As it turns out, going back to work isn’t just a bad dream.
Okay, okay — I am totally kidding. Not that I’m going back to work, but it’s really not a bad dream. In fact, as much as I gripe about my summer coming to an end, I am absolutely 110% excited about the upcoming school year. While I can do without the 4:15 AM wakeup calls to work out, the start of a new school year always means new beginnings and an opportunity for me to improve upon my teaching skills and strategies.
Here’s the thing people — teaching is without a doubt my number one priority. It’s my full time gig, the thing that really brings home the bacon, and one of the most satisfying and rewarding jobs (I think) is out there. Now, I’m not saying blogging is not important — because it totally is! It is a passion of mine, and something I don’t think I can live without.
With that being said, I’m not leaving you.
Dry your eyes, step away from the chocolate (or don’t), and come back to the computer.
This summer I have watched CEC grow and grow (hi new readers! It’s only polite to say hi back!), and it has been very exciting. I have gone from posting once a day to twice a day and have really gotten more involved with the community.
I’m sure you are busy too — let’s face it.. August/September is when things really start to pick up again. Whether you’re going back to school, heading off to college, or starting a new job, these next few months can be really stressful. So, how should one handle blogging while busy?
Priorities First
Like I said, teaching is my number one priority August-May. My job comes first. And while I do consider blogging a part time job, I know it’s just that — part time. I can’t be a 3x blogger when I am also working full time if I want to balance friends, family, and my other hobbies. Deal with it. imsorrycanwestillbefriends?
Stick with a Plan
I am such a schedule/list freak. No, seriously — I am. I write everything down in my planner (mainly because it’s exciting that I have a planner), and I have an idea of what I am going to blog about each day by brainstorming topics ahead of time. I am a total list maker, and I have an ongoing list of blog topics to write about. Sometimes this list only has two items, other times it has 20! I keep it posted on a “sticky note” on my desktop. It helps because the moment I open my computer, I can choose a topic off my list to blog about for the day. Many times something will happen where I absolutely positively have to blog about it immediately, and I do. Other posts can wait.
Don’t Sweat It!
Chances are your readers are not going to leave you in the dust just because life got in the way. So you didn’t post for three days? Don’t sweat it. It helps to have a schedule (if you haven’t noticed, I usually post around 8-9 each morning and 6-7 each night), but if you can’t stick to the schedule one day, oh well! No one should get stressed out because you “didn’t have time to blog”. While I would get upset if I had to do laundry instead of blogging, I am not going to freak out because I was enjoying the company of friends and family instead.
And when all else fails, remember that sleeping is overrated. Okay, I am totally lying. Sleeping is not overrated, and I am a total crab monster when I don’t sleep.
Question: How do you handle blogging when you are really busy? OR if you don’t have a blog, how do you handle life when it gets stressful?
{ 71 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks for the tips Chelsey! You are awesome! Can we be friends?
This will be helpful for me when my grad school classes start up again next month. My school is more than a full-time job. It’s an all-time job. I started this blog while I was taking 1 class over the summer and now I’m going to have 5 plus some labs…oh.my.god. It will prob take me a while to figure out how I can blog with everything else going on!
You’ll get it figured out! Good luck starting classes again!
Thank you!
omg so true Chelsey! i’m so glad you talked about this because I’ve been wondering the same thing once school starts back up for me (being a student not teaching ha). I def try to plan at least an hour or so of my ‘down time’ when I get the chance to write my posts or comment for a bit. If possible, I try to write on Sundays and schedule my posts throughout the week so if I know I’m super busy one day I’ll already have something planned for that day ready and waiting to be posted. We’re all here- we’re all busy- but we’re all following one another to keep in touch no matter how many times you can blog! xo
I just stay organized and flexible. Sometimes life happens and some things are more important than blogging. Great post girl! I needed this today
I’m not an organized blogger at all. Like you, I’m 110% bringing home the bacon from August - May, especially now that my husband is only working part time while going to school. I’m good at gathering blog topics; just not at actually sitting down & blogging about them. Maybe I’ll work on blog posts during my students’ writing time.
Also, I can’t believe you wake up at 4:15 to workout-that is crazypants. I go straight from work to the gym.
Okay, you made me check-my gym opens at 4AM! I never knew!
I have to go in the morning -otherwise I feel so bad coming home only to leave charlie again!!!
I agree! I feel so bad leaving the pooch to go to the gym. It’s mommy guilt
I’m a huge list maker as well! I also have a few saved up posts that I can easily publish when I know I’m going to be too busy to write that day. I’m actually working a few tonight so I can do that this week since my busy time just started. A very timely post for me!! Good luck with the new year!
