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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwEm8EMhfyU
I have been playing Clarinet for about six years but this was a starting point for me.

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learn to play Happy Birthday: clarinet solo: 1 minute free lesson! (for beginners)

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3oiy9eekzk
I am a very great lego builder I can do really big sets in a couple of hours.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAmLA-bfvK4
I took environmental science last year and I picked this up.

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Laundry Hacks You Need to Know | 5 TIPS TO GREEN YOUR LAUNDRY | Eco-Friendly Laundry

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXsb3aoXbVk
I feel I am pretty good at making a budget but I can improve.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2TYa1X7c78
I have naturally wavy Hair and it can be difficult to take care of sometimes.

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I am good at listening to others when they need someone to talk to or vent to. Sometimes this can be draining but overall I think it's a quality that can be really helpful.

I am also good at helping others with things they might not understand and explaining how to do things in a way that doesn't make people feel undermined or condescending.

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In my opinion, weeks on end without time to stop and process things can be extremely overwhelming. Giving yourself a day to focus on your mental and physical health can allow your mind and body to unwind and reset for the upcoming challenges that you might face.

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Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. This means if you click a link and purchase an item that I recommend, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions are my own.

5 things to do for a self care night routine.

What does your current self care night routine look like? A night time routine is essential because it helps you to unwind and relax during the last few hours of your day.

Not only does a self care night routine help you unwind before bed, but it's also a great set up for the next day.

If you are looking for tips to improve your night routine with self care, keep reading this blog post.

Here are 5 things to do for a self care night routine

First things first, let's engage in self care during your night routine. Make self care a priority. This could be taking a hot bath and moisturizing your body after or turning on a candle and reading a good book.

Engaging in self care is a great way to relax and unwind for the evening before you go to bed.

Here are a few self care ideas to engage in for the night:

-Watch your favorite TV show or movie.

-Do something you used to enjoy, but don't have time for anymore .

-Write yourself a love letter

-Give yourself an at-home Mani/Pedi

-Paint or draw

-Eat ice cream or a popsicle

-Plant a flower

-Do yoga or stretch it out

For more self care tips, check out our self care tips page for some ideas.

Grab your daily planner, calendar, or notebook, and then plan out your next day. Be sure to list everything that you have to do for the day. A list of your tasks will help you see your entire day.

Take this list of tasks and prioritize them in order of importance. Ask yourself which task needs to be completed first. What is needed to be completed immediately? Can you put off some tasks for later in the week instead of doing them right now?

Once your tasks are in order of importance, you are ready to plan for the day.

Take some time to reflect on your day before you get into bed. What were your happy or proud moments? Did anything go wrong today?

Write about what went well during your day and what could have been better. An end of the day reflection allows you to plan ahead for the next day and how you can make improvements.

Be intentional with this and try to incorporate a reflection of the day into your night routine. It's also important to have a designated journal for you to take a glance at the entire day.

Waking up to a clean and clutter-free space is a great feeling. Put everything back in place. Take out the trash and make sure the dishes are clean and put away. You should even go as far as to clean off all counter and table surfaces.

Cleaning up before bed is probably the last thing on your mind, but you really won't regret it once you wake up to everything being neat and in place.

Before you get ready for bed, challenge yourself to limit your screen time. Your phone, computer, video games, and other devices can be distracting. Put those devices to the side so that you can focus on getting ready for bed.

This isn't to say that you should eliminate your screen time altogether, but you could definitely benefit from pushing back some time from being on these devices as you prepare for bedtime.

The messages and notifications will be there when you are able to respond the next time. You don't have to respond or reply to everything right away, especially if it's right before bed.

A self care night routine can make a huge difference in how you sleep. It also impacts your next day and most importantly, the next morning. Set the tone for your night and the day with a routine that helps you put self care as a priority in your life.

What are some other ideas for a self care night routine?

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5 things to do for a self care night routine. - Self-Care Overload

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Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. This means if you click a link and purchase an item that I recommend, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions are my own. 5 things to do for a self care night routine.

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It is so important to keep your bed sheets clean and washed on a week to week basis.

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How Often Should You Actually Wash Your Sheets?

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What could a dollar a day save you? Well according to this credit union, a lot. Putting away a small amount of money on a regular basis into a savings account can boost your funds over time more than you might think.

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A dollar doesn't go as far as it used to - or does it? It's true that you can't get much for $1 these days. But if you set aside $1 each day, you actually can get a lot of bang for your buck.

Yes, saving small amounts of money really can add up over time, as we found by calculating how much you would have if you saved $1 a day for your adult working life. We took two (2) approaches:

Saving in a non-interest bearing account

Putting the money in a savings or money market account with a 1.00 percent interest rate, which is on the high-end of rates you can get on interest-bearing accounts these days.

