Living a healthy lifestyle can improve your overall quality of life. Everyone has their idea of what a healthy lifestyle is. But most people would agree that eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and reducing stress are contributing factors. If you’re trying to live a healthy lifestyle with one or more chronic conditions, it can be even more difficult.

Specialist visits, prescription drugs, and therapies can be expensive. What if you could do something fun and mentally rewarding to improve your health and save money? Gardening may be just the thing to help you achieve your health goals. Here are three ways it can meet your needs so you can live well.

Easier Access to Healthy Produce

A garden is a great way to eat healthily without blowing your budget. Fresh leafy greens provide the nutrients your body needs to perform at its best. You can grow your own fruits and vegetables without pesticides and other additives and save money. If you have a large garden where you grow extra produce, you can sell some and make money from your healthy hobby.

You can also grow fresh herbs to season your food without adding much salt. A high sodium diet is linked to serious conditions like high blood pressure, stroke, and heart disease. A diet with lots of homegrown vegetables and herbs can have an alternative effect as it can reduce blood pressure and your risk of having heart disease or a stroke.

You can grow the medicine your body needs right in the backyard. You may have limitations on the types of vegetables you can grow, so be sure to review the growing zones for your area. If you already have one or more chronic conditions, eating a healthier diet can improve your symptoms and may even help reverse the disease. Eating from your garden can give you better outcomes when it comes to your overall health and wellness.

Increase Your Daily Activity

A lot of chronic conditions are related to a sedentary lifestyle. Fortunately, many of these conditions are preventable. One of the easiest ways to prevent chronic disease is to get moving. An active lifestyle is essential to a healthy lifestyle. You don’t have to run a marathon, but you should exercise regularly. There are so many benefits to including adequate exercise in your weekly routine. What is considered adequate?

The federal government recommends adults get two and a half to five hours of moderate exercise each week. This means you should do about 30 minutes of exercise each day for optimal health. You have to be intentional about fitting in physical activity because most people sit for most of their day. But what if you have a hobby that keeps you moving and may even put some sweat on your brow?

Gardening can be just the thing to get you outside and get your heart pumping. You might think gardening is not intense enough to give you the benefits of rigorous exercise. But you don’t have to do intense activities to experience the many benefits that physical activity provides.

In fact, doing small increments of physical activity throughout the day is just as effective as a moderate workout. For example, you could combine 20 minutes of gardening with 10 minutes of vacuuming and reach the recommended 30 minutes of physical activity for the day.

Decrease Stress Levels and Improve Mental Health

Gardens are very peaceful and can help provide a calming atmosphere. It’s no surprise that they can help manage stress. Over the years hospitals, mental health facilities, and prisons have had gardens on their property for therapeutic purposes. Many gardeners report improved mood and a decrease in stress while gardening. Community gardens are also used in neighborhoods to promote healthy social relationships and common interests.

These gardens can also improve the community’s appearance and provide learning and skill-building opportunities for the youth. Children with learning disabilities can benefit from this by increasing physical and mental activity with their peers. In addition, the social interactions associated with a community garden are known to help slow down mental decline.

Some people even use gardening as therapy after going through an illness or traumatic event. If you want to use gardening as a stress reliever, be sure you avoid the hottest time of day so you’re not uncomfortable. You should also wear a hat, gloves, and sunscreen so you can be relaxed and protected while doing your groundskeeping.

Final Thoughts

Gardening can help improve your quality of life. You are responsible for your mental, physical, and emotional health. Finding ways to help you meet your health goals is essential. Gardening is a healthy hobby that improves your health in several ways. It can help you eat a healthy diet full of fresh fruit, vegetables, and herbs. A garden can also help you get the exercise you need and decrease stress levels so you can live your best life.

Gardens symbolize peace, healing, and wellness. People with chronic conditions can benefit from the work involved in gardening, and many use it as therapy. Try gardening, and you can literally have medicine in your backyard.

With over $1.5 trillion in outstanding student loans in the U.S., many borrowers are wondering what options they have to get out from under their debt. While the common advice is to lower your expenses and continue to climb your career ladder to up your income level, you can add refinancing your student loans to that list. Keep reading to find out if refinancing your student loans may be right for you.

What Are Some Reasons to Refinance Your Student Loans?

When people think ‘refinance student loans,’ they might have the idea that it’s only for those who are falling behind on payments or other emergencies. But refinancing your loans can be a way for those with stable income and good credit to take control of their loan payments. The main advantages revolve around saving money and changing the terms to suit your changing needs as a borrower.

