Creative Balance Toolbox: 'Finding Harmony' Resources

Welcome to the 'Creative Balance Toolbox: 'Finding Harmony' Resources.' In 'Finding Harmony: A Beginner's Guide to Creative Balance,' you found out how to balance creativity and life. We selected apps, and websites, to enrich your creative journey. These tools will help you establish creative balance. Let's explore the materials that will balance and inspire your creativity."

Self-Assessment

• Wheeloflife.io: This free evaluation gives you a comprehensive picture of your life across the most common areas of living

Time Management

• Google Keep (App and Web Tool): Google Keep is a simple and free note-taking app that's great for managing day-to-day tasks, to-do lists, and notes. You can create checklists, set reminders, and organize your notes with labels and color-coding. It syncs across devices, making it easy to access your information wherever you are. 

• Todoist (Free Version - App and Web Tool): Todoist offers a free version that provides robust task management features. You can create tasks, set due dates, and categorize them into projects. It's a great tool for managing day-to-day to-do lists, and it also offers productivity insights to help you stay on track.

Finding Inspiration and Conquering Self-Doubt

• TED Talks (Online Videos): TED Talks are a valuable resource for finding inspiration and overcoming self- doubt. Many speakers share their personal journeys, struggles, and strategies for achieving balance and self- improvement. You can search for TED Talks on topics like personal development, motivation, wellness, and creativity to find insights and inspiration that resonate with you. 

• Podcasts (Various Platforms): There are numerous free podcasts that cover a wide range of topics related to self- improvement, inspiration, and conquering self-doubt. You can find podcasts that feature experts, motivational speakers, and individuals who have overcome challenges to lead balanced and fulfilling lives. Podcasts like "The Tony Robbins Podcast," "The School of Greatness," and "The Tim Ferriss Show" are excellent choices for inspiration and personal development.

Stress Management Healthy Lifestyle Choices

• Meditation and Mindfulness Apps (e.g., Insight Timer, Headspace, Calm): These apps offer a variety of guided meditation sessions, breathing exercises, and mindfulness practices designed to help you manage stress and improve overall well-being. They often provide free introductory content and have features to assist you in building healthy daily habits.

• National Institutes of Health (NIH) Health Information (Website): The NIH provides a wealth of free, evidence-based health and wellness information on their website. You can find resources on stress management techniques, healthy lifestyle choices, dietary guidelines, exercise recommendations, and more. The content is reliable and based on scientific research, making it a valuable source for achieving a balanced and healthy life.

Digital Detox

• Forest App (Mobile App): Forest is a mobile app that encourages you to stay focused and reduce screen time. You set a timer for how long you want to be distraction-free, and a virtual tree starts to grow on your screen. If you leave the app to check your phone, the tree dies. Over time, you can grow a forest of focused time, and the app also allows you to track your progress. It's a fun and motivating way to reduce screen time and improve your life balance.

• Digital Wellbeing (Android) or Screen Time (iOS): These built-in features on Android and iOS devices help you monitor and manage your screen time. You can set app limits, receive usage reports, and schedule "downtime" when you want to step away from your screen. These features are excellent tools for self- awareness and for taking active steps to reduce digital distractions and find a better balance in your life.

Finances

•  Mint (Web and Mobile App): Mint is a free personal finance tool that can help you manage your finances more effectively. It allows you to track your income, expenses, and budgets in one place. Understanding your financial situation can reduce stress and improve your overall life balance. It also offers valuable financial advice and tips to help you make informed decisions. 

• Empower(Web and Mobile App): Empower is a free financial management tool that provides a comprehensive view of your financial situation. It allows you to track your investments, analyze your spending, and create a budget. Personal Capital also offers tools to help you plan for retirement and set financial goals. It's a valuable resource for gaining a deeper understanding of your financial well- being and ensuring your finances are in order as part of your overall life balance.

Relationships   

• 7 Cups (Online Platform and App): 7 Cups is an online platform that offers free emotional support and counseling. It can be valuable for improving relationships and mental well-being. You can connect with trained listeners or licensed therapists for confidential conversations and emotional support. Nurturing your emotional health is essential for achieving balance in all areas of life. 

• The Gottman Institute (Website): The Gottman Institute provides valuable resources on relationships and marriage. They offer articles, quizzes, and exercises to help you understand and improve your relationships. It's a great resource for practical advice and research-based insights to strengthen your personal connections.