Then, we assumed that the money was set aside over a 50-year period, from age 18 to 68.

Save $1 a Day Chart: How Much You Can Save Over the Years

Save $1 a Day With No Interest

The calculations are pretty straightforward. After 50 years of saving $1 a day for 365 days a year, you would have $18,250.

Certainly, $18,250 is not enough to fund your entire retirement. But for someone whose mortgage is paid off, has low healthcare costs and lives a frugal life, that amount could be enough to cover one year in retirement. Or, it could easily let you start retirement with the trip of a lifetime with your spouse - and maybe the kids, too.

Save $1 a Day in a Savings or Money Market Account

The average money market rate is a paltry 0.08 percent for account balances less than $100,000, and the average savings account rate is even lower at 0.06 percent, according to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).

However, you can find rates closer to 1 percent on accounts. So, if you saved $1 a day in a savings or money market account earning 1.00 percent interest compounded daily, you would have $23,646 after 50 years.

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How Much Would You Have if You Saved $1 a Day for Your Entire Life? - San Francisco Federal Credit Union

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A dollar doesn't go as far as it used to - or does it? It's true that you can't get much for $1 these days. But if you set aside $1 each day, you actually can get a lot of bang for your buck.

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Perfecting your shower routine can be one of the best things to do for your hygiene. It is not only important to shower everyday, but it is also important to make sure that the showers you are taking are thorough and precise. Check water temperature, amount of product you use, and the ingredients in the products you use to ensure that you are treating your skin and hair the right way.

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Are You Following the Same Shower Routine as Recommended by These Experts?

If its two things we know for sure about showers - they are a) We all should take a shower at least once a day; and b) Showers are relaxing. But beyond that, we normally don't give much thought to a shower, let alone a shower routine worth exploring.

You stand under the shower, lather your body, and let the water drain down the dirt and bacteria. Seems simple right?

However, did you know that certain long-held routines of ours can actually cause a lot of skin problems - like washing your face in the shower before washing your hair, or taking a long hot shower. Puzzling isn't it?

And what if we were to tell you that there is actually a right way to go about showering that, not only makes you feel absolutely clean & fresh, but also puts you on the track to healthy, shining hair and glowing skin?

So here come these expert-recommended tips that will put a spin on your shower routine, for all the right reasons.

· Brushing Your Hair Before Shower

Before hopping into a shower, brush your hair properly to remove tangles. We normally tend to have the urge to rake our hands through wet hair while showering. As a result, we end up with a good chunk of loose hair at our hands as wet hair is more prone to damage and breakage. So the next time before heading for a shower, take note to de-tangle your hair.

Edward Tricomi, a master stylist, and co-founder of Warren-Tricomi Salons recommends using Plastic vent brushes as they have multiple bristles to de-tangle. He advises on starting at the bottom while working your way up to the roots of your hair.

When we talk about showers, our first thoughts rush to a steamy bath that is way too hot and long. Though it may feel great, dermatologists warn against taking hot showers as they deprive the skin of the intrinsic natural oils and lipids which protect our skin and keep it moist.

Elizabeth Tanzi, who is an M.D and co-director of the Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery states,

" Warm water is best for a shower to be comfortable without drying out the skin. Avoid using very hot water because it strips the skin of its natural oils."

Instead, opt for lukewarm water or warm water that will help cleanse your skin but not provoke it.

Similarly, long showers can be again harmful by robbing your skin of its necessary oils and moisture. If you are taking two showers a day, limit the time to 5-10 minutes.

This brings us to the next question. How many times should I wash my hair? Experts state that it mostly depends on your type of hair. Some may require constant showers to prevent dandruff build-up while others work well with showers twice a week.

To sum up in the words of Rajani Katta, MD, and professor of dermatology at the McGovern Medical School, "Temperature extremes, whether too cold or too hot, can cause skin irritation and inflammation. Ideally, you'll want to use lukewarm temperatures and limit showers to no more than 10 to 15 minutes. "

Many of us reach for the shampoo bottles immediately after hopping into the shower and add a blob of it right on top of our wet heads.

However, experts advise on rinsing your hair thoroughly under clear warm water for at least a minute before shampooing. This will aid in loosening up any residual dirt and oil while also prepping your hair for the next step.

When it comes to shampooing, do not directly squirt the product on top of your head and start rubbing, instead apply a dollop into your hands and lather it up, applying evenly across your head through a back and forth motion.

Massage your scalp gently with your fingertips concentrating especially on the nape of your neck, as it is one of the oiliest regions. This is mainly important for women who have long hair, as the nape of the neck is often ignored. Massaging also helps in stimulating hair growth, so spending an extra 30-60 seconds won't hurt.

Dermatologist Sandy Johnson repeats on how good a scalp massage can be but cautions to use only fingertips and not nails as they can scratch the scalp and cause flaking.

