Presently, I am in my 75th consecutive hour of being with my children since summer vacation began on Friday.
75 consecutive hours with my children means NO consecutive hours devoted to blogging. I am having to sneak my posts in after 11 p.m., when my husband is overtaken by sleep and I am overtaken by the sound of his snoring, which I like to call his Man Meowing.
I started wondering…WHY have I missed my blog activities so much these last few days? Obviously, the top answer is that I’ve already grown weary of negotiating such earth-shattering discussions as “Mooooooooooooooooommmy! I wanted to give you the hand sanitizer FIRST and Boy Wonder didn’t LET ME” and “Mommy, Little CEO took a 1/2 inch piece of thread off my carpet and I NEEDED that” and “WAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH that’s not FAIR!!!”
But the other reason is that in looking back at my illustrious short blogging career, I can see that I have gained some very valuable skills as well as health improvements. And so I present Why Blogging Is Good For You:
1. Blogging helps to protect you from skin cancer. Since beginning to blog, I only leave the house when I absolutely have to: we are out of milk, or I am getting to drop my kids on someone else for the day. My sun exposure has been reduced dramatically.
2. Blogging will help you be more ambidextrous. My frequent scrolling, mouse-clicking and hunching over my laptop in positions resembling long-legged birds such as storks, flamingos and ostriches, sometimes hurts my right hand. No worries! Blogging forces me to use my left hand to keep up my ever-important writing activities!
3. Blogging will improve your time management. Why sleep when there is valuable Facebooking, twittering, blog hopping, meme-ing, drafting, networking, Blogfrogging, commenting, plug-in-searching and obsessing why everyone has more followers than me to do? I’m learning to get by on only 4 hours of sleep instead of 7! How efficient is THAT?
4. Blogging will teach you patience. Sitting and waiting for CAPTCHA and verification words to load in people’s blog comments doesn’t infuriate me. I look at it as a way for me to cheerily sit and pass time for just the perfect moment to submit my comment. I can file my nails, organize my desk or yell at my kids. Sometimes, Blogger refuses to accept my comment or doesn’t like my login. Do I get angry? No, I just smile and take a deep breath, and resubmit. Things happen the way they’re meant to, right?
5. Blogging will expand your math skills. Where else could I embrace the opportunity to calculate why one person’s blog gained 200 followers in a week and mine only gained 2? I couldn’t get this knowledge in an advanced college-level course!
6. Blogging will enhance your marriage. Our dinner conversation is now lively and vibrant, filled with my daily tales of making $2 in Sponsored Tweets this week, explaining the ins and outs of WordPress, and brainstorming with my husband about why a goth holistic scrapbooker who works as a doula part-time in Taiwan is following me on Twitter. The dialogue is so deep, so intimate – it’s never been better!
7. Blogging is a workout! I said this the other day, but it bears repeating. Think about how much exercise your middle finger gets scrolling through items in your Google Reader. Your reflex response time improves each time you dash off comments on 337 Wordless Wednesday posts in one day. It’s a veritable boot camp for your fingers.
8. Blogging teaches you perserverance. Anyone wanting more followers knows that the main requirement is to comment on other people’s blogs. Well, commenting on other people’s blogs requires tenacity. How many times do you type in your name, email and the name of your blog every day – plus your Twitter handle? Blogging is not for the faint of heart!
Now…you tell me…why is blogging good for YOU?
About the Author Gigi Ross
I'm a blogger, social media geek, mom and wife, foodie, reality TV addict and Jason Mraz fangirl. Not in that order. I write here about parenting, blogging, technology, social media and pop culture.
{ 53 comments }
Blogging has been good for me as it’s made my MUCH more like Jessica Simpson-who you may have read doesn’t brush her teeth that frequently.
Some days I hop out of bed, toss on my bathrobe, tell bratchild she’s on her own for breakfast and when I finally surface from bloghopping 3 days later-I can’t recall when I last brushed my teeth.
Blogging allows me to let my natural beauty shine.
AmyBlam´s last [type] ..Friday Flip-Offs 6/4
YES! This is exactly the help I was seeking!!!!!
