Yearly Archives: 2019

How to Set Goals with A Level 10 Life Spread in Your Bullet Journal

Hello! I’m Andrea from @wildeyesbujo. With the start of the new year, I’m going to show you how I set up a January monthly overview and a Level 10 Life layout in my bullet journal.

January Monthly Overview Bullet Journal Design

Each month, I create a cover page and a “month at a glance” page in my bullet journal. The theme I’m going with this month is mystical stars and moons. Now, let’s get started!

First, I draw everything out in pencil and then outline the design in pen. To outline, I used Zebra Zensations Technical Drawing Pens in sizes 0.3 and 0.8. These are great for outlining because the black ink doesn’t bleed when I go back to add color.

Next, I used Zebra Mildliner Double Ended Brush Pens to add color. I’ve always been a fan of Zebra’s Mildliner products because of its mild, translucent color—which is perfect for this month’s theme. They’re also great because they don’t bleed through my journal pages, even when I color more than one layer.

Finally, I added the January title and colored in the border using Zebra Zensations Brush Pen in the medium tip. The brush tip is firm but flexible, making it easy to control when lettering. I love using this “month at a glance” layout because it’s very straight to the point and allows me to see what events and appointments I have going on each month.

Level 10 Life BUJO Design

Since it’s the beginning of a new year, I wanted to use a Level 10 Life layout to set and track goals throughout the coming year. For those of you who aren’t familiar with Level 10 Life, it’s an honest assessment of where you are in 10 different areas of your life with the goal of living your best at ‘Level 10.’

The ten areas can be different for everyone depending on what stage in life you are in. The ten areas I’ll be tracking are:

Spirituality
Finances
Career
Relationship
Fun & Recreation
Giving & Contribution
Physical Environment
Health & Fitness
Family & Friends
Growth

I first created an assessment page to measure where I believe I am in the 10 areas. Then, I developed a goals page of how I plan on reaching a Level 10. For both pages, I used Zensations Technical Pens to outline, Mildliner Brush Pens to add color, and Zensations Brush Pen for lettering. For all my work, I love using Zensations Technical Pens because the pigment is so rich—so it doesn’t fade when I go back to erase any leftover pencil marks. And once again, the mild color of the Mildliners Brush Pens adds a dreamy pop of color and the perfect finishing touch. They are definitely a must-have for any bullet journal enthusiast.

I’m looking forward to tracking and seeing my progress towards a Level 10 Life. I hope you’re all inspired to create similar pages in your bullet journals. For more bullet journal inspiration, check out @wellellabujo’s tutorial on 3 Ways to Use A Bullet Journal to Stay Active.

6 Ways to Boost Your Morning Routine

Let’s just admit it—mornings can be tough. When the alarm clock goes off, it can be so tempting to just hit snooze and snuggle down into the blankets. But suddenly, you’re late and rushing out the door with no breakfast, hair a mess, and your keys are nowhere to be found. This hectic start can cause the rest of your day to feel rushed, stressful, and overall have a negative tone.

When you create a routine, your mornings will not only go smoother, but your days will be more productive, and you’ll feel better when you go to bed at night. Here are some tips to boost your morning routine.

No Snoozing

In order to feel your best, it’s important to prioritize sleep. Be sure to get 7-9 hours of sleep each night and most importantly—do not hit the snooze button on your morning alarm. Allowing yourself to snooze disrupts the natural reaction your body has to hearing your alarm go off, which can make your alarm less effective over time and make it more difficult to wake up. No matter what time you decide to set your alarm, make sure you get out of bed after turning it off. Your body will thank you!

Make Your Bed

Once you are out of bed and ready to start your day, turn around and make your bed. It may seem like a simple task, but it can have a lasting effect on you. Making your bed will give you a sense of accomplishment first thing in the morning, which can help you be more productive throughout the rest of the day. It’s like waking up and immediately crossing something off your to-do list.

Move It!

