The original intention of my content creation hiatus was to pause and rediscover my 'why.' Constantly making YouTube videos, Instagram posts and trying to grow a business was taking a toll on my mental health and creativity. I was at the point where I wanted to quit, but a big part of me knew better. What started as a passion became a working nightmare, and I needed some time to reconfigure my approach to my dreams. So, with the help of some friends, we created a system that prevents burnout and prioritizes flow. Thanks to the tools listed below, we organized my business, added structure to my days, and constructed clear action plans for the next couple of months. After spending time with these tools, I'm confident that they can benefit you as well.

1.Notion

Notion is an app that combines every productivity tool into one program. You can take notes, create databases, boards, wikis, calendars, reminders, and incorporate information from other programs. This app is perfect for those who are not tech-savvy but want to create a customizable system that syncs to multiple devices. I've created data management pages for my clients, a project management page for Blossom With Bri, a personal wiki, and various types of journals. Once I became familiar with the system, I started making pages for all of the 'tabs' open in my brain. Now I have a habit tracker, a recipe database, a yearly bucket list, a daily planner, a master to-do list, and so much more. Notion is the first app I open on my computer every day because it keeps me organized and aware of what I need to do. There's a lot less annoying chatter in my head now because of this. Oh, and did I mention Notion is free for individuals? Just watch a few tutorials on YouTube, and you'll be ready to organize your life as well.

2. YNAB

I've always been scared of money and finances because I felt like it was out of my control. Perks of having Saturn in my 2nd house, I guess. However, with YNAB, I realized that personal finance isn't as scary as it seems. YNAB is a budgeting platform based on the envelope method that allows users to track business and personal finances. There is a bit of a learning curve, but it's so worth it. Nick True on YouTube will teach you everything you need to know about this program. His videos are easy to follow, and he consistently posts videos explaining how to navigate YNAB's updates. The purpose of YNAB is to set intentions for every dollar you earn. With that, you can make plans, set goals, and improve your relationship with money. If you would like to get a free month of YNAB and give me a month as well, click here 😊

3. Flora

Flora is for all the social media and phone addicts out there. It prevents you from using your phone while completing tasks. Whenever you make progress towards a set goal, you grow a tree, which I found delightful. However, if you log onto social media or check a text, you kill that little tree. My goal on this app is to grow a forest because I'm competitive and like to test the limits of these types of apps.

Flora also tracks the amount of time you can stay off your phone during a task, and I can see how my attention span has increased. The app allows users can create focus rooms with friends where we grow trees and other plants together. It's so cute! Anyways, the app is free, with an option to pledge money to their charity if you want to up the stakes of your focus sessions.

4. SquareSpace

Currently, I have a love-hate relationship with this host due to its limited options for payment processors. But, I'll focus on the positive aspects of my experience with them; so I don't get taken down. I created this website to organize my readings and give my business a professional look. The process of creating this site forced me to set fixed prices and product descriptions, set boundaries with policies and terms and conditions, and handle all of the grown-up responsibilities of owning a business. It made Blossom With Bri something tangible, and I now have something to show when people ask about what I'm creating. Doing all of this has been stressful, especially since I was supposed to be on a hiatus. Squarespace was great at walking me through it, even if it was misleading. I recommend this host to anyone who has a product-based business that isn't spiritual.

5. Friends

Someone I know explained the concept of your inner circle in a way that I won't forget. Imagine being captain of a ship headed towards your goals. Which of your friends would you want to be part of your crew? What kind of person would you allow to sail with you? Who would you leave at the next dock? It's essential to find a group of like-minded people who can help you follow your dreams and do the same for them. Your 'crew' can consist of online friends, authors, speakers, and content creators like myself. The possibilities are endless with the help of technology. Just make sure the people you exchange energy with have the best intentions and embrace your true self. If you need help finding these people, join the BWB discord community that I just created. We'll love to have you.

I hope some of these tools will be of some use in your lives. If you have any questions or would like to share some tools that helped you, comment below. I'm not sure how much longer I'll be on this hiatus as I'm trying to put my physical and mental health first, but I'll be going live on Instagram occasionally. I'm sending you all the best intentions, and enjoy the rest of your summer 💕💕💕