This post is great! I can relate to everyone of these:) I love the workout I get from blogging. Wow, my fingers are really tired! I think I deserve some chocolate:)
Anna´s last [type] ..Leadership Lessons from Coach Wooden
Also, the laptop works as a great heating pad for when you have cramps. So, blogging is medicinal, as well.
Well, back when I had cramps… bit it still works, I swear!!
Katie´s last [type] ..The Creek
ah yes, the heating pad. forgot about that one!
that is hilarious….i love #4 & 6!! my husband just thinks i’m a dumbass for blogging!
Lisa´s last [type] ..{misc. happenings}
Hmm let me see, blogging improves your technical skills – I mean how much time did I spend the first time I tried to join the Friday flip-off and then last week I left two lines as I couldn’t the first becuase of my stupid security. Yes I’m moving to a little above techno midget status thanks to blogging. I’m also hoping my writing skills are improving, as that was the original point for me. Great post, thanks.
Cheryl´s last [type] ..Tawny Frogmouth
I would agree about the laptop that doubles as a heating pad, which came in handy just last week!
I would have to say that blogging has made me more aware of my surroundings. Like yesterday, when my laptop battery was dying I became VERY aware that there aren’t any outlets close enough to the couch. Or that the chair by the window is a great place to sit, but don’t try to blog there mid-morning because there’s a glare. I am now aware that the WiFi connection doesn’t quite make it to the back lawn, but it can pick up a connection in the garage.
Sherri´s last [type] ..Chill Out!
Haha! Gigi..this was great. Your posts just get better and better.
Blogging has taught me how little sleep I can get by on…we’ll see how long I last…
Alexandra´s last [type] ..What A Poet Will Tell You
Hilarious and brilliantly spoken. I’m going to remind myself of number 7 as I watch my rearend expand from sitting hours on end. And number 4 couldn’t be more true! Great post, Gigi.
alicia´s last [type] ..Tasty Tuesdays Blog Hop, 6/8 edition
Love this post! Blogging alllows me to remember that girl I was before marriage and kids…and gives me a chance to just be me. Sometimes I get lost in the shuffle and I love that blogging reminds me I am still more than a wife and mom.
Jamie Bishop´s last [type] ..Back from vacation
that is a GREAT reason to blog, Jamie!
Very funny, SISTa! I’m hooked.
I really adored this. You are too funny… I especially like the time management and skin cancer one. So good.
Best,
Hannah Katy
LOL…very good! I love all your reasons!
But for me the real reason is: I’ve been a writer my whole life. But I’ve never tried to BE a writer.
Now I am…even if it’s just a wee blog. : )
Hahaha I LOVE this, Gigi! You’re too funny! My fingers has been lacking in exercise since Friday and I’m having a withdrawal. Blogging is my therapy or else I’d be in a restraining jacket by now
Maureen´s last [type] ..Universal Studio Singapore
Simply brilliant. That was just the justification I needed this week.
For me, blogging simply replaces my shot-short-term memory.
Molly´s last [type] ..What if?
Too Funny!!! You are so right though.
I just started my own blog a few weeks ago. For the first time in ages, I’m staying up past 11:00pm on week nights. I’m suddenly planning activities to blog about and making dates with friends, just so I can dress part of the house to take pictures of. Seriously I’ve gotten projects not only off the ground but finished the same day, just for my blog. And my husband is loving my new found energy. Yeah for blogging!!
J. Isa Bird´s last [type] ..New set dressing and a friend’s tradtion.
How did I miss this post?! I love it!! Thanks for mentioning it to me…this just made my day. I was feeling all this guilt for all the time I’ve been spending blogging, but it’s actually good for me and I need to keep doing it
Every Saturday, I include a few posts that I found during the week that were my favorites…can I include a link to this one? I LOVE IT!!!
Natalie´s last [type] ..Blogging’s Taking Over My Life!
Somehow, this post didn’t make it to my Google Reader. Thanks for twittering about it. Are we facebook friends? We should be, then maybe I would’ve know about this sooner.
Thanks to Blogging, I don’t eat out of boredom nearly as much as I used to. My smoking has decreased immensely! I down from 2 packs a day to not even one! You think I’m being snarky? Nope. I’ve lost 10 pounds and have cut back on the smokes because nothing pulls me away from the blog.
