Organisation Tips | Blogging, Life, Work & Being Productive

If you keep up with my more lifestyle-y posts, you’ll probably know that I’m spinning a fair few plates in life. A few people have asked how I do it so I though I’d share an updated set of tips on how I work my schedule, as it has definitely become far busier since I last talked to you about it!

At the moment I’m on a graduate scheme; I’m split between two teams, doing work for both areas and travelling with work at least 2-4 times a month. I also have internal exams alongside professional qualifications to study for. On top of that I’m in a long-distance relationship and obviously need time to relax and spend time with friends and family.

Decide How Much You Can Do

Sure, it’s possible to post daily even with my lifestyle. However, would I have time to do anything else? Would it be of the quality I strive for? Probably not! Everyone is different; you need to just figure out your personal capacity. If blogging ever feels like work or if you’re neglecting other areas of your life, you should probably take a step back and assess if you’re over-committing yourself. I honestly think that as long as you’re consistent, it’s not a big deal if you only post once a week, for example. Just set your own rhythm that you’re comfortable with.

Plan, Plan, Plan

Whether it’s taking Instagram photos at the weekend (when there’s daylight!), scheduling tweets, planning the next month or so’s posts in my calendar or anything else, when you don’t have a huge amount of time but still want to put out regular content; planning and scheduling are key. Generally I plan in posts around a month in advance and I take my blog photos in bulk for the forthcoming fortnight on the weekends. Making lists and knowing what you have coming up and ticking off the various steps (photography, text, checking links etc.) is the best way to stay organised and be productive with limited time. I also usually have a contingency post or two drafted just in case anything goes wrong, so I have content to go up.

Be Productive On-the-Go

If you want to, you can be productive just about anywhere. It can be commenting on other blogs and joining Twitter chat on the bus home from work using your smartphone, writing up the text for your blog posts on your laptop whilst on the train or flicking through a magazine over your lunch break for some inspiration. Sometimes you do just want to relax but if you’re bored on your commute there are so many things you can do towards your blog to pass the time.

Prioritise

As much as it pains me to say it, in life my blog would probably be the first thing to go. My career and my relationships will always be the most important ways to spend my time. If I know I have exams coming up I’ll make sure I’ve scheduled posts well in advance and hold off on answering blog comments, joining chats and so on. I also make sure I’m not planning some epically long post during that time! At the end of the day, life comes first and even with all the planning in the world, sometimes your blog will suffer. You’re only human! You should never feel guilty for spontaneously going out for dinner instead of staying in to work on your blog!

Relax

I’m someone who likes to be busy and I tend to thrive when I have lots to do, but even I realise I need to put aside time to relax. Generally it will be Sunday evenings for me, but I’m trying to set aside at least 20 minutes every night for this kind of stuff. I burn my favourite candle, have a nice long bath with some fancy products, do a face mask, read a book and just have some me time where I feel pampered and content.

What are your top tips for juggling blogging with the rest of your life?

 

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