Updated on February 22nd, 2023
As a full-time graduate student and a mother, it can be challenging to find time to blog. In this post, I wanted to share the ways you can find time for blogging.
Set Time Aside
During the day while my daughter is at kindergarten, my time is spent on my master’s program. In the afternoon and evenings, after I pick up my daughter from kindergarten, I am cooking and cleaning. However, when my daughter goes to sleep in the evening, I have free time to myself until I go to sleep as well.
The time in the evening to myself I normally use to work on my blog whether it is writing a post, replying to comments, promoting my posts on social media, replying to emails, etc. I spend most of my evenings working on my blog, but I do have the occasional day off where I will watch a movie or play a video game instead. If you are having trouble finding time to blog, then I would suggest seeing what free time you have and possibly using that time to work on your blog.
Make a To-Do List
There is a lot to do when it comes to running a blog, and to manage my time wisely in the evenings I create a weekly to-do list of things to do. In my to-do list, I will set a preliminary schedule for when I want to write a new post, take pictures for my blog posts, reply to comments and comment on other blogs, promote my blog posts on social media, etc.
You can also make a daily or monthly to-do list depending on how often you blog or how much time you can put in to focus on your blog. By having a to-do list, you can break up the task of blogging into easier-to-manage tasks instead of trying to do everything at once. The to-do list will also help you keep track of what you need to do next for your blog and enable you to be a super productive blogger.
Write Down Your Ideas
When I come up with an idea for a blog post, I immediately write it down in my notes app on my phone, and I include any other notes I have about that idea. You could also use a journal such as the Mål Paper Planner to write your ideas and create an outline of points you want to cover when you write about that idea.
By writing down your ideas for posts as they come to you and possibly outlining the post as well, you are spending less time when you actually sit down to write that post since you already know what topic to write about and any points you want to cover. Also, at the beginning of every month, I like to plan out my posts for the month using the ideas I have come up with. This planning takes the guesswork out when it comes time to write a new post.
Use Time You Have
If you find it difficult to set time aside to blog, you can use the time that you do have. If you commute to work or school on a bus or train, you can use your commute time to write a new post. When you have breaks at work or your lunch break at school, you can use that time to reply to comments on your blog or schedule social media content. I definitely recommend having the WordPress app on your phone so you can easily write a new post or reply to comments without having to carry your laptop around.
For scheduling social media content, you can download the app Buffer or sign up for Tailwind. With the free plan on Buffer, you can schedule 10 posts at a time for Twitter and Instagram. With the free trial on Tailwind, you can schedule 100 pins for Pinterest or you can use my referral link and receive a whole month for free! By using apps and websites on your phone, you can easily and efficiently use the free time you have to focus on your blog.
However, if it is still difficult to find time to blog with these suggestions, you can outsource tasks to a virtual assistant. A virtual assistant can create social media content, interact with your followers, and so much more.
Its certainly hard with 2 very young children aged sixteen months and 4 years old but I honestly think my blog keeps me sane as young mum. I look forward to exploring more of your blog very soon. I hope you check out my very successful food and lifestyle blog surrey kitchen.com very soon. My recent posts are about Dim Sum and I just passed the WSET level 1 award in wine at Leiths in London so if you love wine those posts are worth a read. Best wishes. Emma xxx
I admire you for having 2 young children and still finding time to blog. I’ll be sure out your blog!
I used to think I was pretty good at staying on top of blog stuff, but I’ve literally dedicated hours this weekend trying to catch up because I’ve been neglecting it so much. Love this post! I’m currently stuck in the dilemma of Tailwind and whether to sign up or not. I’ve just finished the trial and really liked it.
I’m constantly writing down ideas and creating to-do lists so I can keep on track with blogging and continuing my freelance work. Wonderful tips!
This is really beneficial, especially for me to read right now with how chaotic life is for us too. It has been really hard trying to balance life and blogging and everything else. Thank you for these practical tips, Karalee!