Save Money by Lowering Your Interest Rate

The first and most common reason why someone would consider refinancing their student loans is to save money. Because private student loans are set with higher interest rates than federal loans, this can be a barrier to paying off your loans if you have a lower level of income. Although many new graduates’ first full-time jobs tend to be low or average salaries, once you’ve moved to a higher-level position, you’ll tend to have a better credit score and more leverage to negotiate a better interest rate.

Change the Terms of Your Repayment

When you redefine your repayment terms, you can combine multiple loans into one and/or adjust the amount of time on the loan. Combining all of your loans into one can make paying them off much easier as they’ll be governed by one interest rate and one payment, rather than multiple.

But there are some downsides, as extending the term will likely raise your interest rate and you’ll be paying extra interest for longer. Similarly, shortening the term will raise your monthly payment but with the benefit of lowering your interest rate.

In theory, you’ll be able to pay the loan off sooner and pay less interest overall. However, both of these options depend on having a solid budget, stable income, and good credit.

You Can Remove a Co-signer

Many students who take out private loans need a co-signer to afford their education. But once a graduate is out on their own, especially some years after college, they may want to remove a co-signer from their loan to take it on for themselves. This means that once you have stable income, releasing your co-signer from your student loans will mean that not only will they no longer be legally responsible for the debt, but they’ll have a lower debt-to-income ratio as the loans will no longer be connected to their credit.

Cons To Consider

Nothing is without its faults or downsides, and that’s certainly true with student loan refinance. Before you start thinking about the repayment you might shorten or a different monthly payment, there are some factors you’ll need to consider.

Downsides To Refinancing Federal Loans

There are a few factors to consider before refinancing, mainly the type of loans that you have. If you have federal loans, you may be eligible for a loan forgiveness program or other benefits depending on your income level and the industry you’re employed in. If you refinance federal loans you’ll lose access to those benefits, which means that any credits you’ve accrued from an income-driven repayment plan will be reset, and you’ll be ineligible for a number of other discounts.

It May Temporarily Hurt Your Credit

Since 15% of your credit score is based on the length of your credit/loan history, refinancing may cause it to take a hit. Refinancing involves closing all loans to open another and that means you’ll be losing the higher credit score that comes with making regular payments on longstanding debts. Refinancing may also lower your credit with hard inquiries, so you should avoid shopping around for too long.

If Your Loans Are Near Paid Off

Although it may seem beneficial to refinance when you’re around a year away from paying off your loans, refinancing at that point isn’t recommended. Not only is it unlikely to save you much money, but it can hamper your credit score which will be impacted further after paying off the loan.

Weigh Your Options

Refinancing your private student loans can be a great opportunity to take your debt into your own hands and save some money along the way. But you’ll need to consider all of the details and benefits you may miss out on if you refinance and weigh the pros and cons for yourself. Either way, knowing that you have some choices to pay off your debts faster and on better terms can be the key to financial independence.

There is always a lot of talk about living in a big, well known city. But what about the benefits of living in a so-called ‘second city’? Believe it or not, there are many advantages to living in a city that sometimes flies under the radar. Here are some of the reasons why second cities make great urban environments to live in!

A ‘second city’ is often defined as a city that is a little less well known than a capital city or a state capital. A second city might be a little smaller, have a slightly smaller population or just be a little less important than a first city, because it’s not a center of government. It might be a place that’s less well known than a world famous city, like New York, Los Angeles or Washington DC. How many people dream of moving to those places? And a lot fewer people dream of moving to Buffalo, San Jose or Baltimore! But it’s cities like these that can turn out being much better places to live, simply because they do fly under the radar.

Here’s why second best cities are actually better places to live for city dwellers.

They’re Cheaper

Let’s face it, big cities are expensive. If you want to live in a prime location in a major city, be prepared to pay top dollar for rent or mortgage payments. But in a second city, you can often find cheaper housing options that are just as good as what you would find in a first city. And you’ll find housing stock that is a lot more inspiring too. Second cities tend to get a lot of investment in housing because they are becoming more popular, so in places like San Antonio in Texas, you’ll find some amazing new build properties by companies such as Terrata homes.

They’re More Laid Back

When you live in a big city, you can often feel like you’re on the go all the time. There’s always something to do and somewhere to be. If you’re someone who likes a more relaxed pace of life, then a second city might be a better option for you. In general, people in second cities are more laid back and less stressed out than those in first cities. You’re also likely to spend less time commuting and sitting in traffic in a second city, which means you’ll have a better overall quality of life.

