We are a female-founded podcasting production agency that has been in business for 8+ years. We write a weekly email on all things podcasting.
#147: The One About Taking Breaks
The One About Taking Breaks
Hands up đ who is looking forward to some time off over the Holidays?
(*Sticks up both hands. And a foot.)
Because even though it was a super productive year, where we experienced some amazing wins, met new challenges head-on, and ticked off a good many goalsâŠ
Iâm tired. And I need a break. đ«
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And breaks are really great things! Taking breaks can renew our energy, fill up our productivity tanks, inspire amazing creativity, and just give us that reset we need to feel our best again.
So whether itâs from your 9-5, from your podcast, or your freelance jig, taking a break could be just what you need to help keep you right on track.
(Psst! đ€« Carli has some GREAT tips for podcasters when it comes to taking a break from your podcast! Check out the Founderâs Corner further down to find out more!đ)
But itâs not exactly that simple, is it?
Because while we usually know we want to take the occasional break. And we even know we should be taking breaks. Do we actually know how to take a real break?
You know, those breaks we dream of when we come back to âwhateverâ feeling truly rested. Where we did all the things we wanted to. And more! And ones that feel way longer than they actually were.
Is that even possible? Yes! But just like with anything in life, a real, rejuvenating break doesnât just happenâŠyou need strategies! And so, weâre sharing our three key strategies that help us ensure that every break we take is the one dreams are made ofâŠ
But before I share these strategies. đš A word of warning.đš These strategies are going to sound super counterintuitive for effective break-taking. In fact, theyâre not going to sound very âbreak-likeâ at all.
Just trust the process, okay?
1. Create a Schedule đïž
âWait, why are we creating schedules? Arenât we supposed to be taking a break? Schedules feel very âanti-breakâ! Yes. I know. But stick with me! Because creating some kind of schedule for your time off is key to making the absolute most out of that time off! It does not have to be a rigid schedule, but some sort of plan for your break will help you maximize the time of your break. And youâll also find that by having a plan in place, youâll be able to tick off everything on your Holiday Checklist! A true Holiday win!
2. Intentionally Plan Downtime đ§
Again. I know this sounds like very un-breaklike behavior. Planning downtime? Seriously? Yes! Totally! Think about it like this. If we want anything to accomplish anything, we have to plan it, right? Why would a break be any different? If your goal is to prioritize some quality R&R over the Holidays, youâre going to have to intentionally plan said R&R activities. Whatever downtime looks like for you, block off periods of time during your break where you can do just that. Because, and I hate to break it to ya, without a plan for downtime, downtime just ainât going to really happen.
3. Limit Screen Time đ±
And finally, the last strategy you need to make the most of your break is to limit screen time. If you want the maximize your break and make the days feel like theyâre just stretching on and on, youâll need to minimize anything thatâs stealing your time. And one of the biggest culprits is our screens. Donât let those suckers steal unnecessary hours of your break! So crack down on your screen time, and youâll open up so much more time to really make the most of your break!
So whether youâre looking to break away, break even, or break the mold of all the lackluster breaks of the past, let these strategies be the key to you unlocking your best break yet!
- Jennay
Want to take a break from your podcast over the Holidays? We've got some effective strategies to help you take that break...without losing your podcast momentum!
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âHOLIDAY BONUS! To sprinkle a little âšEXTRAâš holiday cheer, we'll be sharing some fun holiday podcasts over our last few newsletters for this year. Check out our first offerings...đđ§
Behind the Scenes...and Beyond the Mic!
For this episode, Carli van Heerden is joined by Tim Truax. Tim is the host of The Nerd Room and the new podcast the Podcast Experience, as well as the owner of the incredible podcast conferencing company PodSummit.
Some đKEY TAKEAWAYSđ from their conversation...
đ How Tim has shifted from external to internal measurements and looking inward to find the value you are providing to your community as a podcaster.
đ The skills Tim has learned as a podcast host, and what it takes the effectively manage a conversation.
đ And how your curiosity is the key to uncovering conversational gold!
And there is so much GOLD in this episode!
Hit this link to tune in now, and be sure to subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you listen in! đ§
Links Worth A Look...