Such a great post Chelsey! And I love that “Calm Down” picture! Totally cracked me up!!
I think making a list definitely helps me. I have a little notebook that I carry around in my purse so I can jot down post ideas when I think of them. This usually happens to me when I’m either at work, or out and about and I know I won’t remember it later.
It’s also been helpful for me to get on a posting schedule! I’ve been trying to post about 3 times per week, and always at the same time (early in the morning). I feel like it helps my readers to know when they can expect a new post. Sometimes I cheat though, and write up a few posts at a time and then schedule them to publish later in the week!
I think it can also help if you are able to interact with the blog community when you’re not posting. Signing up for Twitter has definitely helped me feel more connected to all the bloggers I enjoy reading! I’m still trying it figure it out, but I definitely am enjoying blogging a lot more now that I can interact directly with other bloggers.
Again, great tips!!
Um, I “cheat” and pre-write posts alllll the time! At least 1-2x per week!
I make lists and write everything into my planner as well! If I don’t get a post up one day, no big deal. I am trying to write some posts to have ready before I start school again so that in case I get in a crunch I will still have something to post!
With my blog being so new, I’m still learning how to blog when life gets super-crazy-busy…. I’m feeling the heat of school like no other!!!!
So glad that your blog has grown, you deserve it! We can still be friends…. no worries!
Yay! I’m so glad we can still be friends!
It’s okay, we still <3 you even if you put us on the back burner.
I usually get a little stress relief from writing, so it often works to fit in a post or emails to friends. However, if things are really crazy - blogging goes out the window first.
Planning ahead is critical for me, too. I make sure to schedule blog time when I know life is going to get busier than usual.
Hahaha I laughed out loud at that last pic!
Anyway, I love lists! If I went into the store without one I’d come out with approximately one billion things I don’t need while forgetting the basic necessities!
I honestly have no idea how some bloggers have a job, family, and still manage to blog 3x times a day. I only work part time, don’t have to worry about my family, and I still have a hard time even posting once a day on really busy days. In other words, I still haven’t figured out how to balance everything. Working on it, though
I don’t know how people would do it with a family and a job! Yikes!!!
Great perspective. I sometimes get frustrated by the lack of time I have to give blogging b/c I love it so much but, like you, I have a full time job that is how I make my living so the whole priority thing is important to remember
I have posts written ahead so that I can use them when super busy. Also during the busiest season at work I scale down my expectations for blogging so I don’t overwhelm myself.
As a newbie blogger, this is quite helpful. I never realized how hard it is to maintain regular posting!
agreed! Very helpful for a newbie!
priorities for sure! i manage blogging by doing it during my lunch break at work, and i only do it because it’s a relaxing break from the busy office setting, but if i didn’t have that it would be super stressful and probably not manageable haha
I’ll keep reading - don’t worry
I just started my blog about two months ago, but I’ve already found that having a schedule is a must for me. It helps me stay organized and focused. Plus, I heart making lists
Have fun back at school! I can’t wait to read your stories from class.
I usually have some easier post ideas I can turn to when busy and usually I drop on the blog reading and focus simply on getting a post done and up before catching up on all the other things that go along with blogging.
Hi Chelsey, I’m new to reading your blog, but loving it
Great hummus recipe…tried the spaghetti squash primavera….yum! I’m a teacher as well and go back to school soon, so while you may not have as much time to write..I won’t have as much time to stalk your blog for new posts 
It’s not easy to get it all in that’s for sure! I twice per day but yea, it’s not all easy to pack it all and fit it in all it with work, family life, working out, cooking, etc…just doing our best is the best any of us can do. Sometimes just short posts is all that we can do!
I’ve been struggling with consistent posts this summer! It’s hard because I still love it…but on days I work? I’m up at 5-5:30 to squeeze in a workout and get ready for work, leave at 8, off at 5:30, shuttle myself to the barn, and get home at 8:30. I’m not complaining, though…because I love my nights at the barn.
that said…your point about having posts or at leasts topics ready to go is a great one! and it’s all about not pushing it. it’s supposed to be fun!
I forgot all about QUALITY versus quantity! Shoot!
Hi back!!!
When I’m super busy I make sure to take lots of pictures throughout the day and will often just take 15 or fewer minutes the next morning right after breakfast to post a mostly photo post. Also it helps to write a few posts over the weekend and with Wordpress you can schedule a post so that it will post itself anytime in the (relatively near) future.