With your scalp washed, gently spread the lather down to the tips of your hair and rinse it off completely. While working on ends, do not rub them too harshly as it causes damage like split ends and frizzy hair.

Applying conditioner after using shampoo is pretty important as it has a lot of benefits. Conditioners work great in protecting your hair ends while also making them look smooth. Even if you're running late, do not skip this step. So how do you go about conditioning your hair?

After rinsing your hair, softly squeeze the excess water out of your hair and take a dollop of conditioner and smoothen it over your hair ends.

With your hair tips already swollen from being in the shower, they will readily benefit from the conditioner which forms a protective layer over the tips. Also, you can easily rinse out the conditioner with just a few washes. Since conditioners work almost instantly, leaving it longer won't make a difference unless it is a deep mask or so.

There is another question that keeps popping up regarding conditioners. Should it be applied on hair tips alone or can it be used for the scalp?

Though Dermatologist Johnson suggests that conditioner can benefit your scalp, many agree on using conditioner for tips alone as they may give an oily look when used on the scalp. Hair stylist Edward recommends using a deep conditioner or hair mask once a week for best results. We say this is an excellent tip for the best shower routine for healthy hair.

Experts are divided in their opinion about bar soaps and body wash liquids. While all agree that they are more sanitary than loofahs, some highlight that soaps lead to irritation and drying up of your skin robbing it of essential oils.

Then there are others like Dr. Katta who state that the body washes have a lot of preservatives and chemicals which may cause allergic reactions. So, the magic is figuring out on what works best for your skin.

A safe bet would be opting for cleansers as stated by Dr. Doris Day, a board-certified dermatologist in New York, who recommends products labeled as cleansers. She says, " Cleansers can add the moisture back into your skin."

You can go for hydrating cleansers like Kiehl's Crème de Corps Nurturing Body Washing Cream or The Body Shop Cocoa Butter Creamy Body Wash, etc.

No matter what you choose, remember to wash your body properly especially concentrating on your underarms, skin folds, feet, and nether regions.

Also, irrespective of your choice of body cleansing product, the one thing that you can always count on is The ShowerGem shower caddy. It not only holds all your shower essentials in one place, but also get your bathroom organized without hassles.

You can get yourself the best rustproof shower caddy for a fraction of the cost of a metal caddy; and your bathroom will love you for it! With place to hold your shampoo, conditioner, cleaner, soap, a loofah, razors, and more, you can magically organize your bathroom with a shower shelf such as this.

Exfoliating is good for your skin removing dead cells and encouraging new cell growth. But it is equally important to not go overboard as it can cause irritation. Dr. Tanzi recommends exfoliating once or twice a week while also cautioning to not go aggressive with body scrubs.

Dermatologist Mona Gohara cautions about loofahs, stating people may use it very harshly against their skin which may strip the natural protective barrier. Instead, she advises on using a cotton baby washcloth or just your hand.

Also remember to properly wash your loofah or washcloth after every use. Given the warm and damp environment of your bathroom, these become the breeding ground for bacteria, fungi, yeast and a whole set of unpleasant things.

Normally we are extra protective when it comes to our face - from taking care in selecting the best facial products to using them the right way. So how does it figure in the whole shower routine?

Experts state that washing your face at the end of the shower could be your best bet. Because firstly, products that you used for your hair or shaving, be it a showering gel or a body wash can still linger on your face and cause irritation. Like how Dr. Justine Hextall, consultant dermatologist and Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, UK, explains " They foam up the oil on your skin and rinse it away, raising the pH and causing dry skin. "

This is why dermatologists encourage on stepping out of the shower and washing your face in the sink with cleansers. They can be slightly oily, acidic or creamy to get rid of any remaining bubbles or foam from the body wash or shampoo like Dermalogica Ultra Calming Cleanser.

Secondly, after a hot steamy shower, the pores on your face would be open which will allow the cleanser to penetrate deep into your skin and clear acne-causing sebum. Once done, splash cold water on your face to close the pores as open pores can allow bacteria to enter. You can't go wrong with this shower routine for smooth skin.

Now that you have taken a hearty shower, the next step is to dry your body without losing moisture. This doesn't mean that you rub yourself with a towel, as the action can cause irritation and itchiness.

Instead, pat yourself dry leaving your skin a little damp. But do concentrate on drying specific areas such as on skin folds, between toes, underarms, etc., to prevent future infections or rashes. After that, immediately apply moisture as it can help lock in water into your skin and nourish it. Besides, your skin is very receptive with its pores opening up under hot steam which readily will utilize the benefits of a moisturizer or lotion.

Furthermore, Dermatologists agree on moisturizing your skin at least twice a day, especially during winters.

