Stress is a common problem among bloggers, especially as they invest more and more time and energy into managing their websites. Lack of sleep becomes the norm for some, and their bodies grow dependent on caffeine for daily function. Or perhaps they lose focus, or inspiration, or find that blogging has become more draining than fulfilling for them.
Unhealthy habits and too much stress will eventually lead to a burnout, and possibly health problems. It's important that bloggers know how to effectively manage their stress and have healthy lifestyles, to be happy, and enjoy not only blogging, but life in general.
Here are 9 great ways to help keep the stress away:
Write about something you enjoy.
Common sense, I know. But this is vital to keeping the stress at bay, and many people burn themselves out by blogging about the things they can profit from the most, rather than what makes them happy.
Manage your time wisely.
It's not uncommon for bloggers to get wrapped up in their work (and play) and spend countless hours at their computers, not allowing themselves enough time to sleep at night, or spend time with their loved ones, etc. I think it may be safe to say that blogging can become an addiction, somewhat like video game addiction, and it's important to spend time away from the computer.
Plan out a general schedule, one which allows you enough time to carry out your daily blogging duties, but also time away from your computer to spend with family and friends, work (if you have a job other than blogging), getting a good night's rest, a hobby you enjoy, or whatever it is that strikes your fancy. Cutting online distractions and developing a more efficient blogging routine can free up a lot of time, and reduce a lot of stress in the long run.
Work at the same time each day.
In order for your mind and body to function at their best, you need to develop a routine- get up at the same time each morning, and try to sleep at the same time each night. Blog at the same time each day if possible.
Ideas may come to us at odd hours (like in the middle of the night, for example), and sometimes it's okay to stay up much later than intended, but it's best not to make a habit of it. When ideas come at inconvenient times, jot them down and write your post(s) at a later time if possible.
Get organized.
Have a plan for your blog- general outlines, post ideas, a schedule, promotional techniques, etc. The more clear everything is, the easier it is to focus on the job at hand.
Find some help.
If you find that you're spending more time than you can afford on posting to your blog, consider looking for other bloggers to help you out. You could hire someone, or invite guest bloggers to contribute in exchange for a link to their blog(s), or other incentives. In addition to lightening your workload, you're opening yourself to new friendships and business relationships.
Eat right.
Another bad habit many bloggers develop is not eating right. They'll blog all day and forget to eat, or munch on too many unhealthy snacks, or consume an ungodly amount of caffeine. Your eating habits affect your energy levels, brain function, and productivity, among many other things. Avoid a burnout and health problems by eating several small meals (real food, not the convenient nuke-and-go junk) throughout the day, and limit your caffeine and alcohol consumption.
Exercise.
If you spend a lot of time sitting at your computer every day, it's important that you make a point to exercise your body, even if it's just a ten minute walk after lunch. It's not only one of the first few steps to a healthier lifestyle, but you'll also feel more energized, and it's a great way to de-stress.
Take a day away from the internet.
It won't kill you to take a day or two off, away from the computer, away from your cell phone, away from anything that's hooked up to the world wide web. Spend some time doing things you enjoy with friends and family, and forget about posting to Twitter every twenty minutes, or whether or not someone answered the email you sent them. These things will still be there when you return. Take some time off for you.
Write in advance.
If you're planning a day off, or know you'll be too busy to post, or just have a lot of ideas and free time, try writing your posts in advance and setting them to publish at a later time. Readers like consistency, and it's easy for the bloggers to become a slave to that. Timed posts allow bloggers to be more flexible in their work times, and is ideal for those who work better in short bursts, rather than consistently.
Blogging is a great work-at-home job, but it's got its good and bad points. In order to enjoy it to the fullest, we need to focus on why we enjoy it, and the benefits, and keep the unwanted parts, such as stress, as far away as possible. Focus on taking care of your needs and living a healthy life, and you'll enjoy it a lot more.
Do you have any other stress-busting tips to share?
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