There’s More Nature

First cities are often built up and don’t have a lot of green space. But second cities tend to have more parks and nature areas, because they’re not so built up. If you love being outdoors and enjoying the fresh air, then a second city is definitely the place for you. You’ll find it’s easier to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy some peace and quiet in a second city. And you’ll have more free time to enjoy it if your commute is shorter than in a larger city. You might even find that getting around by bicycle is an appealing and pleasant experience in a second city.

They’re More Authentic

First cities are often full of tourists and can feel quite artificial. If you want to experience a more authentic side to urban living, then a second city is the way to go. You’ll find that second cities have a more down to earth feel and you’ll get to know the locals better. There are often more independent businesses in second cities too, so you can support local shops and restaurants. And you’re likely to find that life in a second city feels a little more ‘real’ than in a first city.

There’s Less Pollution

Big cities tend to have a lot of pollution, both from traffic and from industry. But in a second city, there’s often less pollution because there’s less traffic and fewer factories. If you’re someone who is sensitive to pollution or who wants to live in a cleaner environment, then a second city might be the best option for you.

Lower Crime Rates

In general, second cities tend to have lower crime rates than first cities. This is because they’re often smaller and have less extremes between richer and poorer people. And when there are fewer people, statistically speaking there is likely to be a little less crime. If you’re concerned about safety, then living in a second city might be the best choice for you.

You’ll Still Have Plenty To Do

Just because a city is smaller, doesn’t mean there’s less to do. In fact, you might find that there’s more to do in a second city than in a first city, because the events and attractions are aimed at locals rather than tourists. If you’re feeling less stressed by living in a smaller city, you’re likely to want to enjoy more of the entertainment options on offer too.

So there you have it, some of the reasons why second cities make great urban environments to live in! If you’re thinking of moving to a new city, don’t discount the second best option – it might just be the best choice for you.

Minimalism is both a lifestyle and a design style. Trying to replicate the design without understanding the lifestyle will fail. If you are longing for a simpler life, with less clutter, less consumerism, and more enjoyment of each moment, you are the right candidate for a minimalist lifestyle.

Quality things, beautifully cared for, stored, and loved, will always add more value to your life than cheaply made things that have no meaning to you. When you are designing your home, both big and small items can be purchased based on their value, aesthetics, and quality. From a beautiful focal point in your kitchen to the smallest skillet, purchasing things you love and find beautiful is the first step towards a more fulfilling life.

Minimalist Lifestyle in the Kitchen

The minimalist look is often focused on modern trends and simple lines. But what it really comes down to is filling your life with things you love, rather than things you need. One perfect wooden spoon that you love is more valuable than 6 spoons you don’t care about.

Of course, we all need certain items in our kitchen. And while you maybe never considered whether you love your ladle or can opener, you probably do have special items in your kitchen that are practical while also bringing you joy.

When we think seriously about it, we all have a knife that we love because it always stays sharp, or a special antique cookie cutter from our grandparents, or that one spatula that we enjoy using. One of the goals as minimalists is to only have things like that. Things that we enjoy using for their own sake beyond their practicality.

This doesn’t have to happen overnight. Simply make it your goal to never purchase something unless you love it. When you need a new ladle, find a ladle that makes you happy. If your knives frustrate you, set aside some money for a beautiful set that you will love. Those things might cost more money in the beginning, but they pay dividends in enjoyment. And most importantly, once you have that perfect knife set and lovely ladle, toss all the others that don’t hold up to your standards.

It might not happen overnight, but eventually your kitchen drawers and cupboards will be filled with high quality things that both perform well and make you happy to use them.

Minimalist Design in the Kitchen

When it comes to designing a minimalist kitchen, there are a few simple elements we see repeated. While these designs will create a beautiful, simple aesthetic, there are many ways to move towards minimalism in your life.

Focal Point

When it comes to simple kitchens, a focal point is key. Select one or two strong, beautiful features that instantly draw the eye and create the ambiance for the whole area. These features are often skillfully crafted unique items that are also practical in nature.

Items like barstools that are works of art, with hand-carved seats and metal frames. A built-in natural stone fireplace on an accent wall may be the only feature in the room. The simple lines of beautifully designed copper range hoods can be the main attraction in a minimalist kitchen. The important features of these focus points are their quality and beauty, and their minimalism. If you have too many eye-catching features, you will lose the effect and your kitchen will look cluttered.

Simple Design

Most modern minimalist kitchens are simple. They have clean lines and open spaces. Hidden hardware preserves the simple lines, and doors are designed to shut without leaving gaps. This presents a smooth, even surface.

A simple design also extends to the floor plan, which is usually open and airy. Windows are often naked and beautifully trimmed, and appliances streamlined.

No Clutter

Another common feature of the minimalist kitchen is the lack of decorative knick-knacks and clutter. Each item is carefully chosen and placed. Most display items are practical and useful as well as decorative, and they are usually minimal.

