Search engine optimization, or SEO. The more you chase rankings and traffic, the more blogging turns into a grind. Stuffing in keywords, obsessing over internal links, tweaking every bit of metadata. The harder you push, the more you feel the pressure to achieve, to outperform, to never settle.
When SEO becomes the focus, blogging stops being fun. Every dip in traffic or lack of engagement feels like a personal failure. Perfectionism creeps in—rewriting drafts endlessly, hesitating to hit publish. Enjoyment fades, replaced by anxiety and self-doubt.
Protecting your mental health means embracing moderation. Don’t let numbers and rankings dictate your pace. Write on your own terms. Take a step back from metrics and remember why you started. Rest when you’re tired. Don’t get caught up in criticism or drama.
A blog is a space for free expression, not just a machine for search engines. SEO is a tool, not the goal. Write in your own voice, at your own rhythm, without forcing it. That’s how you keep blogging sustainable and enjoyable for the long run.
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