- A fun update from Pocket Casts! Bookmarks, no longer just for books! đ
- Spotify still making headlines...Spotify Inks Podcast Deal With Warner Bros. Discovery for CNN, HBO and More Shows. đ€©
- And finally, if you want a chance to win a Webby, you have until Friday, December 15th (that's tomorrow!) to enter! đ
Founder's Corner
During this time, one of the biggest questions podcasters ask themselves is whether or not to take a break for the holidays. đ«Ł
More often than not, a break is directly related to a drop in listeners, so this is not always the best option.
However, there are tons of ways to work around this while still getting in that much-needed break!
Some of these ways include:
- Creating short-form content for your podcast.
- Batch-recording episodes and scheduling ahead.
- Pulling episodes from the archives for reruns.
- Planning some juicy episodes for the new year!
So what are your next steps?
The key lies in creating what I like to call an âalternate podcast holiday scheduleâ. In other words, finding ways to make podcasting feel like a break without actually taking a break from your regular publishing schedule!
If youâve been around here for a while, youâve heard me say this over and again: consistency is key! đ
So instead of focusing on a âbreakâ, try making the mindset shift to having more FUN!
â
Yes, thatâs right⊠bring on the FUN! đđŒ
Now, before we get into some more concrete steps for bringing the fun, letâs look at some simple ways to add a bit of holiday spirit to your podcasting schedule this year:
- Change your podcast artwork.
- Decorate your studio space.
- Add a holiday jingle to your show.
- Get dressed up!
âšStay tuned for next week's episode of Business Beyond the Mic as we bring some of these holiday traditions to life! âš
Once youâve got the holiday spirit down, letâs dig into three ways to make podcasting feel like a holiday.
âș 1. Host a Holiday Podcast Party đ
Who doesnât love a good holiday party? And what better way to celebrate the year than by hosting a holiday podcast party!
What does this look like, you might wonder? đ§
Well, it can be anything from doing a live recording, to engaging your audience in the event, doing a virtual holiday movie review, sharing holiday traditions and stories, or even inviting a few of your favorite podcasters or guests on to the show for a little holiday party behind the mic!
The options are endless! Just depends on what your vision is for your podcast holiday party. So get planning!
âș Focus on Relaxation and Stress-Relief đ§ââïž
A little R&R is exactly what you need to make your podcast feel like a holiday!
Whether you invite on an expert on stress relief or have someone on to give your listeners a holiday survival guide, everyone is ready for a few great tips on managing themselves during the holiday season!
Let your podcast feel like a spa day, reduce stress levels, and build in that much-needed break!
âș Take an off-script approach! đŹ
This is your time to finally color outside the lines a bit! Give yourself permission to take on some bold topics, create episodes youâve always wanted to, or even bring on a guest or co-host to do a holiday mini-series!
You can up the fun even more by creating a holiday quiz or perhaps even hosting a game show on the podcast! Be BOLD! Go off-script, and have the most fun!
The goal? đ
Serve your listeners by creating an unexpected experience every step of the way this holiday season! You wonât regret it!
Until next week...
Happy podcasting! đ§
The Team at We Edit Podcasts
Is it your first time here? Then, welcome! Allow me to officially introduce you to We Edit Podcasts.
We are a full-scale podcast production agency, on a mission to provide everything you need to simplify your podcasting process, reduce overheads, and publish quickly with a strong team behind you!
Our team has been serving podcasters since 2015, so by now we know a thing or two about what it takes to create a successful show!
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So, how can we help YOU and your podcast? đ
âș Looking to LAUNCH a podcast? Check out our free podcasting courses!
âș Check out The Podcast Digest, where we break down all the top tools and strategies you need to grow your show.
âș Looking for editing services? Take ours for a test drive! Start your Trial Episode for free!
âș Ready to take your podcast to the next level? Check out our core Services to create a package for your podcasting needs.
âș If you are unsure about where to start, schedule a free call to get all your questions answered!
âș Or want to boost your bottom line? Join our Affiliate Partner Program today!
Podcast Playbook Newsletter
by We Edit Podcasts
We are a female-founded podcasting production agency that has been in business for 8+ years. We write a weekly email on all things podcasting.
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