One of the best ways to start your morning for your brain and body is to prioritize movement early in the day. Simply doing 5-10 minutes of stretching can work wonders to wake up your muscles from being stationary and relaxed all night. Taking a walk or hitting the gym are other great options that will help get your blood pumping and wake your body up naturally without the help of caffeine.

Write It Down

Nighttime and morning routines prime you for success. Before you go to bed at night, take some time to identify your most important tasks you want to accomplish for the coming day. This will not only help you stay on task the next day but allow you to sleep better at night once your thoughts are in writing. Start your morning reviewing this to-do list.

Don’t leave this task up to just any pen. Choose a high-performance pen that speaks to your personal style like the Sarasa Grand Retractable Gel Pen. Featuring a heavy-duty barrel in multiple fashion colors, it combines elegance and performance to help you stand out. If ballpoint pens are more your thing, try out the F-402 Ballpoint Retractable Pen. It features a comfort grip and premium metal barrel that you’ll notice as soon as you pick it up. The right pen can help you feel unstoppable. Learn more about how you can Choose Different with Zebra.

Stay Hydrated

One of the easiest things you can do to feel better and be your best self is to stay hydrated. Staying hydrated can help keep energy levels up, flush out toxins, boost your metabolism, and more. Often, our bodies become dehydrated while we are asleep. Start your morning routine by drinking a large glass of water to kick start your systems and rehydrate yourself. Keep this up throughout the day for best results.

The Most Important Meal of the Day

We’ve all heard the old adage, “breakfast is the most important meal of the day”—and it’s true. Making breakfast part of your morning routine, even if it’s a granola bar or a smoothie, can give you multiple benefits throughout your day. It can improve your focus and productivity, and even kick start your metabolism. You might even find that you make healthier choices the rest of the day once you start on the right foot.

Mornings don’t have to be as rough as they are. Incorporating even just a few of these tips into your morning routine can make a significant difference.

Quick & Easy Holiday Ornaments

By: Hazel Ung of @hazel.lefty.lettering

Hi everyone! I’m Hazel, Artist Ambassador for Zebra Pen USA and lettering artist on Instagram, better known as @hazel.lefty.lettering. This project is a fun way to gather family and friends to get into the holiday spirit. You decide what colors you want to use for your paints and ribbons. Unleash your creativity and personalize your Christmas tree!

Materials you need:

Zebra Metallic Brush Pens
Acrylic Ornaments
Acrylic Paints
Paint brushes
Scissors
Ribbons for decoration
Twine or String to hang ornaments
Microﬁber cloth
Glue, double sided tape or any other adhesive
Modge Podge clear acrylic spray

Step 1

Before you get started, cover your work surface with newspaper or kraft paper to avoid any unwanted paint on your table. Gather your acrylic ornament and a paintbrush and choose your paint color. Take your microﬁber cloth and wipe one side of the ornament to get rid of any debris, oil or ﬁngerprints. Add a small amount of paint in the center of the ornament and spread it toward the edges. You may need a second coat; if so, dry between coats. Dry for an hour.

Step 2

While the paint is drying, you can decide how you want to decorate your ornament. I chose to keep it simple by adding bows. You can buy some pre-made or you can make some with ribbon. Cut your ribbon to the desired size and tie into a bow. Now embellish the ornament with your bow on the side opposite that you painted. You can use glue or any adhesive to afﬁx the bow onto your ornament and allow it to dry.

Step 3

Once your paint is dry, you’re ready to letter on the other side of the acrylic ornament. Again, wipe away any debris with the microﬁber cloth. Decide what you want to say or you can also write a name. One word will be best as your lettering surface is limited. Be careful not to touch the ink or it will smear. Allow it to dry completely. To set your design, spray Modge Podge Acrylic Sealer onto your ornament. Allow it to dry.

Step 4

Cut a piece of twine or string and insert it through the drilled hole at the top of the ornament. Tie the ends together. Admire your creation and hang them on your Christmas tree. You can get really creative with different designs or phrases. The options are limitless. I hope this inspires you to create a memorable holiday for you and your loved ones. Happy Holidays!