A simple wooden shelf with three plain white bowls stored on it. Counters with only two wooden canisters in the corner. A stone island topped with a small green plant. Three small succulents sitting on the windowsill.

Open shelves are common in minimalist kitchens, but never crowded with items. The things on display are high-quality practical, and attractive while preserving the simple lines and patterns of the room.

Earthy Materials and Neutral Colors

Minimalist kitchens often focus on clean colors, such as black and white. Natural elements are common and lend to the simplicity and elegance in the room. Wood, stone, and metal are common elements and are arranged carefully so they don’t clash or overwhelm. These elements are often used as focal points, such as a flagstone floor, rock detail on one wall, or copper range hood.

There are so many different marketing channels to choose from these days, it can be hard to know which ones to use. There is a lot of focus on digital marketing these days, but here are some physical marketing tactics that you might not have considered. These tactics can be very effective when used correctly, and they can help you reach more customers and generate more leads.

Marketing is all about getting your name and your message out there, and there are a lot of different ways to do that. Many businesses look mostly towards online channels like social media and their website to market themselves. But there are other options as well, like physical marketing approaches with a ‘real world’ presence.

Here are some physical marketing tactics that you might not have considered:

Postcards and Flyers

Sending out postcards or flyers in the mail can be a great way to reach potential customers who live near your business. It might seem a bit outdated what with the potential digital channels hold, but it can actually be refreshing for customers to receive something physical that they can touch and hold. Sometimes there’s just too much ‘noise’ to compete with when it comes to digital channels.

With physical postcards and flyers, you can target specific neighborhoods or demographics that you think would be interested in your products or services. Make sure that your postcards and flyers are well-designed and eye-catching, and include a call to action so that people know what to do next.

Smart Vending Machines

A great option for both serving customers and marketing your business, smart vending machines can be a great physical marketing tactic. You can offer your customers convenient 24/7 access to your products, and you can use the machines to market your business with custom branding and messaging.

Smart vending machines are becoming increasingly popular, and they’re a great way to reach potential customers who might not otherwise hear about your business. You could locate them either outside your business, or inside other businesses if you can create an agreement or partnership with them. This means that your branding can appear in places you wouldn’t normally have a presence in.

Event Marketing

Events can be a great way to market your business, and there are a lot of different types of events that you can participate in. You could host your own event, or sponsor another event that is related to your industry. You could also participate in trade shows or community events.

Event marketing can be very effective, but it’s important to make sure that you’re choosing the right type of event to participate in. You want to make sure that the event is relevant to your business, and that it will attract potential customers who are interested in what you do.

Posters and Billboards

Putting up posters or billboards in high traffic areas can be a great way to reach potential customers who might not see your other marketing efforts. This can be a very effective physical marketing tactic, but it’s important to make sure that your posters and billboards are well-designed and eye-catching.

You also want to make sure that you’re putting them up in the right places. You’ll want to choose high traffic areas where potential customers are likely to see them. You might also want to consider putting them up in places where your target demographic is likely to be.

Sticker Marketing

Sticker marketing is a great way to reach potential customers and get your branding out there. You can put stickers on your products, or you can give them away for people to put on their own belongings.

This can be a very effective physical marketing tactic, so make sure you create your stickers with an original design that will help you stand out from the crowd. One way that sticker marketing works particularly well is to promote children’s activities. Handing out stickers at the end of a sport or music class is a great way to spread the word quickly, because kids love showing off their stickers to their friends!

Transit Advertising

Transit advertising is a great way to reach potential customers who are on the go. You can advertise on buses, trains, or subways, and your ad will be seen by a lot of people. It means your business will appear wherever that particular mode of transport goes, and you’ll have the potential to reach a huge number of people that way.

You could also apply the concept of transit marketing on a smaller scale. Have your business branding and contact details put onto your own car or vehicle, or ask a neighborhood taxi firm if they’re willing to carry your branding on their vehicles.

Reusable Bags

Giving away reusable bags is a great way to promote your business while also helping the environment. You can have your branding and contact details printed on the bags, and people will use them every time they go shopping.

This is a great physical marketing tactic because it’s something that potential customers will see every time they use the bag, and they’ll be reminded of your business. It’s also a great way to show that you’re a responsible and eco-friendly business.

Doing some physical marketing can be a great way to reach potential customers who might not otherwise hear about your business.

There are so many different marketing channels to choose from these days, it can be hard to know which ones to use. There is a lot of focus on digital marketing these days, but here are some physical marketing tactics that you might not have considered. These tactics can be very effective when used correctly, and they can help you reach more customers and generate more leads.

