Can you take a holiday from blogging and social media? We're used to dealing with blogs, Instagram and Facebook every day, but maybe a week's holiday is good for you? Maybe you can even come back more creative? What do you think?
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What is a holiday?
I remember once talking to a woman who said she couldn't afford to take a holiday. In fact, she had five weeks of holiday, just like other employees in Sweden. What she meant was that she couldn't afford to travel abroad. Of course, that could be the case, but that's something else entirely ...
According to Wikipedia, a holiday is "an agreed period of leave for a certain number of days in the year". During a holiday, you can travel abroad, travel domestically or stay at home and garden (or whatever you like to do when you are at home). Whatever you do, you are free from work.
Can you take a holiday from blogging and social media?
We had a former colleague of mine (Helena) over at After Work the day before yesterday and talked about taking a holiday from blogging and social media. Or rather, she suggested that it might be a good idea, and it actually got us thinking. We love the life with blog, Instagram and Facebook, but it is also a very intense activity that requires a lot of time and energy.
The first thought is that it does not go to let go. But of course you're not that indispensable! When we think about it again, we realise that it might be good for both health and creativity. After all, sometimes it's only when you're free that your thoughts have room to play freely.
When the blog is also a job
The blog is our biggest passion and together with travelling and motorhome life our by far the greatest interest. At the same time, the blog has also become a job for us. We currently only have a half-time salary in addition to the blog (together), and so we have to get income from blogging to make ends meet.
It's a fantastic honour to be able to work with what you think is the most fun in the world, but when the blog also has to be a source of income, you can't just play around with funny blog posts (which I love). You also have to negotiate with companies, sit in meetings, write reports for partners, answer a never-ending stream of emails, work with search engine optimisation, update web design, deal with hacker attacks and billions of other things.
Funding is a constant challenge
Since it is tight to make it work financially, we are also constantly thinking about how we can develop the business. We are not interested in getting rich (then we would have chosen another business!) - we just want to succeed in financing and enabling continued daily travel blogging.
It's really a challenge, we can say, and we combine sponsored articles (those where we write "in collaboration with ..." at the top) with lecturing and selling reports to magazines. We are also thinking about selling some kind of products on the blog. We have some ideas, but it is very important for us that it is something that is really goodthat we can be proud of and that can benefit our readers. We haven't quite landed on this yet, and any tips are gratefully received!
We're thinking of taking a week's holiday from blogging and social media
While it's important for us to develop the business - and maybe put it in an extra gear - we realise that it can also be good to take our minds off things for a while. We are now seriously considering taking a week's holiday from blogging and social media.
For us, holidays are not about travelling. We travel anyway! But taking a whole week without blogging, answering comments and emails, instagramming and facebooking ... that would be a kind of holiday for us! Maybe we could come back and be even more excited and inspired? We're thinking of taking this week when it's a bit "off season" on the blog. Maybe a week in January? What do you think about our holiday thoughts?
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Lena - good for the soul says:
Obviously a good idea. I see a number of great influencers, just in my little network that took several weeks this summer even. Honestly, I don't think you'd notice. Of course, we readers are indulging you. Oh my goodness! How much you give us!
So lift it!
Hug Lena
19 September 2019 - 6:16
Helena says:
Thanks for the input Lena! Yes, you may need to relax and get away and down sometimes 🙂 .
19 September 2019 - 11:20
Lena - good for the soul says:
You wrote in response to someone below. The thing about wanting to share on FB, IG, reply to comments, etc. is that you can have automatic sharing on FB (I do). You can have automatic sharing to FB (I have that). On IG you can put in timed posts (don't know how though).
And this thing about replying to comments. You are the world's best at responding otherwise, so no one would probably die if you "cheat" a few days. Especially if you write that you will not respond during the week.
19 September 2019 - 20:18
Ruth in Virginia says:
Excellent idea! Suggested it a couple of years ago (or more),
because I was afraid you'd get burnt out, and that's NOT a problem.
of us readers, who want it to happen. Remembering that I
suggested that you take ONE day off per week.
Since you're starting to feel it's time, it IS time. Just do it!
Hugs!