I do the same thing — I have a HUUUGE list of topics, and sometimes I draft posts in Pages so that if I don’t have anything to write about that day, I’ll just use one of those! A list helps a ton. I also try to edit pictures as soon as I download them, and put them in a “blog photos” folder on my desktop so I don’t have to search. I also try to schedule my posts ahead of time! That helps a LOT.
I hate that I can’t blog all the time I want to, but school (student here!!) has to come first.. until graduation in two years at least!!
love your attitude-very balanced
it is hard to maintain a blog when things are very busy and stressful, but some how everything always gets done. Maybe not as planned or timely, but I have realized I do better under pressure, haha
I do fairly well under pressure as well!
hi back! (just started reading your blog, love it)
As I started my blog just this summer, I have yet to really experience not having time to post. We’ll see what happens - but I love it too much to give it up.
Hi Rachel! Welcome!
When life gets really busy (as it has been for the past 5 months) blogging gets pushed right out of the way. Which is unfortunate because I absolutely love it and have missed it terribly. I’m not quite sure how I’m going to do it but somehow I’m going to get back into blogging regularly instead of sporadically and like.. once a month. I’ve seriously been one of the worst bloggers ever. But on the bright side, life has been really exciting!
Oh my goodness! Hello!
I have a list of topics, and I write when I have time or the inspiration strikes. Then if I have to post something and I only have 5 minutes, I just graba pre-written post and edit it a bit. I also schedule posts for days I know I’m going to be SUPER busy
I actually starting writing a post for later this week about this very subject!
I’m a new reader, HI new friend!
I have found this summer when zI get busy travelling or when I was studying for the zGRE the poor bloggy suffered but I am determined to be more organized with once I am back to my normal school routine!!
Hi Meg! Thanks for reading! The GRE sounds like not too much fun!
Aww, I’m so sad for you/jealous of you about school starting. I’m really, really missing that beginning of the school year feeling as it draws near! Puhleeze post good stories about your kiddos (or email them to me!) so I can live vicariously through you.
Also, I’ve been struggling with the busy-blogging conundrum a lot lately. Have a little Babycakes to take care of leaves little time to sit at the computer, and I hate not being able to put in all my effort to blogging like I used to, but like you said…priorities!
I will definitely post kiddo stories - and I think one of the only professions that trumps being a teacher is being amommy!
If I’m insanely busy, I might just miss a day of blogging. My posts tend to be “day in the life” kind of posts, so they’re pretty easy to plug out. Complex posts are saved for the easy days.
Hey Chelsea! I’m a new reader, and I love your blog. I am in college preparing to be a teacher. I was blogging myself for awhile, but then decided that I didn’t have time to keep up with it. I still love reading and commenting on others’ blogs. I agree that it’s all about priorities!
Hi Katie! Thanks for reading!
Oh man thanks for this post! I just started blogging and I’m kind of addicted to it…but I’m moving in two days and starting grad school in just over a week! So I’ve actually been freaking out all day today because I didn’t want to give it up lol. Usually in life I’m really really type A and I make lists like its my job (no really, in the time I spend per day making lists I could probably finish all my emailing lol) and that keeps me in check! Keeping a general health >schoolwork > running > social stuff priority ( more of a guideline than a rule though) also helps me make decisions sometimes.
Love this post! While I absolutely love blogging - Adam, research, and going to school are my number one priorities right now and that will be especially so when Aug. 29th rolls around.
I finally set specific days when I would be posting, just because I’m too busy to post everyday. I don’t ever stress if I miss a day now and then because it’s just blogging. Yes I love it, but I also love living my life. There are more important things than blogging: like your friends and family. Sometimes you just have to take a time out.
I will definitely be learning how to blog while busy…hello full-time student plus full-time employee plus volunteer cheerleading coach (4 times a week). Busy is my middle name.
I’m starting a new job in September so these are great tips for me! Thanks Chelsey
This is something I’ve been worrying about too! I really want to keep up my semi-consistent blogging schedule and stay on top of everyone else’s blogs once classes start again, but I have no idea where I’m going to find the time! Not only is school my #1 priority, but I’d say my social life is second with blogging coming in third. I don’t want to waste my time in college by spending the whole time blogging. Not that I don’t love you guys (because I do!!!) but I want to make sure to stay grounded in the real world.
So I think I’m going to set aside time each day for blogging (like mornings and after 8 pm only?) and stick to that. I love your idea to keep a list of blog post ideas. I think I might try that!
Thanks for the great tips! I definitely need to make a list of great topics as they come to mind so that I’m always ready to put out a post! My schedule is actually more busy in the summer than during the other months. I’m looking forward to fall where I’ll be more relaxed and have more time to blog and connect with other bloggers.