Marketing is all about getting your name and your message out there, and there are a lot of different ways to do that. Many businesses look mostly towards online channels like social media and their website to market themselves. But there are other options as well, like physical marketing approaches with a ‘real world’ presence.

Here are some physical marketing tactics that you might not have considered:

Postcards and Flyers

Sending out postcards or flyers in the mail can be a great way to reach potential customers who live near your business. It might seem a bit outdated what with the potential digital channels hold, but it can actually be refreshing for customers to receive something physical that they can touch and hold. Sometimes there’s just too much ‘noise’ to compete with when it comes to digital channels.

With physical postcards and flyers, you can target specific neighborhoods or demographics that you think would be interested in your products or services. Make sure that your postcards and flyers are well-designed and eye-catching, and include a call to action so that people know what to do next.

Smart Vending Machines

A great option for both serving customers and marketing your business, smart vending machines can be a great physical marketing tactic. You can offer your customers convenient 24/7 access to your products, and you can use the machines to market your business with custom branding and messaging.

Smart vending machines are becoming increasingly popular, and they’re a great way to reach potential customers who might not otherwise hear about your business. You could locate them either outside your business, or inside other businesses if you can create an agreement or partnership with them. This means that your branding can appear in places you wouldn’t normally have a presence in.

Event Marketing

Events can be a great way to market your business, and there are a lot of different types of events that you can participate in. You could host your own event, or sponsor another event that is related to your industry. You could also participate in trade shows or community events.

Event marketing can be very effective, but it’s important to make sure that you’re choosing the right type of event to participate in. You want to make sure that the event is relevant to your business, and that it will attract potential customers who are interested in what you do.

Posters and Billboards

Putting up posters or billboards in high traffic areas can be a great way to reach potential customers who might not see your other marketing efforts. This can be a very effective physical marketing tactic, but it’s important to make sure that your posters and billboards are well-designed and eye-catching.

You also want to make sure that you’re putting them up in the right places. You’ll want to choose high traffic areas where potential customers are likely to see them. You might also want to consider putting them up in places where your target demographic is likely to be.

Sticker Marketing

Sticker marketing is a great way to reach potential customers and get your branding out there. You can put stickers on your products, or you can give them away for people to put on their own belongings.

This can be a very effective physical marketing tactic, so make sure you create your stickers with an original design that will help you stand out from the crowd. One way that sticker marketing works particularly well is to promote children’s activities. Handing out stickers at the end of a sport or music class is a great way to spread the word quickly, because kids love showing off their stickers to their friends!

Transit Advertising

Transit advertising is a great way to reach potential customers who are on the go. You can advertise on buses, trains, or subways, and your ad will be seen by a lot of people. It means your business will appear wherever that particular mode of transport goes, and you’ll have the potential to reach a huge number of people that way.

You could also apply the concept of transit marketing on a smaller scale. Have your business branding and contact details put onto your own car or vehicle, or ask a neighborhood taxi firm if they’re willing to carry your branding on their vehicles.

Reusable Bags

Giving away reusable bags is a great way to promote your business while also helping the environment. You can have your branding and contact details printed on the bags, and people will use them every time they go shopping.

This is a great physical marketing tactic because it’s something that potential customers will see every time they use the bag, and they’ll be reminded of your business. It’s also a great way to show that you’re a responsible and eco-friendly business.

Doing some physical marketing can be a great way to reach potential customers who might not otherwise hear about your business.

It’s A Numbers Game

One of the easiest mistakes to make when beginning real estate investing is assuming a property will perform. Always buy properties by the numbers. Learn to make and use good comps, both for property value, rental value, and ARV (after repair value). If you are doing a flip or repair, assume construction will cost more than you calculate by factoring in contingencies of at least 10%. At the same time, assume your ARV might be less than you calculate. Work margin into your plan because you will need it.

If you are planning a long-term rental, calculate good quality rental comps by using several different sources. Make sure the numbers still work even if you make a bit less than market rent. Don’t forget to factor in vacancy and repairs. Property tax is one of the most important expenses in some areas and can increase when a house sells, so verify with your county before calculating.

Follow the Rules

Over the years, investors have created a number of rules to use when building wealth with real estate. These rules cover house renovation projects, buy-and-hold strategies, and home construction. As a beginner, you need to know the rules, understand what they mean and why they are used, and choose which ones you will follow. Don’t assume that you can succeed by ignoring the long-held advice of thousands.

While some of the rules no longer apply in some areas or are considered outdated in today’s market, you should still understand the theory behind them. Even if some of the rules are no longer applicable to your market, you should know why they worked at one time and why they are no longer used.