19 September 2019 - 6:25
Helena says:
Yes, thank you for previous suggestions Ruth!!! Even though we might not have been receptive then... 😉 😉
19 September 2019 - 11:21
Christian says:
Great idea! Maybe have 7 other people write a guest post each week you're away? So you still get new content every day!
19 September 2019 - 7:32
Helena says:
Interesting suggestion Christian! On the other hand, there is a lot of work around guest posts too, but you can of course prepare in advance. But then you get to approving comments, replying to comments, sharing on FB, replying to FB etc. And then you're not really free anyway ...?
19 September 2019 - 11:23
Happy Campers says:
I think you should take holidays! Such leave is needed.
19 September 2019 - 7:33
Helena says:
Thanks for the suggestions! I don't think we are there yet, but maybe we will adapt somehow in the future.
19 September 2019 - 11:24
Eva on a rucksack says:
My goodness, as hard as you work, it's only right that you take a holiday, isn't it? When was the last time you had a single day off? I strongly believe that letting go of what you love sometimes makes you more creative. Getting some time to think and tinker with navel gazing often gives birth to new and exciting ideas!
19 September 2019 - 7:39
Helena says:
I don't know when we were last free .... So yes, I think you are right! 😉
19 September 2019 - 12:00
VackralillaVardag says:
You can and you need time off!
19 September 2019 - 7:42
Helena says:
It sounds so wise when you hear others say it! 🙂
19 September 2019 - 12:00
Travel Friday says:
Of course you have to be free! I think it is directly necessary to cope in the long run... you can post preset posts. ❤️
19 September 2019 - 8:11
Helena says:
Preset posts are a variant. Thinking about it. At the same time it means that you should (maybe?) approve comments, reply to comments, share on FB etc...
19 September 2019 - 12:02
Britt-Marie Lundgren says:
When that thought comes, it's probably time for a break.
Otherwise, the risk is that the pleasure and fun of blogging and social media will disappear and become a compulsion, which is not acceptable.
Take a week off, no doubt!
19 September 2019 - 8:24
Solan says:
It's good to set a good example. Everyone needs a "white" week... But skip the guest posts, which need to be edited, etc.
Let your brain rest...
That's not fair to you, considering all the work you put into your professional blog?
19 September 2019 - 9:06
Helena says:
Solan, thank you for wise and nice words!!! 🙂
19 September 2019 - 20:00
Helena says:
Britt-Marie, thank you for your comment! Yes, it is also valuable to keep the fun in blogging! 🙂
19 September 2019 - 18:47
TravelAnna says:
Of course you should do it! Have often wondered how you manage. Absolutely understand that the pressure is greater when you basically live on your blog. But I do not think it hurts with a week off. Also, maybe you could take a day off every week? With your huge bank of posts, maybe re-posts could work from time to time? Just a thought. Take care of yourselves!
19 September 2019 - 19:56
Helena says:
Anna, sometimes it can feel like hibernation is over, but the next morning we usually wake up with new energy. Maybe because it's so much fun after all? But, I think rest is good! Will consider the occasion and arrangement 🙂 Thanks for your comment and your thoughts!
19 September 2019 - 20:02
Dream Team says:
How good that you think so! Of course you should take a break from all blog assignments instagram and Facebook but can you handle it? Run a test day to breathe and then take a week as you said in January? I think your sponsors want the same thing ?hugs and take it easy ?
19 September 2019 - 9:45
Helena says:
Haha, good question if we can do it! 😉 It does not feel completely obvious, but we think we will try 🙂 .
19 September 2019 - 18:48
Maria/ Magnolia Magis says:
Absolutely right! I have taken a holiday from the blog as I felt it became more of a must. Make some posts on insta that are shared to fb. Great idea someone here wrote about guest writers! Another idea could be to have a new picture per day that you prepared... So the guests get a nice picture with text about holidays and when you return. Yes, it's nice to take a break from the social network! More fun to get going again later. Hard to let go of blog thinking though. You realise how much energy is used and how little you are just present in the present! Good luck! Hugs
19 September 2019 - 9:46
Helena says:
Guest writers are a great idea! At the same time, I don't know if I want to do it just when we are going to be free. I think that if you have guest writers, you want to promote their posts, etc. and that is also work. But will think about it! And can think that you are very right that it is difficult to let go of the blog thinking, but maybe we should try it anyway 😉
19 September 2019 - 18:49
Henny says:
I think you should consider the idea of guest bloggers that Christian wrote. That way you get some much needed time off and don't have to worry about us daily visitors. I think we'd all enjoy that relaxation. It's nice if your brain doesn't have to constantly note down "films, pictures, blog posts, reports etc". But do not wait until January, take a nice week already this autumn when it is nice out and you can walk in the sun and just enjoy. Even if it is after work for your part Helena.