You’re welcome! & if you need to, it’s okay to take a break from blogging.
❤️
I record ideas and impressions too. I always have a notebook with me. When I have some time, I write my posts in bulk and schedule them for future dates. It’s chaotic, but it works for me. But I like your approach, and these are great tips! I often wondered how you find the time with your studies and your kid… but this post explains it. 😊
Writing down my thoughts is so important when I do not have immediate access to the computer; it is a great way to come back to ideas at the end of the day.
Deciding on a time each day and sticking to it is a great way to set aside time for blogging; I do all my writing at the end of the day and it is kind of a like a way for me to relax and enjoy myself.
Such a great post! After so long after blogging, you run the cycle of “is it worth it?” or “do i want to write a post today?”. But this post reminds me that it is less of a burden if it becomes a routine, makes it easier I guess – thank you so much!
I snatch moments from here and there for mine, never really dedicated time to it, perhaps I should though x
I feel like I can be more productive if I set time aside to just focus on blogging, but if finding time here & there works for you then you don’t have to 😊
I bet it would be more productive, but sadly family is coming first, well at least until my youngest daughter goes to uni in sept. Then I will try a more structured slot
Finding time to run a blog can be so difficult! Mostly because there a million things I could be doing. Love the tip about writing ideas down and have definitely found this to be the most helpful in my journey.
Yes it can be difficult finding time to blog! I’m glad to hear that you found writing down your ideas helpful 😊
Great post and some really helpful tips! I’ve definitely found that setting aside my time in the evenings works well for blogging as it’s when I’ve gotten everything else out of the way. In terms of social media and replying to comments, I’ve found it’s easier to do during my lunch hour, and I can also read a few posts from other bloggers and I find this frees up more time to write and do some general admin bits in the evening. I’m definitely going to look into the Buffer plan for some social media posts as this is something I do occasionally fall flat on! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Amy | sassycatlady.com
You’re welcome! It is nice having everything else out of the way to focus on blogging in the evenings!
I hope you’ll find Buffer helpful! It’s great being able to schedule tweets/posts!
Thanks for the tips!
You’re welcome!
Blogging is definitely something that we would do because we want to. Finding time to blog and engage with others can be hard but it’s not impossible! I always use a notebook to write down my ideas! Thanks for sharing these tips :).
Nancy ♥
I agree it’s not impossible! That’s great you use a notebook for your ideas! 😊
It can be so hard to find time for blogging! You really had some great tips, and the one I actually use the most is writing ideas down. That way, when I DO have some time to blog, I can just pick a subject that speaks to me and use that as a source of inspiration. Though I do hate it when I have a brilliant (or at least in my opinion) idea to blog about and want to do it right away, but don’t have the time. So frustrating!
Lovely post and thanks for the ideas and inspiration!
xo Emily
Thank you so much!
I’m glad to hear that you write down your ideas since you can use it as inspiration. That has happened to me too! When I’m walking my daughter to kindergarten, I sometimes will think of an idea & main points but I can’t just stop & write it all down!
Some great ideas here. I always have a To Do list on my phone each day, and I use my lunch break at work to get some social media interaction in the bag! Another thing is not to pressure yourself to the point where it becomes a chore. If you have a lot going on, it’s okay to recognise that you might not have as much time to blog for a little while. 🙂
Yes blogging should never be a chore & at times life may be too hectic that you won’t have time to focus on your blog & that’s okay!
It is time consuming, good on you with all your other responsibilities to make the time to write and research your blog. Inspiring.
Yes blogging is time consuming & thank you!
I have loved writing all my life. Freelance writing forever. Now just my blog, and social media, which takes up 6 to 8 hours a day. I look over my phone to catch some television.
Blogging is like your full-time job!
That and Len.
This was just the post I needed! I sometimes find that I either work on my blog too much, and then slack off for my other tasks, or vice versa. It’s important to find balance, and these tips definitely help.
I’m glad these tips were helpful & I definitely agree it is important to find a balance!