Examples of real estate investing number rules you should research:

• The 50% Rule
• The 1% (or 2%) Rule
• The 70% Rule

Be Cautious…

Many beginning real estate investors will spend more money on a single purchase than they ever have before. (Other than the purchase of their personal home.) This shouldn’t be taken lightly. Even though many real estate gurus make it sound easy and foolproof, you can lose huge amounts of money investing in real estate, and you can lose it very quickly.

Beginning investors should educate themselves on all things real estate, market, and housing. They should join local real estate groups if possible. They should always build margin into their numbers before deciding if a deal is good. And they should ask for advice: They should ask a trusted real estate agent to check their estimated after-repair value. Find a property manager and verify current rental rates for your house and neighborhood.

But Not Too Cautious

While you should be careful when considering properties, you shouldn’t let that caution stop you. Committing to that first property is so hard and scary that many investors never get past the dreaming stage. The first purchase is the hardest. Once you have made your first large purchase, the next one is easier.

If you accept that at some point you will make a big mistake and lose money, you will be in a better position to invest. Understand that you will learn more from your mistakes than from your successes and welcome them. No one ever invested successfully without also losing money at some point. Be careful, but don’t let caution stop you from getting started.

Never Stop Learning

The best way to protect yourself against loss is to learn, learn, learn. Study everything you can about both real estate investing in general and your specific market. Don’t limit your self-education to real estate topics but learn what you can about everything that might be involved in the process, from construction to the role of the title company, to how to file self-employment taxes.

Questions you should ask: What do renovations cost in your area? Are contractors hard to find and hard to schedule? What is happening in the construction and home improvement markets? How long do assessments take in your neighborhood? Are real estate agents having a hard time keeping up with the market? At what rate are market rents rising in your area? What finishes, amenities, and styles are most in demand? There is no end to the things you should learn about. Your best strategy: Never stop learning. Be curious about everything.

Don’t Give Up

You will make mistakes and you will lose money. That fact is inevitable and the sooner you accept it, the sooner you will start making money. Remember, the money you lose when you make a mistake is the price you paid for the best education of your life.

Don’t quit when you lose money or make a bad investment. You might need some time to regroup and recoup your losses, and that’s okay. Mental space to recover from frustration and disappointment is helpful. But don’t stay there. As the old cowboys said, you have to get back on the horse or the fear will keep you away forever. The longer you wait, the harder it is to get back on.

You haven’t failed until you quit. Learn from your losses and try again.

Often enough, students seem to dread the task of writing an essay. However, regardless of whether you’re writing for a contest, a class, or even a scholarship — there are ways of making the task at hand less overwhelming.

At the end of the day, essay writing is a project like any other — and that means you can either look for an essay writing service and outsource it or learn how to do it properly. With that in mind, we’ll take you through a simple six-step process for writing an effective, well-graded essay.

Choose Your Topic

Depending on the purpose of the essay, you may already have a topic assigned to you. In that case, you should start considering the kind of essay you’d like to produce. Are you going to do a general subject overview, or narrow the focus to a specific kind of analysis? Think of this early on to avoid having to redo large swaths of the essay down the road.

On the other hand, if you’re supposed to choose your topic yourself, there’s a bit more work to be done. But think of it this way — you also get the chance to pick a subject you find especially relevant or interesting.

If you’re picking your topic yourself, the first question you need to consider is the essay’s purpose — do you want to persuade or inform the reader? When you’ve decided on one, you can start thinking about the specific topic you want to explore.

In this part of the process, it’s always best to play to your strengths. In other words, if you’ve decided to persuade, pick a topic that you’re particularly passionate about, ensuring the essay will come off as genuine. And if you decide that educating is the goal of your essay, it’s always easier to go with a topic you’ve already studied.

Work On An Outline

If your essay is to be successful, you’ll need to organize your thoughts properly. And make no mistake — creating an outline, or even a diagram, of your essay ideas isn’t extra work; it will actually make the essay writing process quicker and easier.

By jotting down an outline before you start writing, you’ll have a better overview of the ideas in your head — allowing you to see the links and connections between them more clearly. Even the simplest structure you create beforehand will ultimately serve as your essay’s foundation.

Writing an outline is quite simple — just write your essay prompt at the top of a page. Then, start listing the primary ideas on the topic that come to mind, but leave some space under all of them. You’ll use this space to list the rest of the smaller ideas related to every “main” idea.

Write A Thesis Statement

So, you’ve picked your essay topic and organized your ideas into several easily digestible categories. Now it’s time to jot down a thesis statement for your essay. It will spell out the whole point of the essay to your readers, and remind you of that point while you write.