Miel Abeille´s last [type] ..Blog organization: The post you’ve been waiting for
More health benefits. I love it!
Wooohoo! Love the post. Blogging can be your best friend or worst enemy in my opinion. I’m fairly new at it but so far I love the community I’ve found!
I feel more involved in the world than I used to…instead of going out in the real world, where I ignore and get ignored…while blogging, there are people who listen to me, comment back to me, load my blog and then leave in fright (thanks Google Analytics for letting me know 80% of people leave within 5 seconds!)
So yeah! Blogging=great in my books!
That is all so true!!! I loved every word of this!! Btw….
I am here to present you with an award!! You can swing on over and pick it up when you have a chance :O)
http://thedailymomdiaries.blogspot.com/2010/06/thanks-you-guys-you-are-awesome.html
Take care,
Tracy
Tracy´s last [type] ..Wholesale Keychain Review
i love your tongue-in-cheek look at the “pros” of blogging! particularly the efficiency one. i gave up doing my facebook stuff for blogging, but that still hasn’t freed up enough time.
liz´s last [type] ..Parenting Firsts: Summer Camp
oh my garage, that is hysterical. you hit MANY nails on the head. for me? i blog while at work. mostly. so i’m ALL about multi tasking. Especially that ATL+TAB to switch windows quickly. Yep. I’m a stellar employee.
MommaKiss´s last [type] ..Momma Juice! [giveaway - ends 6.13]
Tardy to the partay. Sorry!
FAN-TAB-U-LOUS!
Blogging has given me a badonkadonk. Something I’ve never had before.
Blogging has improved my spelling. I never knew how to spell badonkadonk or fancrapulous or assbag before. But, now I’m a real pro!
Blogging has taught me how to ignore the looks of puzzlement and concern when I talk about my blog friends to my irl friends. They think you are all imaginary or I’m in some virtual universe for pervs and freaks.
Blogging has taught me restraint because I really want to say to my irl friends, “Get out of the 90′s and your mom jeans and step into the world of the future. It’s a fancrapulous place to be, assbags.”
Blogging has taught me to ignore the unimportant. I no longer see that towering pile of laundry. Clothes really can be worn a couple of times. It’s better for the environment.
joann mannix´s last [type] ..This Is Not Really A Post But I’m At A Friend’s House Today
as usual, your additions are awesome.
Obviously, you need to up your hours of blogging. It’s essential for your good health!
Bossy Betty´s last [type] ..Poetry Tuesday: "Fueled" by Marcie Hans
Hey – I’m your newest follower! Found you through The Daily Mom Diaries! Looking forward to getting to know you!
Kate @ This Mom Loves
Kate (This Mom)´s last [type] ..A Few Birthday Party Ideas
This is definitely one way to look at it! I am so glad to hear of all the benefits. I will be sure to remind people of this when they ask why I spend so much time on the computer!
Dalia´s last [type] ..Mommy, why does my friend have two moms?
Your middle finger must get quite the workout… first Friday Flip-Offs, then Google Reader. Most excellent post… loved it!
Booyah’s Momma´s last [type] ..Before I was a mom…
I love it. Yet another list of reasons to tell people why I blog. Those who don’t are missing out. However I don’t type my name, URL and e-mail 1000 times a day. That is what the automatic fill in memory feature is for in google chrome.
Just found you & this post. Fantastic. Blogging *is* good for you. Looking forward to reading more!
Jackie´s last [type] ..kids & technology these days.
LOVED this list! Wouldn’t have found it if I weren’t out blog hopping. Was at Nolie’s Place and then Mommy of a Monster and she mentioned this list so I decided to check it out and SO GLAD I did. Too, too funny!!!
Why is blogging good for me? I deal with severe depression and it turned my life upside down and sideways and upside down again and I realized that blogging might be a way to create an income without having to deal with the anxiety of “Can I get out of bed today?” I can do it from home, I can do it in my pajamas, nobody will know whether my eyes are red from crying or be angry if I got out of bed late. Yes, blogging IS good for you!