19 September 2019 - 9:47
Helena says:
Thank you, yes it can probably be good to think about something else! Let's see when we feel that it fits and what we will do then, we will think about it! 🙂
19 September 2019 - 18:50
Goatfish says:
Of course you should take a holiday! It's a vaccination for more ideas and fun ideas. Right now it also seems to be a bit of a low season (I notice it) on the blog.
For a while I used to use presets, but nowadays I leave my computer at home when I'm travelling to visit my loved ones and just hang out, which is very nice.
Wishing you a wonderful Thursday, hugs Gerd 😀.
19 September 2019 - 9:55
Helena says:
Yes, it is perhaps the case that you need to disconnect sometimes? Wishing a nice weekend soon! 🙂
19 September 2019 - 20:04
Emma, sun like sun? says:
Did I end up in the spam again... ?
19 September 2019 - 22:57
Emma, sun like sun? says:
Well, now it has appeared. Weird!
19 September 2019 - 22:58
Sandra Lifsresor.se says:
Put together an advent calendar for your blog and IG/FB so you can take 24 days off in December. ?
19 September 2019 - 10:26
Helena says:
Great idea! 🙂 Does not feel like I will have time for it, but like the idea. Will you have a calendar?
19 September 2019 - 20:05
Maria Car says:
? Absolutely, one needs a respite. Can take weekends off. Worked almost to death for 4 years to reach the top, but did not end well. ?
You need help from someone who doesn't have to worry about income but can do it for fun.
Of course, it is good if you advertise something and get paid for it. ?
Miamarkis, for example.
You are such a lovely couple and do a great job.
BIG KRAM
19 September 2019 - 11:01
Helena says:
Thank you for your nice comment Maria! We are not good at taking time off, but in the end you probably need ...! Interesting ideas you have by the way, we hear about it on email or Messenger! ?
19 September 2019 - 20:07
Ditte says:
Absolutely! Take a holiday from social media and perhaps it might be an idea to do so in the not too distant future. I also don't think you should pre-set posts because then it will be double work before. Please listen to Anders Hansen's summer programme if you have not already done so. (He is a doctor, psychiatrist and deals with the importance of disconnecting social media).
19 September 2019 - 11:16
Helena says:
Thanks for the nice comment Ditte! Know of Anders Hansen, but have not heard his programme. Agree that presetting can be a lot of work. If we do it, it will be something simple.
19 September 2019 - 20:09
Emma, sun like sun? says:
I can only add my voice to the chorus: you have to take time off now and then!
I can't imagine that visitor numbers would drop if you announce on all the social media you use that from tomorrow and seven days onwards it will be a bit quiet here, but please read this and this ...
If it's going to be like that, it should be complete! Rent a cottage with a crappy connection! Or get on a boat!
I hope you have distinguished between private and business contact information. That you can turn off your mobile phone but your family can reach you, that you don't have to read company emails, etc. If not, it's probably something you should consider. I know someone who said that after 5pm he doesn't look at his work mobile phone and he feels sooooo much better. He was a bit grumpy for a while ...
Great idea to sell a physical product. But keep in mind that it is also a job. Can you get someone to do that? I know there are companies that take care of order management and shipping. Amazon in all honour, great to be a customer but disgusting to be a seller. We have stopped using Amazon, I was completely stressed out by them, they demand too much, cost too much.
19 September 2019 - 11:49
Helena says:
Thank you for your comment Emma! Even if the number of visitors drops a little during that week, it does not make much difference in the long run, I think. Good thoughts about the emails! Will think about what we do with it... And how interesting with Amazon! Had no idea that there were so many requirements!