Generally, a thesis statement consists of two parts. During the first part, you’ll state your topic — and in the second, you’ll emphasize the precise goal of the essay.

So, if you’re writing about the Watergate scandal and its influence on American politics, your thesis statement could be something like, “The Watergate scandal has influenced the future of the American political process for the next half-century.”

Work On The Essay Body

The “meat” of your essay is the so-called body — in other words, the body of text that explains, argues, or describes the essay’s topic. Remember those ideas you wrote down while you were working on your diagram? Well, the body is where you’ll turn each of them into a distinct section of text and elaborate on them.

Every paragraph here has the same rudimentary structure. You start with an introductory sentence describing the section’s main idea. Then, you introduce its supporting ideas in individual sentences. It’s also a good idea to leave a few lines between these points, so you can return and provide detailed examples that further cement your point of view.

Write Your Introduction

Now that you’ve created the body of your essay, it’s time to write your introduction. Try to use this shorter section to grab your readers’ attention and highlight the topic of the essay.

If relevant, use a quote, a story, a piece of shocking information, or simply a summary of the topic. Whatever you end up using, just make sure that it neatly ties into the thesis statement — you’ll use that as the final sentence of the introduction.

Finish The Conclusion

When all the other parts of the essay are done, you’re ready to bring your topic to a logical conclusion — use this part to sum up all of your ideas and provide one final perspective on the essay’s topic.

Don’t make it too long — the conclusion should have up to five punchy, strong sentences that will reinforce your point of view and repeat your main points.

When was the last time you looked at the stars? Throughout human history, the sky has been a symbol of the great unknown and a window to a higher power. However, we often get caught up in our busy lives and forgot about the wonder of the universe right above our heads. Here are some reasons why you should take a moment and admire the night sky.

The best things in life are free

Unlike the movies or a visit to the planetarium, it costs you nothing to look up at the skies. You can access the sky from anywhere in the world and there is no limit to the amount of time you can spend; you could even sleep under the stars if you like. Even ten minutes of gazing at the night sky can be more relaxing than a massage or a guided meditation.

Our lives are hectic. We busy ourselves pursuing money and possessions that often do not bring contentment. Stargazing reminds you that the best things in life are free. It reminds you to take a breath and remember how good it feels to be alive. It urges you to pause and spend time with the ones that you love. Stargazing is a simple pleasure that anyone can enjoy.

You gain perspective

The petty concerns of our lives can sometimes seem so important and overwhelming. However, when you are faced with the enormity of the night sky, you realize how minute and inconsequential your concerns are. Our short lives are but a twinkle in the journey of time. Knowing this helps you to have a balanced view of your achievements and failures.

The perspective that stargazing brings is important. The vastness of the universe reminds us of our shared humanity on this small planet. By de-centering the self, we become more aware of the common fate of all life and feel more connected to the other beings on Earth. We become more open, more empathetic, and more compassionate towards others.

Find peace and serenity

There is something immensely comforting about the infinite sky. It is a testament that life goes on, as it always has and always will. Compared to stars that are billions of years old, human history is but a heartbeat. In the sky, there are no boundaries and no worries about tomorrow. What seems chaotic follows the natural rhythm of time and space.

The sky shows us that many things are out of our control. We cannot change the weather, move the clouds, make the moon full, or decide which constellations shine the brightest. Yet, the night always astounds with its displays of magnificence and beauty. Perfection exists in nature. The universe prevails. In this, we can shrug off our worldly woes and find solace and peace.

Free your imagination

As we get older, we lose our sense of wonder. Stargazing helps to awaken our inherent curiosity and amazement. Why are we here? Where did the universe come from? In the face of the night sky, one cannot help but ask questions. We may know the theories that science and religion provide, but we continue to search for an answer that speaks to our souls.

The star-scape is a playground for the imagination. Ancient man saw animals and human shapes in the placement of the stars. What can you see? You may see a robot where others see the Great Bear or three dancers where others see Orion’s belt. The sky offers endless opportunities for you to exercise your childish wonder and imaginative freedom.

How to enjoy the night sky

The best way to enjoy the night sky is to place a blanket in your backyard and lie down. Stargazing is a wonderful way to spend an evening with your partner or children. Looking up to the stars while lying on your back makes you feel like you are in nature’s amphitheater. Do not be surprised if you find yourself drifting off to sleep!

If you live somewhere too cold to stargaze outdoors, why not install a skylight or a glass conservatory that will allow you to enjoy the beauty of the night sky while staying indoors? You can also buy a telescope to get a closer view of the constellations from the comfort of your home. Amateur telescopes are affordable and very easy to position and install.