Dr. Katta advises on using thick formulations such as those that come in tubes or ointments instead of pump bottles. Petroleum jelly is also said to reduce water loss from the skin while ingredients like dimethicone, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin can aid in locking moisture.

According to Dr. Jessica Krant, fragrance-free products are better for your skin. For dry skin, she recommends moisturizers that contain ceramides or alpha-hydroxy acid over lotions.

To sum up, one can say showering the right way can help reduce a lot of health and skin problems which we face quite often. With these pointers and recommendations from experts, you can now enjoy a shower routine that is equally relaxing and benefitting. Happy showering!!

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The Shower Routine That Experts Recommend

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We reveal an ideal shower routine that's recommended by experts for the sake of your healthy skin & hair. Learn what you have to do before, while, and after taking a shower, avoiding all the common mistakes you were probably doing until now. Follow this shower routine for healthy hair and smooth skin.

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eliminate stress, anxiety, and boredom with these 5 hobby ideas

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My style is something I take pride in. It is a way to express myself on the outside. I always dress to match how I feel and finding unique pieces that go together is one of my favorite things to do.

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For years, I felt like I never had anything to wear. Every time I went shopping, I came home convinced, thinking to myself, "This is it. This is the piece of clothing that will make my wardrobe complete and cohesive and show I've mastered my personal style."

But the truth was, no single shirt, pair of shorts, or skirt could magically solve my problems-and that's because my wardrobe was all over the place. Sure, I loved variety, and we all do. But from my lime green sweater to my flowy lace maxi skirt to my bedazzled denim shorts, there was too much variety. Finding my own personal style took a lot of trial and error-mostly errors-and years to figure out what I actually liked. Now that I'm on the other side though, I can confidently say: I have a closet full of clothes that match and that I actually love.

You, too, can find your own personal style-just try these five insider tips to mastering it.

1. Set aside a day to go look for clothes, not buy clothes

While I love dressing up, I sometimes dread going shopping, especially when I need to shop for something particular. The whole time, I feel frantic, running from store to store looking around for a random black pair of shorts or a beige dress. Instead, I started taking time to go to the mall to just browse-as hard as that is. This way, I had all the time in the world to try on anything that piqued my interest. It also gave me time to try things outside of my comfort zone, like my new form-fitting Skims dress that I would never normally wear.

Another key part of finding your style? Finding clothes that fit you well. For the last two years, when the world of online shopping dominated our lives, it could sometimes be really hard to nail your sizing in certain items, and when you have a return following a return (I've been there!), it can be really discouraging. So put on your fancy pants, haul your butt to the mall, and make a day out of it.

2. Use Pinterest as a mood board

The #1 tool that helped me along this journey? Pinterest. But when I started using the app, I thought to myself: I'm only going to pin looks I really love. And at first, the looks I pinned were all over the place. But after taking a deeper look, I was able to take a step back and say, "OK, I like this look because it's all neutral tones" or "OK, maybe I actually don't like this look, I only like the fact that Gigi Hadid is wearing the look." Having all these different images of outfits in one place really allowed me to take a look at the bigger picture and analyze the similarities between the different looks.

3. Step outside of your comfort zone

Trying a new style of clothes can be really intimidating. It's important to remind yourself that clothes and fashion are supposed to be fun! You have the ability to play around and try new things. And think about it: As time goes on, we grow and change, physically, mentally, personality-wise, etc. So why can't your style change, too? You never know until you try.

With this, you can start small. For example, if you tend to stick to neutral colors, try adding in a pair of black-and-white printed pants. Or if you normally like oversized and baggy lounge sets, try styling a pair of tight biker shorts instead.

4. Start slow and evaluate the clothes you wear on a daily basis

When I finally started to nail the aesthetic I wanted to strive for, I felt the urge to fill multiple boxes and donate everything that didn't fit that aesthetic immediately. But remember: Slow and steady wins the race.

Over the course of a few months, buy a few pieces here and there. Invest in quality pieces you genuinely can see yourself wearing for years, regardless of the trends that come and go. Plus, if you really do a full 180 with your style vibes and you only have two pieces that fit your new vibe, you can't donate your entire closet or else you'll only have a day or two's worth of outfits. As your style is evolving, it's also important to reevaluate the pieces you currently have in your arsenal. For example, do you no longer wear those hot pink pants because they don't fit? Or because you don't like hot pink anymore? In either case, you've gained valuable information.

5. Mimic the looks of people whose fashion you adore

Wanting to reinvent my wardrobe, I turned to my favorite fashionistas: Hailey Bieber, Carrie Bradshaw, and a few other Instagram influencers. I would sit and scroll through their Instagrams, trying to think of similar outfits I could sport and with items I already owned. And similar to the Pinterest tip above, this also allowed me to analyze why I gravitated toward certain outfits. I realized I loved the practicality of Hailey Bieber's outfits, the wow factor of Carrie Bradshaw's, and the (surprise!) neutral tones of the others. After recognizing these patterns, I knew what I liked and how I wanted to dress myself on a regular basis.

