It's OK To Take a Break: Why You Should Slow Down To Bloom Again

by - October 06, 2019


Overwhelmed? Uninspired? Switch yourself off and recharge your batteries.

Having a long-term project like a blog, content creation, or an artistic hobby, is always a big endeavour. And unfortunately, you can't always be 100%. Over the past few months I haven't been too excited about my blog and producing content here. Nothing wrong with it, too. It doesn't mean that I'm tired of blogging at all, but I have less time nowadays, and fewer ideas than I did before too. At first I found it very frustrating and took it as me not being as good with the whole blogging thing, but then, during the recent summer holidays and when I happened to not post for more than a month, I realised it is actually OK to give it a break. If you are feeling like me right now, here the little tips I gathered that made me feel better about slowing it down!

WHEN should you take a break?
There is a difference between when you should try a little harder and push yourself, and when you've just got to stop altogether and take a break. I do believe resilience is key and you should always try to improve what you would like to change, in yourself or in what you do. But then, how do you know when it's time to stop? 
Generally, if you lack inspiration for too long and you can't get your motivation back for a while, even though you've tried everything, then you should consider stopping everything and taking a step back. It doesn't mean that you will never get there, it just means that you give yourself the time to live, relax, focus on self-care, before getting back to the task. There is no shame in taking time to do something. Enjoying the journey is important, and if you don't put yourself first, you will hit the wall eventually. So look for the little signs that tell you to stop for a bit, and listen. Don't overdo it.


WHY should you take a break?
If you're stuck, pushing it again and again won't help - it may just tire you out more and you need to feel refreshed to start over with new motivation and ideas. Taking a break will put things in perspective and allow you to think about why you have been feeling that way and how you can make it better. Stressing out about not being good enough is never a good option! This is why you need a break: to relax, think things through, reflect on your own mental health and fix it. With some time and self-care, you will slowly find a path to move forward again and fuel your creativity.

HOW should you take a break?
I have tried 'half breaks' before, and it doesn't really work. Like pretending to be on a break, but ending up doing a bit of this and that, because I was feeling too guilty to completely stop and pause. Leave your project out for a bit and do something different: call a friend, watch a film, do a pamper session, instead of working on your project as you usually would. Look after your mind and practise more self-care. Look for support if you need it: ask friends out, do things together and maybe ask them for advice on your situation. Chances are they've been there too - we all have! - and if they know you well, they will give you relevant advice that you may not have found out on your own. Sometimes, you can't do it all on your own and that's totally ok! So own the fact that you're taking a break and slowing down a bit. I really believe things work out at the right time eventually, though it may take longer than anticipated. Listen to yourself and you will get there!

What do you do when you need a break? What's your favourite way to recharge your batteries?

Lots of love,
Julia x


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    35 commentaires

    1. Taking breaks is so important!! I LOVE THIS POST! Having a proper break can be so refreshing and renewing and we usually come back stronger. Hope you are having a good weekend xx

      findyourownhope.com

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      1. Renewing is the perfect word! Thanks for stopping by Susie xx

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    2. I take scheduled breaks when I am on Holiday, to avoid tiring me out altogether. You are absolutely right about the half-breaks - either you take a break or you don´t, doing it half will only make things worse.

      Anne from Doctor Anne

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      1. Holidays are a great time to take a break, definitely - you can really not feel guilty because it's a planned time to disconnect! xx

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    3. I think is good to take a break if you need to. Blogging as hobby should be, primarily, fun, and this is why there should be no pressure to stick to a specific schedule.
      I don't like taking breaks because I did once a few years ago and I missed it. Now I'm very busy and I changed from blogging every other day to once every three days or even less if I don't have the time. Also, I'm going to share more "pictures only" kind of posts, when it's not necessary to have (long) descriptions. This works for me. If for you it's better to take breaks, then do that. Don't let some random expectations some other people have make you think you are not doing enough. Hugs xx

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      1. You are absolutely right about blogging! Changing up your schedule to adapt to your needs and wants is also a great idea. Well done for finding a way around things, and thank you for your kind words Anca! xx

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    4. Take break is very important because then you can charge your batteries and come back with more energy and inspiration. I like your writing style and enjoy reading this post. Thank you for sharing.