Buy night sky paintings to bring the beauty of the stars into your home. With a painting, you can enjoy the serenity and mystery of the night sky even during the day. Best of all, you can have paintings in any room of the home. You can revel in the wonder of the stars in your bedroom or add much-needed perspective to your home office.

The night sky is more than just a pretty scene. It invokes feelings of hope, peace, wonder, and harmony. It inspires you to connect, to dream, and to wish for a more beautiful world. Next time you come home from work or take out the bins after dinner, take two minutes to pause and look up to the sky. Breathe in the expanse of the universe and awaken your soul.

Over the last century, much ink has been spilled defining what a brand is. From a mark that denotes ownership of livestock to graphic elements that distinguish one line of products from another to intangible emotional association with a company, the definition of a brand has evolved to encompass all attributes that make up a commercial (or non-commercial) entity’s essence of being.

In understanding the brand concept, perhaps it is best to employ the old adage, “the whole is more than the sum of its parts.” The system that emerges out of a collection of unified brand elements has properties beyond the aggregate characteristics of individual components, just like how the words in this body of text, when arranged as such, convey concepts beyond the meaning each word holds individually.

The components that build a brand can be defined clearly, which is what we intend to do in this article, but the brand itself has an intangible quality that needs to be perceived and felt.

Brand Identity and the Senses

Our conception of the external world and our experience in it is mediated through our innate bodily senses, and appealing to these senses constitutes a big part of the branding process. Companies leverage branding in visual, auditory, and even tactile, olfactory, and gustatory forms to communicate values, achieve differentiation, and connect emotionally with customers, cultivating a certain perception in their minds.

Brand identity, therefore, is defined as anything and everything associated with an organization that can be sensed. Since we are visual creatures, visual identity plays a central role in influencing the audience’s perceptions. However, brand identity is not limited to visual identifiers such as brandmarks, color palettes, typography, graphics, and illustrations. It includes other sensory elements such as sounds, smells, and textures.

Brand identity assets are vessels developed to hold and disseminate meaning. Without a unifying idea as their backbone, they are conducive to nothing but genericism and confusion.

Brand Values and Attributes

Each brand has a business function without which it cannot survive. But the differentiating factor is the broader contribution of a brand to its audience and the wider world; that is what gives meaning to the work of the business.

Brand values are the core principles that a company believes in and stands for. Their primary purpose is to serve as an internal compass that guides the brand in its decision-making. Brand attributes, on the other hand, are raw emotional and psychological associations that a customer aligns with a brand. These attributes provide ease of understanding and help customers identify with a certain brand in an ocean of alternatives.

Although these brand elements are considered internal variables, they are manifested externally in every aspect of a brand’s actions and behaviors, especially if they are consistently adhered to. Some companies even take a step further and personify their values and attributes into characters and mascots. With distinctive appearances and personalities, these characters are the stars of advertising campaigns, searing certain images into consumers’ minds. Character trademarks such as Geico’s Gecko and the Burger King mascot are perfect examples of such brand personifications.

Brand Messaging and Communication

In practical terms, brand messaging is comprised of every piece of communication that a brand sends out into the marketplace across all touchpoints. It is built upon a collection of key messages that all come together to shape the idea that a brand aims to instill in the mind of the audience. Brand messaging has its roots in the brand core message, which is a distillation of what a brand seeks to communicate to its audience, which, in turn, is shaped and formed by the brand’s values and principles. However, brand messaging allows companies to avoid repetition by providing a framework through which verbal expressions can be crafted.

Tone of Voice

If brand messaging dictates what should be said, tone of voice determines how it should be said. It is about communicating and delivering the message in a consistent way through the right words, cadence, rhythm, volume, enunciation, etc.

The tone of voice, for example, determines whether a brand is loud and enthusiastic in its communications or quiet and reserved, whether it uses industry jargon with long, ornate sentences or easy-to-understand plain English. The tone of voice in branding is akin to a stylebook in journalism. It provides a set of guidelines on the use of language to encourage coherence in communications so that they are always in line with the brand’s attributes and objectives.

Brand Positioning

Positioning is defined as how a brand distinguishes itself to its audience from its competitors. It underscores why a brand differs from its competitors and why the audience should care. To achieve that, a company uses all of the brand elements discussed above to position itself relative to the other brands that already occupy space in the consumers’ minds. Rarely is it the case that a business has to create a new market. Rather, companies usually have to make their products or services more visible to their would-be consumers in an overcrowded marketplace. Positioning is a tool that allows brands to achieve the necessary distinction for market penetration.