I also gained loads of outfit ideas that I never would have thought to wear in the first place. In the world of fashion bloggers and influencers, there is no shortage of content and inspiration. Use it to your advantage!

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For years, I felt like I never had anything to wear. Every time I went shopping, I came home convinced, thinking to myself, "This is it. This is the piece of clothing that will make my wardrobe complete and cohesive and show I've mastered my personal style."

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I am an expert in video game knowledge and controls.

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Journaling is a hobby I have picked up over the past few years. It is a great way to release emotions, organize my thoughts, and set goals for myself!

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Keeping a wellness journal is a mindfulness practice to reduce stress and bring clarity. But the abundance of different types of journals can be overwhelming. DOSE has got all you need to know about why journaling is beneficial and the different types of journals to help you get started on your mindfulness journey.

How journaling can improve your mental health

Writing a wellness journal can positively impact your mental health through:

Relaxing and clearing your mind, allowing space and time to focus on the positive aspects of your life and increases your general sense of gratitude, which results in a more positive and appreciative mindset

Writing about your challenges and achievements can drive you towards your goals, helping you bring your vision to life

Letting go and reflecting on of negative thoughts, as it creates an opportunity to recover from daily stress factors and leave the insignificant stuff behind

Releasing pent-up anxiety and thoughts

Enhancing your self-awareness and acknowledging your triggers. It can help you recognise things that would otherwise go unnoticed, such as patterns in your thinking, the influences behind your feelings and behaviour

Tracking your progress - flicking back through your journal is a great way to acknowledge your growth and improvements and stay motivated

Dr Barbara Markway explains that keeping a wellness journal can be an effective way to manage anxiety. One process she suggests is dividing a page into columns with the following headings; situation, thoughts and how anxious I feel, using a number scale to represent how you feel and reflect on why you chose that number.

However, there isn't a right or wrong way to write a wellness journal. Some prefer to use it as a way to organise their life whereas others to express their feelings and worries.

First steps to writing a wellness journal

The Centre for Journal Therapy suggest the following steps to get you started with journalling:

What do you want to write about? What's going on? How do you feel? What are you thinking about? What do you want? Name it.

Review or reflect on it. Close your eyes. Take three deep breaths. Focus. You can start with 'I feel' or 'today'...

Investigate your thoughts and feelings. Start writing and keep writing. Follow the pen/keyboard. If you get stuck, close your eyes and re-centre your mind. Re-read what you've already written and continue writing.

Time yourself. Write for 5-15 minutes. Write the start time and the projected end time at the top of the page. If you have an alarm/timer on your PDA or cell phone, set it.

Exit smart by re-reading what you've written and reflecting on it in a sentence or two: "As I read this, I notice-" or "I'm aware of-" or "I feel-". Note any action steps to take.

Become more positive? Try a gratitude journal

Gratitude is something that must be practiced. Simply writing down a few things a day that you're thankful for can achieve this. For example; three people in your life you appreciate and why or three things you have that you're thankful for.

The benefits of a gratitude journal include:

Can lower stress levels and help you feel calmer

Give you a new perspective on what is important to you and what you truly appreciate in your life

Gain clarity on what you want in your life and what you can do without

Help you focus on what's significant in your life

Increase self-awareness

Help increase your mood and give you a positive outlook when you're feeling down, by reading through all the things you are grateful for.

Start or end each day with writing down 3-5 things you're grateful for. These can be as simple as friends, health, good weather or food. Your gratitude journal doesn't have to be deep. It's good to sit back and be thankful for the simple things in life that we take for granted.

Become more self-aware? Try reflective journalling

A reflective journal is where you reflect on events that have happened that day. A reflective journal can enable you to identify significant events that have happened in your life and allow you to learn how they have affected you. It provides a better understanding on your thought processes.
How to write reflectively:
What (Description)- Recall an event and write it down descriptively.

So what? (Interpretation) - Take a few minutes to reflect and interpret the event.

What is most important / interesting / relevant / useful aspect of the event, idea or situation?

How can it be explained?

How is it similar to/different from others?

What's next? (Outcome) - Conclude what you can learn from the event and how you can apply it next time.

What have I learned?

How can it be applied in the future?

Other than reflecting on your daily events; here are some prompts for reflecting journaling:

What did you achieve today and why?

Write a letter to your younger self.

Who in your life means a lot to you and why?

What makes you feel comfortable?