For a print-ready PDF downloadable, click here. And, for more creative inspiration, visit our blog.

How to Create Holiday Recipe Art with Zebra Pen

By Emily Colledge of @sugar_coated_canvas

Hello! It’s Emily of @sugar_coated_canvas and I’m here today to share how to create—or more specifically, illustrate—the perfect meal for the holiday season using recipe art. These recipe art cards are perfect to have on display during your next holiday get-together. I was so excited when Zebra Pen asked me to team up with them to create this blog post. I love combining food and art. Let’s get started!

Appetizer Recipe Art

The holidays are such a great time to bring family together. For the appetizer dish recipe art, I decided to go with a cranberry and brie pull-apart bread. To me, nothing screams holiday season like cranberries and cheese. It is a quick, elegant appetizer that’s sure to please any crowd—and with the cranberries in the recipe, it has so much fun color.

I wanted to add depth and make the colors really stand out, so I used Zebra Sarasa Fineliners to crosshatch some of the shadows. I love how these pens feel when they glide along the paper. They even worked beautifully on my rough watercolor paper! I am also amazed at the variety of colors offered. I was always able to find the color and shade I had in mind. I am not the only one obsessed with these pens. My husband tries to steal them and take them to work.

Main Dish Recipe Art

For an illustrated recipe of the main course, the first thing I thought of was to go for a ham or turkey recipe—after all, this is one of my family’s very favorite recipes. I’m always excited to serve it. To create this recipe, I started off by lightly sketching out the ingredients and adding the instructions. Then, I used the Zebra Zensations Technical Pen to make all of it pop off the page and grab your attention. The pen has a rich, dark pigment and conveniently has many different sized tips. I used the 0.3 size for the instructions and the 0.5 size for the title.

Dessert Recipe Art

Finally, for dessert, what is more classic than sugar cookies? This recipe makes a good amount of dough that doesn’t spread out too much when baked. I had so much fun designing my own cookies on this fun recipe. Once again, in this recipe I used both the amazing Sarasa Fineliners and my trusted Zensations Technical Pen. I use the Zensations line on almost every project I work on. With the extra little details, like highlights on the sprinkles, I used the Sarasa Clip Gel Retractable Pen. They glide on the paper and can create the tiny details I couldn’t with a paintbrush.

I really tried to enhance my recipe illustrations with these pens. I used crosshatching with both the Sarasa Fineliners and Zensations Technical Pen—and it gave my shadows more depth. I loved the style it brought to my work. I couldn’t have created these fun recipes without all of these pens, but especially the versatile Sarasa Fineliners —they are a must have!

Happy creating, and happy holidays! For more art inspiration, check out Zebra’s tutorial on How to Draw a Fennec Fox with Zebra Pen Metallic Brush Pens.

6 Ways to De-stress After Work

It’s natural for work to leave you a little stressed at times. But if you’re leaving your day job and still feeling overwhelmed once you get home, you might want to consider stepping back and prioritizing a little R&R. There are tons of activities that have been proven to reduce stress and help relax your mind. Here is a list of our favorite ways to de-stress after a long day at work.

Walk it Out

Something as simple as taking a 10-minute walk outside can help reduce stress and reset your mind so you are able to live in the moment and relax. But any type of physical activity can help manage stress, so don’t limit it to a simple walk. Go to the gym, run, ride a bike, or play fetch with your dog. All of these will have a relaxing effect and allow you to de-stress and breathe easier.

Shut Down to Power Up

Turn your screens off. All of them. Take a half hour and turn off your phone, TV, tablet, computer or any other devices you have. Your brain needs a break from the constant intake of information and your eyes need rest from all the blue light, as well. Use this half hour to do some breathing exercises, meditate or simply take a nap. Your mind will be clearer and feel more relaxed than if you spent that time checking emails or mindlessly scrolling.