Hope you’ll take a moment to stop by Better Your Blog and consider joining us. Wonderful people there and forums to discuss anything related to blogging. You can find it all here: http://www,betteryourblog.com
Have a great weekend!
~ Alyna
Alyna @ Better Your Blog´s last [type] ..Week in Review
this was HILARIOUS!! i love #5…. always contemplating that one!!! GREAT post!
julia´s last [type] ..Summer Bucket List
Well said. Blogging is so therapeutic for me
BigMamaCass´s last [type] ..My Superhuman Speed {Getting to Know You}
Blogging provides some great dinner conversation at our table too. Not sure about my patience yet, hate filling in my name and waiting for comments.
Kristin Glasbergen´s last [type] ..Sharing The Love
Blogging prevents skin cancer! I knew there was a reason I do this!
Joey @ Big Teeth & Clouds´s last [type] ..I sweat the small stuff
Those are perhaps the best reasons blogging is good for you I have EVER heard!! Thank you so much for providing this valuable information. Now I have some come back when my husband complains about my being at my computer all the time
Congrats on being the Lady Blogger Feature!
Carrie´s last [type] ..Neither rain, nor slugs, nor little toddler fingers
I LOVE this post! You could always add: Getting to do something you love and telling your old boss to take a leap while earning only pennies a day… priceless!
Visiting from LBS, and love you too much not to follow! Keep up the good work! Maybe we can exchange photos of our “yoga blogging positions” if we could ever get the hubby to take the picture!
This is an AWESOME post! I am def going to bookmark and link to in a future post, lol!
I am SOOO addicted to blogging it is unreal. Cannot be healthy!
Bernice
Ramblings of a Woman´s last [type] ..Ahh- the American dream
Yes! Finally something I love to do that has health benefits.
Kimberly´s last [type] ..Just Give Me a Stinkin’ Oil Change
Blogging has been a really good way for me to share great tips and my design work to a larger audience. I am passionate about what I do as an Interior Designer and this gives me a way to reach out to others.
Marie Cole´s last [type] ..Spring BreakPart 2
You hit the nail on the head…eight times, even! Also, I find that blogging sharpens my mental acuity. I churn out pithy cleverness like “LOL” awl zee time.
Jeannie Finelli, RN´s last [type] ..Yoga for Two
Fun, snarky blog post that is entirely too true. Blogging has been good for my health because I’ve been able to befriend other writer moms on a mission to get published and it’s so good for the soul to commiserate with and encourage one another. Too serious of a comment?
Had no idea when I started just how big the blog community really was… am now working on my socialist – I mean social networking skills
Stefanie´s last [type] ..Kids and Flouride- How Important is it…Really
Boot camp for your fingers? Now that’s a concept. I never looked at it that way. It is addicting, that’s for sure.
Oh my … you are right on! Thanks for a good chuckle … and a little healthy perspective!
Happy SITS day!
morgan´s last [type] ..Keep the Main Thing the Main Thing
I love this! Especially the part about blogging teaching perseverance. This is SO true!
Elena´s last [type] ..Pillow Talk- 7 Ways To Reuse Your Old Pillows
I am going to share all these with theMR. for the times he HATES that I invest a little of my day into posting and reading!
Loved this! I understand all of your points and would add blogging involves reading other people’s comments so you don’t repeat them – especially when you are the 51st blogger to leave one!!
I blog because it’s cheaper than paying a psychologist and I get a lot more advice!
(I didn’t really read all 50 prior posts so hopefully I haven’t said something someone else already did- if so I guess great minds think alike!)
I am now a guilt-free blogger and I have you to thank for this
I love #1….was wondering why my complexion was suddenly looking so smooth and creamy. A joy to read. Thank-you 
Kate´s last [type] ..Day 12 Write about what wears you out as a woman
Blogging reminds me that I AM someone. I mean, strangers in Italy, Sweden and the Philippines seem to care what I have to say.
It also reminds me that “work” is more than wiping faces and cleaning up crumbs from the kitchen floor (500x/day). Used in a sentence: “…..in about 5 minutes, ok sweetie? Mommy’s doing work right now.”
Julie @ Practically Spent´s last [type] ..CSN Winner
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