. 😕 Having no time is the worst.
But that’s a smart move! It can be so difficult to take a break from the blog, but sometimes it’s exactly what is needed to set you back on track. My fingers crossed for you that everything turns okay soon! ❤️
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Oh my gosh! I have been in at least a small blogging slump recently. This post really helped me! Luckily I have yet to slip into a big one.
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Aw, that’s too bad! Yay I’m so happy to hear that. Fingers crossed for you that you won’t slip into a big slump anytime soon! ❤️
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This is a great post! Thanks for sharing<3
I was in a blogging slump not that long ago, actually. I'm not really sure how I got out. I was inspired by other blogs (like you mentioned in a tip), and by all the new book coming out. If there's book out that you really want to review and share your experience with, then you'll be more likely to blog about it. d:
Reading reviews that make me want to be a better reviewer really help me out when I'm in a blogging and/or reading slump d:
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Thank you!!
Omg yes, reading other blogs are such a great way to find inspiration and the will the blog! Also yes, that’s very true, when you feel very enthusiastic about something (say, books lol) it will definitely encourage you to want to blog.
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I WAS WONDERING WHERE YOU WERE! Glad to see you post again!
I think of been in mini blogging slumps throughout my young blogging life, but this year has been pretty good 😀 I think I feel into the blogging slumps because it was so overwhelming! I mean, I loved blogging and all but it was really overwhelming so I just left for a few days. And that break really helps you collect your thoughts a bit. Time and space are a blogger’s friend when it comes to slumps of all the kind.
Graf
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Yep Graf…..
I meant great post!
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😂😂 Aha thank you!
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AHH I MISSED YOU ASTRA! ❤️ I’m so glad to be back.
Yay, I’m so happy to hear that!! Fingers crossed for you that it stays that way. 😉 That’s very true! There’s so much going on with blogging that sometimes it’s just best if we take a break.
Very true! Just as long as we come back happy and refreshed. 😄
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I have just ran out of chocolate. Won’t survive the next few days, send help! I just relate to this post so much. I just got out of a blogging slump and I totally agree that reading other blogs does help. It just gives you so much inspiration to write 😀
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Nooooo! That cannot happen. 😂 *showers you with packs of (sadly imaginary) chocolate bars* 🍫 Yes, reading other blogs helps so much! It really gives the motivation to blog and come up with the idea for a post. 🙂
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Blogging starts becoming a chore and Life gets in the way. No time, no idea. Ugh I can relate to all of it. But then you start writing a post and instantly feel like, why did I ever stop?
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Haha yes the struggle is real! Juggling life and blogging at the same time is so difficult. Yep, when you get the motivation to start writing a post again, it’s definitely a great feeling!
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I hate when blogging starts to feel like a chore! It happens to me every now and then and then I go on unplanned hiatus haha! But I always come back! My stats have dropped massively since the end of last year so I’ve made a conscious decision to not look at them! If I’m not looking at them then I’m not feeling disheartened and instead can only judge how the blogs doing through comments and likes, which always feels way more validating! I’m glad your evil blog slump is over!!
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Agh tell me about it! It’s terrible. Haha yay it’s a good thing you always come back.. I’d miss you and your posts too much if you’d left for good! 😉 That’s very smart! My stats haven’t been the best lately either (especially for March, oops) so not looking at them might be a good move for me too.
Thank you!! 😘 You have no idea how glad I am that it’s over as well.
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I’ve totally been there. But the most annoying part of blogging slump is when you want to write a post and you already know what you’re gonna write, but you just have this mental block where you can’t write anything coherent or good enough for the post! That’s such a horrible feeling. 😫
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Omg yesssss I can 100% empathize. When you have the ideas and everything, not being able to make use of then and actually write a good post out of them, it’s terrible! 😒
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Fantastic Post! I really hate being in a blogging slump but it’s something that we can’t avoid when life gets in the way and we need to just tackle it in the right way and I think your tips are very helpful for those who are in need of getting out of it. 😀
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Thank you! Agh yes, the cold and unfortunate truth. Although it would be so amazing to avoid slumps forever, sometimes it’s just too hard to resist when life always gets in the way. 😕 But yes, with the right method and some motivation, they can be defeated! Thanks, I’m so glad you think so. 😀
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Blogging slumps are the worst. Unfortunately, when things get busy they’re sometimes unavoidable. I loved your tips on how to get out of them. Reading other blogs for inspiration is a really good one and one I try to use whenever I feel one coming on. It usually works but most of the time just stepping away for a week or 2 to clear you head is what helps me most.
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They really are! Yes, that’s very true. Sometimes life gets busy–and we can’t really control that! Reading other blogs is definitely helpful! For inspiration, motivation, sometimes it’s just fun to read a post and just relax. That’s very true, sometimes taking a break is what’s needed the most to get back into the blogging game, full heart and mind! ;D
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Great discussion, Analee! ❤ I think for me I rarely reach blogging slumps. I think I mentioned a couple times on my blog that I'll say I'll go hiatus but then I really end up not doing it. I guess I'm addicted to the blogosphere, haha. But when I do feel like I'm getting burned out or too consumed by the internet, I'll step back and just let the slump slide over. I think it's one of the best solutions because it'll leave the blogger some time to recharge and come back even more refreshed and inspired! ^.^
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Thank you! 😀 Haha that’s a good thing, at least! And I don’t blame you, the blogosphere *is* pretty addicting. That’s very true, sometimes the best thing to do is just let it pass!
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