Get better at organising? Try Bullet journalling

The concept of a bullet journal was created by Ryder Carroll - a digital product designer and author living in Brooklyn, NY. Diagnosed with learning disabilities early in life, he was forced to figure out alternate ways to be focused and productive. It's essentially one place to keep everything, from your to do list to your future goals.

All you need to start is a diary of your choice and a pen. You can start your journal at any time during the year - give yourself a power hour to make it happen. Some get very creative with it but this isn't essential, however if you need a creative outlet this is a great option.

The key to Bullet journaling is rapid logging. You do this by creating symbols (bullets) that represent or classify an event or task. For example, you'd create a symbol for a task, event, or appointment and then you'll change the symbol when necessary to represent a completed task, an attended event or an attended appointment.

We recommend you start with a Dot Grid journal to make the design process a lot easier and to save you having to look at wonky lines and tables everyday.

Bullet journal ideas

The reason bullet journals are so successful is due to the organisation they entail. Make sure you create an index which is basically a table of contents with page numbers. Bullet journals can include daily logs, monthly logs and future logs. Daily logs include daily events that matter to you and by updating it daily you learn to prioritise your time, and what's important to you. Monthly logs are a great way to decide on your short-term goals. And future logs are for your long-term goals.

If you need some bullet journal inspiration check out Amanda Rach Lee and Temi's Bullet Journal on Instagram for ideas and tips to develop your own bullet journal.

If you have time to invest in it, then bullet journaling is for you. Remember function is more important than aesthetic. Don't be intimidated by the beautifully decorated and designed bullet journals we see on Instagram. It's a personal process that is only there to benefit you.

Liked this article on why you should keep a wellness journal? Read real women on the wellness products helping them survive lockdown and global wellness trends from immune balancing to mindful travel.
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What is a wellness journal? A mindfulness practice to make life simple

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Keeping a wellness journal is a mindfulness practice to reduce stress and bring clarity. But the abundance of different types of journals can be overwhelming. DOSE has got all you need to know about why journaling is beneficial and the different types of journals to help you get started on your mindfulness journey.

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When i get bored in the summer, i skateboard around.

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HOW TO SKATEBOARD FOR BEGINNERS | HOW TO SKATEBOARD EPISODE 1

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I know the perfect technique to clean dishes! It leaves them with a perfect shine and no lasting stains!

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Thyme and Tenderness -Like and Subscribe!!!

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How to Develop a Cleaning Schedule | Basic Homemaking Skills

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I am good at calculating and preplanning how much money I should save and what I need to spend for the week. I set an amount and make sure I do not go over it.

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If I have take-home pay of, say, $3,000 a month, how can I pay for housing, food, insurance, health care, debt repayment and fun without running out of money? That's a lot to cover with a limited amount, and this is a zero-sum game.

The answer is to make a budget.

What is a budget? A budget is a plan for every dollar you have. It's not magic, but it represents more financial freedom and a life with much less stress. Here's how to set up and then manage your budget.

How to budget money

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Understand the budgeting process

Figure out your after-tax income: If you get a regular paycheck, the amount you receive is probably it, but if you have automatic deductions for a 401(k), savings, and health and life insurance, add those back in to give yourself a true picture of your savings and expenditures. If you have other types of income - perhaps you make money from side gigs - subtract anything that reduces it, such as taxes and business expenses.

Choose a budgeting plan: Any budget must cover all of your needs, some of your wants and - this is key - savings for emergencies and the future. Budgeting plan examples include the envelope system and the zero-based budget.

Automate your savings: Automate as much as possible so the money you've allocated for a specific purpose gets there with minimal effort on your part. An accountability partner or online support group can help, so that you're held accountable for choices that blow the budget.

Practice budget management: Your income, expenses and priorities will change over time, so actively manage your budget by revisiting it regularly, perhaps once a quarter. If you're struggling to stick with your plan, try these budgeting tips .

Before you build a budget

NerdWallet breaks down your spending and shows you ways to save.

Frequently asked questions

How do you make a budget spreadsheet?

Start by determining your take-home (net) income, then take a pulse on your current spending. Finally, apply the 50/30/20 budget principles : 50% toward needs, 30% toward wants and 20% toward savings and debt repayment.

How do you keep a budget?

The key to keeping a budget is to track your spending on a regular basis so you can get an accurate picture of where your money is going and where you'd like it to go instead. Here's how to get started: 1. Check your account statements. 2. Categorize your expenses. 3. Keep your tracking consistent. 4. Explore other options. 5. Identify room for change. Free online spreadsheets and templates can make budgeting easier.

How do you figure out a budget?

Start with a financial self-assessment. Once you know where you stand and what you hope to accomplish, pick a budgeting system that works for you. We recommend the 50/30/20 system, which splits your income across three major categories: 50% goes to necessities, 30% to wants and 20% to savings and debt repayment.

