7 reasons why it’s okay to be addicted to blogging

After the canceled plans that 2020 has gifted us, many writers have turned to the one thing that gives comfort. Comfort is a softer term I chose to use, but if you’ve clicked on this post, it is probably because writing is your safe-haven. If that is the case for you, you’re not alone! I certainly have found comfort in sharing my thoughts and interacting with like-minded individuals through the convenience of WordPress. I have enjoyed every interaction, every comment, and every post you have shared. Notice how I am dancing around the big elephant in the room? You know what, we’ll say it anyway and take the power back… I am addicted to blogging and you probably are too!

Part of my motivation for writing this was a post by Olivia Blake which covered 7 signs to tell if you are a Blogging Addict. Her words really got me thinking about my relationship with blogging. I was crazy enough to consult my husband to know his thoughts, but I drew my own conclusions. I also denied the addiction a few times, but that is every addict’s response. To you, fellow addict, I’m very much addicted to blogging and that is okay!

Since this is a safe space, let’s look at some reasons why that isn’t such a bad thing.

Writing is a form of art

As an introvert, I struggle to voice my thoughts to those that aren’t close to me. Or rather, I struggled. Writing is a form of art that allows you to tap into your creative juices and express yourself beautifully. Writing is a gift that I promise to hone, tone, love, and adorn! Since I picked up writing again, my confidence has improved and I have become significantly happier. Of course, writing isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but everyone loves at least one form of art. And, being the artist adds several layers of depth!

Being addicted to blogging isn’t the worst thing

As I write this, I have my husband telling me that no addiction is good. According to him, stating that blogging isn’t the worst addiction to have is the same as saying that ‘theft is not the worst crime’ or ‘weed isn’t a drug’. He says that you are a slave to whatever you are addicted to. That may be true, but I choose to disagree.

While being addicted to blogging is sometimes seen in a bad light, there really are worse things out there. The list of addictions is long; alcohol, social media, people, etc. As someone with an addictive personality that has a few skeletons in the closet, blogging is a fun escape from reality that isn’t life-threatening. Of course you have to be reasonable with it, but that is a story for another day.

For now, here is something interesting that contradicts his theory; writing makes you smarter!

Which leads me to my next point:

Being addicted to blogging keeps you active

With lockdown restrictions almost everywhere in the world, there really isn’t anything better to do. Many people have opted to “Netflix and chill” but blogging addicts have chosen exercise. Mental exercise, that is! Oh, don’t get me started on how important exercise is for your health. We have all read enough on exercise to write our own books on its importance. Well, mental stimulation is just as, if not more important than physical stimulation! And guess what, writing is a great way to stimulate your brain!

Writing improves your intelligence

There are numerous articles out there that highlight how reading and writing can improve your intelligence. What source of evidence would you like? Take your pick; there’s The Guardian, or more compelling information by researchers. As bloggers, we spend a lot of time reading, we process the information and translate it for our readers to appreciate. On top of processing information, we also need to put our opinions before we can sign it off as our own work of art. If that is not incredible, I don’t know what is!

Blogging allows you to meet new people

With the pandemic restricting our daily lives, socializing has become strictly technology-based. In such an environment, there are three ways to survive. Firstly, you could spend time moping around or binge-watching TV. Secondly, you could use the time for self-care and spend time with yourself. Lastly, you could socialize with other like-minded individuals and learn something new.

Through the amazing network that WordPress has to offer, meeting new people and developing internet friendships is easy. All you have to do is write to your heart’s content, search for similar content and engage with the writer! What makes this increasingly special is the fact that you can meet people that you wouldn’t otherwise.

Commitment is an important factor for growth

In the seven months that I have been blogging, I realized one thing; your blog will only grow if you truly commit. Now, there is a very fine line between addiction and commitment. Who is to say that constantly checking your stats, following up on your readers’ comments, and checking in isn’t commitment? A blog is like a plant, you need to feed it and care for it so that it flourishes.

One thing I love about committed writers is just how much effort they put into their content. As a reader, I appreciate such fine detail!

I could easily give a few more reasons why being a blogging addict isn’t all that bad, but I would like to hear from you. Please share your thoughts in the comment section below so we can all have a giggle.

Would you say that you are addicted to blogging? What other reasons can you give in favour of the addiction?