19 September 2019 - 20:12
Emma, sun like sun? says:
On Amazon: the customer is king and if the customer says he hasn't received the item, he hasn't received the item even though there is proof that it has been received. So money back or a new order: free product or two for the price of one ... There are horror stories so you have no idea, people have put it in the system, know exactly how to do it, just look on the internet and you get lots of tips on how to cheat Amazon.
Fortunately, we never had an incident, but considering that we were selling products worth a few thousand dollars, we didn't want to have an incident.
Amazon pretty much always takes the customer's side. I think they are getting a little better at protecting those who sell through Amazon but... No, it wasn't worth it. Not for us, anyway.
However, I still think that you are not completely wrong to come up with something to sell. If I come up with something, I'll give you a shout.
20 September 2019 - 16:03
Anette Åhnbrink says:
Of course you should have a holiday!
We'll have a chat in November on the ferry, where are we going anyway?!
19 September 2019 - 17:55
Travelsis says:
We're not the only ones to join in the Of course you should take a holiday, new ideas and new energy thrive in idleness. We will be there when you come back! Enjoy and have fun!
19 September 2019 - 19:03
Ama de casa says:
I am clearly a blogoholic and would find it hard to give up a whole week. The last time I had a couple of blog-free days was when we were attacked by Hurricane Odile in 2014. Then we had zero contact with the outside world for three days, no water, no phone, no electricity and of course no internet then either.
But I think a week's blogging break would be useful. Got the idea that during an off-season week, maybe I should take one too? Thanks for the suggestion!
But right now it is "impossible" because I want to keep my blog diary up to date and fairly chronological. Can be good to have later so we remember what actually happened? 😉
Have fun!
19 September 2019 - 19:19
BP says:
Of course, most Swedes have at least five weeks of holiday every year. When was the last time you had that? I mean, even if you Helena take a holiday from your part-time job, you don't really have a holiday. You work for the blog, FB, Instagram daily anyway, taking photos and not least writing long texts. So taking a single week off is really a privilege for you. Go for it!
19 September 2019 - 20:00
Matts Torebring says:
If you don't take holidays, you're fooling yourself. A successful entrepreneur said this to me back in the 80s. It's the same todayQ!
19 September 2019 - 20:07
Daniela | Discovering The Planet says:
Can only agree with everything that has been said. Just do it. You deserve it. And sometimes you need a break. Don't wait until January. Take it when you feel you need it the most. ♡♡
19 September 2019 - 20:53
4000mil says:
You know when you need time off from the blog. And if you don't take it, the feeling only gets worse.
We almost completely ignored social media updates during our last trip. Because it felt more stressful and not fun at the time.
Only pre-written auto-published blog posts.
19 September 2019 - 21:20
Marianne - Glimpses of the world says:
It does not sound stupid at all to take a little holiday! I have just returned home after travelling in southern Africa for almost four weeks, and it was rare that we had wifi on the trip, so I had a lot of time off from my mobile phone and the internet 🙂 ).
19 September 2019 - 21:26
Tina says:
I don't think you will lose followers on a week's holiday without any pre-published posts. Your readers are probably just looking forward to a new post! 🙂
20 September 2019 - 10:32
Anna / boihusbil.se says:
I think the realisation that one is not indispensable is important. That the demands of others do not control your choices. I hope you find the path that feels right for you and that you feel good about that decision.
20 September 2019 - 10:44
Elisabeth says:
Do it! I am convinced that only good things will come out of it. The constant availability takes its toll, whether you are aware of it or not. I need to do the same, I realise, if my digital and analogue life is to coexist over time.
It will be exciting to see what comes out of your "holidays"!
20 September 2019 - 14:27
Helena from Finland says:
Everyone needs a holiday sometimes. You should definitely treat yourself to some time off
20 September 2019 - 17:57
Helena - Oh darling, let's be adventurers says:
Of course, you should take some time off from blogging and social media if you feel the need. You can write a week's worth of posts to schedule. I read your response to some comments that it is a lot of work to promote on social media, but I think you can always do it afterwards?
21 September 2019 - 22:38