Try a simple budgeting plan

We recommend the popular 50/30/20 budget to maximize your money . In it, you spend roughly 50% of your after-tax dollars on necessities, no more than 30% on wants, and at least 20% on savings and debt repayment.

We like the simplicity of this plan. Over the long term, someone who follows these guidelines will have manageable debt, room to indulge occasionally, and savings to pay irregular or unexpected expenses and retire comfortably.

Find out how this budgeting approach applies to your money.

Savings and debt repayment

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Do you know your "want" categories?

Track your monthly spending trends to break down your needs and wants.

Allow up to 50% of your income for needs

Your needs - about 50% of your after-tax income - should include:

If your absolute essentials overshoot the 50% mark, you may need to dip into the "wants" portion of your budget for a while. It's not the end of the world, but you'll have to adjust your spending.

Leave 30% of your income for wants

Separating wants from needs can be difficult. In general, though, needs are essential for you to live and work. Typical wants include dinners out, gifts, travel and entertainment.

It's not always easy to decide. Are restorative spa visits (including tips for a massage ) a want or a need? How about organic groceries? Decisions vary from person to person.

If you're eager to get out of debt as fast as you can, you may decide your wants can wait until you have some savings or your debts are under control. But your budget shouldn't be so austere that you can never buy anything just for fun.

Every budget needs wiggle room - maybe you forgot about an expense or one was bigger than you anticipated - and some money to spend as you wish. If there's no money for fun, you'll be less likely to stick with your budget.

Commit 20% of your income to savings and debt repayment

Use 20% of your after-tax income to put something away for the unexpected, save for the future and pay off debt. Make sure you think of the bigger financial picture; that may mean two-stepping between savings and debt repayment to accomplish your most pressing goals.

How's your financial health?

Check how you're doing on the key elements of personal finance, and learn ways to build your score.

Many experts recommend you try to build up several months of bare-bones living expenses. We suggest you start with an emergency fund of at least $500 - enough to cover small emergencies and repairs - and build from there.

You can't get out of debt without a way to avoid more debt every time something unexpected happens. And you'll sleep better knowing you have a financial cushion.

Get the easy money first. For most people, that means tax-advantaged accounts such as a 401(k). If your employer offers a match, contribute at least enough to grab the maximum. It's free money.

Why do we make capturing an employer match a higher priority than debts? Because you won't get another chance this big at free money, tax breaks and compound interest. Ultimately, you have a better shot at building wealth by getting in the habit of regular long-term savings.

Once you've snagged a match on a 401(k), if available, go after the toxic debt in your life: high-interest credit card debt, personal and payday loans, title loans and rent-to-own payments. All carry interest rates so high that you end up repaying two or three times what you borrowed.

You can't repay your unsecured debt - credit cards, medical bills, personal loans - within five years, even with drastic spending cuts.

Your total unsecured debt equals half or more of your gross income.

Once you've knocked off any toxic debt, the next task is to get yourself on track for retirement. Aim to save 15% of your gross income; that includes your company match, if there is one.

Regular contributions can help you build up three to six months' worth of essential living expenses - not your full budget, just the must-pay basics. You shouldn't expect steady progress because emergencies happen, and that's when you should pull money from this fund. Just focus on replacing what you use and building higher over time.

If you've already paid off your most toxic debt, what's left is probably lower-rate, often tax-deductible debt (such as your mortgage). Tackle these when the more-basic goals listed above are covered.

Any wiggle room you have here comes from the money available for wants or from saving on your necessities, not your emergency fund and retirement savings.

Congratulations! You're in a great position - a really great position - if you've built an emergency fund, paid off toxic debt and are socking away 15% toward a retirement nest egg. You've built a habit of saving that gives you immense financial flexibility. Don't give up now.

Consider saving for irregular expenses that aren't emergencies, such as a new roof or your next car. Those expenses will come no matter what, and it's better to save for them than borrow.

WATCH TO LEARN MORE ABOUT BUDGETING

Bev O'Shea is a freelance writer and a former NerdWallet staff member who specializes in consumer credit, scams and identity theft. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, MarketWatch and elsewhere. Read more

Lauren is a personal finance writer at NerdWallet. Her work has been featured by USA Today and The Associated Press. Read more

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Your Guide to How to Budget Money - NerdWallet

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Follow this guide to learn how to budget money. Create a budget using the 50/30/20 rule to split your income between needs, wants, savings and debt repayment.

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Setting up a spreadsheet to keep track of expenses

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Stay on top of your expenses with these free expense tracking worksheet templates for Microsoft Excel. Log your spending, earnings, and budget easily to ensure you never get into a financial crisis. Get a better look at where your money is coming from and where it will be, and make better decisions moving forward.

