It was interesting, clever, witty, a huge hit with everyone and catapulted me into being a highly respected and much loved blogger…but it was all a dream!
How frustrated I was to realise I couldn’t remember what it was about and had no chance of recreating my dream blog into a reality. I’m now having trouble sleeping for fear of dreaming up my next big blog whilst asleep instead of in real life. So, if you’re having difficulty sleeping over your blogging or like me fear you only have good blog’s in your dreams here are some tips to help you get some sleep...
1. Keep a notebook by the bed.
This is for flashes of inspiration - not for working on new posts when you should be sleeping. Have some discipline!
2. Maintain a sensible schedule.
Work time. Home time. Play time. Blog time. Sleep time. Set aside time for each activity, and don't let things overrun. Stick to your schedule as much as you can.
3. Ban all questions after a certain time.
Does your significant other show an interest in your blog? Great! Just tell them to button it when it's time to sleep. Make sure you button it, too.
4. Pretend you don't have a laptop and wireless Internet.
It's just too convenient to hop into bed, go online... and stay online. It might be fun, but don't do it if you have to get up in the morning. Or if you feel like sleeping anytime soon.
5. Don't go coffee-crazy.
I like a coffee in the morning. Not every morning, but every now and again. I avoid coffee in the evenings though. Too many coffees will keep you up all night. Unless you're immune to the effects of caffeine.
6. Don't hide your ideas under the bed.
Notebook? Sure. Anything else? No! It's fine to jot down an idea to make sure you don't lose it, but don't get carried away and start developing some of your post ideas. And don't go thinking you can hide things in the bed, either. It's not going to be a comfortable night for you if you try that one.
7. Sit in the bath.
I'm not expecting you to use the bath as your bed. Having a bath is a great way to relax. Do keep a notebook fairly close by, but be careful not to drop it in the tub. Whatever you do, don't bring your laptop or mobile phone into the bathroom - leave them outside where they won't electrocute you. Seriously. Be careful!
8. Set a cut-off time for snacking.
Blogging can be hungry work, but eating doesn't usually help you sleep. Separating food from blogging and sleeping can make the difference between getting a good night's sleep, or losing track of time and having to pick the crumbs out of your bed, laptop and clothes.
9. Resist the urge to blog if you wake up early.
Do you have a tendency to wake up in the middle of the night? It's best to try and get back to sleep - don't go and start writing a new post. Of course, if you do have an idea, jot it down... but leave it at that.
10. Don't be too good at it!
Whether you're basking in the glory of blogging, or you've convinced your perfect partner that you really are all that... if you don't want to be up all night, be mediocre! (Maybe staying up late isn't such a bad thing...)
