How to Overcome Web Publishing Burnout

It’s been two weeks since my last post here. I think that’s the longest break I have ever had on this blog (well, ok, since I started blogging on B6S.net, back in November 2009).

Can’t say I’ve been very busy with my other sites either. I did post on my personal blog but did very little otherwise. I’ve reached my semi-annual web publishing burnout phase and was taking a break.

You see, in over 12 years of web publishing, I have learned to recognize my limits and respect them. Every once in a while I need a break.

I still remember the first time it happened to me. I was working hard on my first website ever – a cat-related mega website in Hebrew. I loved working on the site, and spent hours upon hours developing it: writing articles, designing, coding HTML pages (this was over a decade ago, mind!), interacting with visitors, taking in questions, you name it.

Then one day, I could no longer do it. I crashed. Just sitting by the computer and doing anything related to my site made me want to scream.

I freaked out. I thought I would never be able to get back to “working on the Internet”, missing out on what was supposed to be my new career.

A couple of weeks later, I was over it. I had an idea for this new project on the site and I was back in business.

How to Deal with Burnout

As I return to work today, I figured I might share my insights about dealing with work burnout. This may not work for everyone, but for what it’s worth… here’s my advice:

1. Let go. This is not about being lazy. It’s about recharging your batteries. No guilt trips! Just allow yourself the time to chillax.
2. Stick to maintenance only. Make a list of what is absolutely necessary to prevent your business from collapsing and stick to that. I stick to replying to emails and checking on the forums in one of my sites. The rest can wait.
3. Give yourself a mental holiday. Play that computer game, read that book, and just let your mind wander.
4. Don’t tell too many people about your little holiday. My husband has learned to understand and accept my “no work” periods, but I know it wouldn’t be that easy for others to accept.
5. Once you’re ready, find a fun project to get back to work with. For me it’s usually a new website. I try to find something that will be both challenging and enjoyable – one of those projects that makes you want to stay “just a little bit longer” by the computer.

So, here I am today! All refreshed and ready for work!

How about you? Do you need a hiatus from work sometimes? How often and how long? I’d love to hear about your experiences!