All the templates below are free to use, easy to customize, and incredibly user-friendly. First time picking up Excel? No problem. The templates below guide you in using the software to effectively track your expenses without having to hire a professional or spend money on premium services.

: Need help with Tip Microsoft Excel? Visit our Help Center for free guides, tricks, and more templates!

How to use Excel templates?

Once you have Microsoft Excel installed on your computer, using a template is as easy as one-two-three. The steps below are universal to all templates you download from the internet, as built-in Excel templates already show up on your Welcome screen upon launching the application.

1. Download the template you want to use. Make sure to only download from safe sources!

2. Click on the file you downloaded to open the template in Excel. This is usually a file ending with the .xlsx or .dotx extension.

3. Excel will open the template. Here, you can start using the template or customize it for your own needs using the tools you already know and love.

4. To save your template, use the Ctrl + S (Save) keyboard shortcut to modify the original file, or the Ctrl + Shift + S (Save as) shortcut to create a separate file, leaving the blank template untouched.

Top Expense Tracking Templates in Excel for Free

1. Expense Tracking Sheet

This template is perfect for both personal use as well as small business use. It comes with two sheets. The first sheet is dedicated to tracking your expenses in various categories throughout weeks, months or years. The second sheet is a streamlined summary chart of your budget vs. the money you spent in this time period.

With formulas, easy to customize interface, and integrated instructions on how to use the sheet, we can only recommend this template by Vertex42. Don't miss out on taking advantage of the free template by downloading it for Excel.

2. SimpleBudget Spreadsheet

This budget spreadsheet is perfect for personal use. It's simple but provides what you need to stay on top of your expenses and earnings. It includes three columns: What's Coming In (Earnings), What's Going Out (Fixed expenses), and What's Going Out (Variable expenses).

On top of the columns, you can see a total counter for both earnings and spending to easily get an overview. This template will surely help you get control over your finances and assist you in making better decisions before making a purchase.

3. Expenses Calculator

This premium-quality template by Microsoft allows you to get an accurate breakdown of your expenses and see where your money is going. With the included dashboard, you get a chart overview broken down into different categories such as Housing, Transport, Daily, and Fun. Included sub-categories allow for an even more accurate look at your money flow.

We definitely recommend this template for those who want complete control over money. See where everything is going with perfect accuracy and adjust your spending where it's needed without making needless sacrifices.

4. Expense Report Template

This expense report template is perfect for small businesses and employees, but it can also be customized to make the perfect personal budget template. Get an accurate breakdown of how you spend your money when traveling, working for a company, or getting an overview of personal expenses.

Smartsheet's template focuses on tracking the costs of business travel components. Accommodation, meals, transportation and entertainment are all categories in the template, with a designated area for Itemized Expenses or an "Other" category.

5. Monthly Expense Tracker

This monthly expense tracker will help you get an accurate overview of your financial situation with great detail. The month is broken down to separate days, easy coming with its own Expense, Savings, Income, and Balance field for you to fill out.

Using this template will ensure you never fall behind on payments and always know when you're safe and ready to make large purchases. With the balance tracking, you'll be able to predict your balance at different points in the month roughly.

What we love about this template is the ease of use. No complex formulas, no distracting design - everything is streamlined to make this template accessible yet powerful.

6. Personal Money Tracker

Download this personal money tracking template to monitor your money in a simpler, more accessible way. Enter your total starting balance, and watch how each of your transactions affects your budget. The best of it all? It's all automated using Excels' powerful features and formulas.

The template workbook comes with multiple sheets, focusing on giving you accurate overviews at a glance. See cash summary, monthly summary, your chart data, and track your personal expenses all in one place with Microsoft's template.

7. Personal Expense Tracker (Option 4)

This template is, without a doubt, your all-in-one personal expense tracker. With multiple sheets, extensive detail, charts, and many options, Karthik's template - available for download on Chandoo.org - takes free expense tracking to the next level.

The sheets allowed you to track various payment modes such as cash, check, and credit or debit card, broken down into one month at a time. We definitely recommend this workbook for advanced users or beginners looking to take on a challenge and learn more about Excel on the way.

Final thoughts

We're glad you've read this content up to here :) Thank you :)

Now you know you can manage your household budget in Excel. Creating a budgeting plan for your household can feel overwhelming and hard. But Excel can help you get organized and on track with various free and premium budgeting templates.

If you need any further help with Excel, don't hesitate to reach out to our customer service team, which is available 24/7 to assist you. Return to us for more informative articles all related to productivity and modern day technology!

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Free Expense Tracking Worksheet Templates (Excel) | SoftwareKeep

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Stay on top of your expenses with these free expense tracking worksheet templates for Microsoft Excel. Log your spending, earnings, and budget easily to ensure you never get into a financial crisis. Get a better look at where your money is coming from and where it will be, and make better decisions moving forward.

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