As someone who also has another full-time job (and a part-time job as a freelance writer), finding time to blog is hard, and everyone has a different idea of how often you should post. For me, I’m having an awesome week if I can post 3 times.
I do have a tip though: On sundays when I have more time, I write an extra post or two and not publish it. When i’m crammed in the middle of the weak, i’ll publish that post.
-Alysha
I usually blog once a day and I write it at night and then it goes up every morning. That is what works for me. I can’t imagine being a 3x day poster…I literally wouldn’t have enough to say. I also only usually read blogs in the morning…so depending on the poster I only either read the night before of the morning post. I personally prefer bloggers who only post once a day because then I never feel out of the loop. I mean, obviously, it is all about me.
Chelsea: I love your blog! I started reading this summer and it’s helped me revise my eating habits and focus on the really nutritional foods. It’s also given me the confidence to start my own blog. It’s small but I hope you check it out. I read yours every day and love it! Thanks!! ~Liz
Hi! I am also a new reader! and a new reader of blogs in general - you are at the top of my list and wanted to speak up and let you know that all your hard work makes my day a little brighter
Thanks!
It’s freaking me out that I *don’t* have to go back to school this month!! I’m not really sure what gets in my way from posting more often than I do. Grocery shopping? Massages and pedicures? Anyways, I’m totally like you in that I always plan my schedule ahead, although I constantly have to remind myself that it’s okay if things don’t go according to plan. I make a list of blogging topics too!
Love this post!!! I think this something that a lot of us bloggers think about and it was great to get your insight and such wonderful tips! I really like the idea of making notes of post ideas. I often times will have a good idea but then forget about it!
Cheesy- I totally understand your obsession with planners and as a 23 year old former teacher, starting a PhD program I have found the most wonderful, perfect planner in the world!! Check out erincondren.com anther fabulous life planners! They are worth every penny, I swear!
By Cheesy, I meant Chelsey…. Ugh I hate auto correct!
Loveeeee planners! I just hate when I can’t find one that meets all my needs! Blogging during the school year is easy for me since school (unfortunately) is NOT my first priority, but if I know I have a busy day, I write my post ahead of time and schedule it to post when I want! I do this with a lot of my weekends posts since I know I’ll be spending time with the boyfriend.
This topic has been on my mind a lot lately because I feel like I haven’t put enough time into my blog or commenting on other peoples’ blogs (even though I still read them!) However, a big reason I started my blog was for myself…as a place to get out my feelings, vent if I need to, beg the world for a change…so if I become to stressed out about feeling guilty for not blogging, then I’ve defeated the purpose!
I hear ya! There are certain weeks that are more hectic than others, and I’ve really had to focus on not feeling obligated to blog. No way can I do the 3x a day thing without it taking over my life!
You need blog your life, not live to blog. It’s more fun when things come naturally and don’t feel forced. People care about quality, not quantity. And even though I’m pretty new to blogging…just a few months…I’ve found my traffic always jumps after a little blog break of a few days!
I’ve stopped following blogs because the writer felt forced to write 3x a day no matter what…even if it was boring as heck haha.
We’ll still all be here!
I am a new food/nutrition blogger and a new follower!
Thanks for those great tips. I had a great time starting up my blog earlier this summer, but when summer school started it kinda waned in frequency and creativity. I am looking forward to figuring out how to go to school and still make time to create yummy food and blog about it.
Hi Chelsey! Sorry for the delayed comment…I’m a little behind on my Google Reader. (Don’t you hate it when that happens?) I, too, am a habitual list maker and looove planning ahead. I’m actually starting a teaching job in a few weeks-my first job out of college!?!-and am soso excited/terrified. But I have one question for you: do you wake up at 4:15 to work out because you’re too tired to after school? I’ve been debating how I’ll handle my schedule next year, and was hoping I’d be able to muster the strength to drag my butt to the gym after classes gets out around 4pm…am I living in a dreamworld? Did you ever try working out after work? And when did you start teaching? Love your blog-thanks for any and all of the time/energy/passion you put into it!
I’m a relatively new reader (maybe 3-4 months) and I’m not going anywhere! I LOVE reading your blog and am excited to hear more about when you go back to teaching! Hasn’t the summer FLOWN by?
omg I’m so busy I’m not only barely blogging, I’m just now reading this, over a week after it popped up in my reader! If you post less, that will actually suit my schedule perfectly as I’ll be commenting on your little witticisms & delish recipe ideas in a timely fashion!
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