      New Post - http://www.exclusivebeautydiary.com/2019/10/tom-ford-lip-color-rouge-levres-08_5.html

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      1. You are very right! Thank you for reading! xx

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    5. I loved reading your article, I found several travel tips and fantastic places.
      Numero dos famosos

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    6. I agree then discovering you're lacking inspiration is usually a pretty good time to take a step back and have a little break; it's usually then we rediscover our mojo! :) You look so lovely here by the way Julia!!

      aglassofice.com x

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      1. Thank you for your kind words Gabrielle! I hope the rest of your week is filled with inspiration and motivation! xx

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    7. First of all, I have to say that you look amazing in all the photos in this post! That leopard print skirt looks fab on you. I totally agree with you that we all need a break sometimes, especially with long-term ventures like you mentioned.

      I hope your break did you some good and that you feel more refreshed now!xx

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      1. Thank you so much Katie! I feel much better now. I have to say that the changing of the season always inspires me too, especially when it comes to blogging. I hope you feel the same for this new season! xx

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    8. I love to read your articles. They are really very good.

      Meraki

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      1. Thanks Sumer! I'm glad you enjoyed them! xx

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    9. Aw I love your posts Julia, they are always reassuring to me and comforting to read, I often feel so behind with feeling tired already, I push myself to keep going even if I am desperate for a break >< it's never good for creativity to force yourself when you don't want to and I realised that my favourite articles come from times I have taken a break and felt compelled to write through passion and not because there is pressure to do so :D these are such great tips and I love your outfit, gorgeous skirt! xx

      elizabeth ♡ ”Ice Cream” whispers Clara

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      1. Thank you for these kind words Elizabeth! They make me so happy ♥ Writing through passion is the best thing to do, because your words have even more weight and meaning to them! xx

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    10. Agree! Designing a passionate life requires that you take a break and relax. Part of living passionately means that you create space in your life to relax and enjoy life.

      https://abouthelenegoldnadel.wordpress.com/about/

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      1. I like your idea of a passionate life! xx

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    11. Love how chic and sophisticated this whole look is, gorgeous :)
      Let's follow each other.

      - Marina W
      http://www.waitmarinawho.com/2019/10/scrapbook-from-brussels-belgium.html

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    12. Hi Julia! I understand and I felt the same way too before. Every time I have nothing new to post I feel like I just wanted to stop. When I get myself back together I realize that there were a lot of things that needs to be shared to inspire other people too. I appreciate this post and I love it!

      xoxo,
      SHAIRA
      Blog: www.missdream-girl.blogspot.com

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      1. Thank you for your kind words Shaira! It's good to know we all feel like that sometimes. Good thing is, it never lasts forever! :D xx

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    13. I tried half breaks too and they NEVER work! But some time to recharge, to be fully dedicated to ourselves is heaven. Even switching off the computer and/or phone is such a relief. At least I then completely feel in total control of myself, enjoying quality time with friends and family! (I can't wait to be xmas because that's the best moment to take a break)

      Have a great weekend Julia!!
      Cate <a href="http://www.35mminstyle.com/>ღ 35mm in Style</a>

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      1. Switching off is the best! And you are right, at Christmas everything slows down and it feels like the perfect moment for self-care and time off! xx

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    14. Gorgeous post Hun, your pictures are so stunning too!! x

      Grace || www.gracelouiseofficial.blogspot.co.uk/

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    15. You look so beautiful in these photos, I love the skirt! I love this post and honestly feel the same way, resilience is so important but sometimes it's key to know when you feel like you might burnout. Breaks always help me recharge and feel motivated too. This was a lovely read! xx

      http://mylovelierdays.com

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      1. Thank you so much Diana! It's great to support each other and recognise that we all have moments like that sometimes. :) xx

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    16. I agree with you, sometimes looking at things from distance you can see them in completly new light.

      LackaDaisy

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    17. I actually get tired and uninspired sometimes to post regularly but I feel obliged to do so every week. Nice that you touch this subject and that there's nothing wrong with it if I take a break.

      www.busyandfab.com

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      1. When this happens, you should definitely take a break and leave the blogging aside for a bit. I promise it will help! xx

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    18. lovely post, taking a break is really important to find inspiration and other creative ideas. I had a long break too because I lost interest but I'm back on track again, hopefully I could commit with this.
      Capturing Life Memoirs | Aimee

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      1. That is awesome Aimee! Well done on getting your mojo back! xx

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