Write It All Down

Once you are home from work, take a few minutes and write about your day. Journaling can allow you to put the stresses of the day on paper—and leave them there. Choose Different with a pen that will give you a satisfying writing experience like the F-701 ALL Metal Ballpoint Retractable Pen. It has a fine point ink and is elegantly designed for any Instagram photo opportunities you have in store. If ink isn’t quite your style, try the DelGuard Mechanical Pencil. It features a comfort grip and unbreakable lead. What more could you want?

Get Lost in a Book

Diving into a book can be a great way to de-stress. Reading allows the mind to focus elsewhere, instead of on the issues that are stressing you out. After spending some time reading, you’ll feel more peaceful and be able to let the stress of the day melt away.

Head to the Kitchen

Cooking is a great stress reliever. Not only is it a physical outlet for stress, but as a result, you’ll be rewarded with delicious food. Take the time to create homemade meals or snacks (instead of throwing together a bowl of cereal). Eating something healthy can help you feel more relaxed instead of the feeling of falling into a food coma.

Pump Up the Jams

This tip is a no-brainer. In fact, you might even do it without realizing the benefits of it. While classical or slow tempo music is proven to be some of the most relaxing genres, any type of music that makes you happy can have a positive effect. We recommend crafting a playlist of your favorite music so it’s readily available for your commute or whenever you need a little pump-up session.

De-stressing is a very important part of having work-life balance. Using these tips, or any combination of them, can help you compartmentalize a stressful day from the rest of your life.

Personalize Your Thanksgiving Table with These DIY Place Cards

By Mai of @mai.notebook

Hello! It’s Mai from @mai.notebook and I’m here today to share with you four easy ways to make a place card for your Thanksgiving dinner table. Creating place cards doesn’t always have to be elaborate. I will walk you through some very easy-to-follow examples that will be sure to help you spruce up any table setting. Let’s get started!

Burlap Place Card Design

For this first place card, I used one of my favorite Zebra brush pens—the Mildliner Double Ended Brush Pen in red. These pens come in beautiful colors, making them a create choice for this project. I chose a textured paper that reminded me of fall to go along with it. One way you can add a little extra design is by using ribbons or string. In this case, I chose a structured burlap ribbon.

Wine Cork Holder Place Card Design

For this next place card, I wanted to go very simple and elegant. I used the Zebra Sarasa Clip Gel Retractable Pen in shiny gold and regular cardstock paper. The Sarasa Clip Gel pens write so smoothly and come in so many fun colors. For the place card holder, I repurposed an old cork from a bottle of wine. I simply shaved the bottom of it with a cutter to stop it from rolling, and then made a slit down the middle to hold the name card.

Pinecone Holder Place Card Design

In this next example, I used the Zebra Metallic Brush Pens in Metallic Silver. To highlight the metallic aspect of the brush pen, I opted to use black paper. When I use black paper, I always think of using the Metallic Brush Pens. They’re so juicy, which a quality you want in a brush pen.

Of course, you may use whatever kind of paper you have on hand. Have some fun and experiment to find what kind of paper you like best! I advocate repurposing things, so for this place card I collected pinecones from around my house. They sure do give you that fall feeling, don’t they?

Gift Tag Place Card Design

For this last example, I decided to be a little more involved. I thought it would be a cute idea to add a “gift tag” to a pumpkin that your guest can take home. You can of course use a ready-made tag, or you can make one yourself. I used cardstock to make this one. First, I cut it down to make a 3×2 inch rectangle. Then, I cut the sides to add some shape and interest. You can really get creative and do whatever shape you like!

To create the lettering, I used both the Zebra Zensations Brush Pen and the Zebra Zensations Technical Pen with an extra fine 0.5mm tip. One of the things I love about the Zensations Brush Pens, aside from how well they write, is that they come in so many different brush tip sizes. It’s great because you can choose the best size for your project. The Zensations Technical Pen has rich black color and is smudge-free.

Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed. Happy creating, and happy Thanksgiving! For more hand-lettering inspiration, check out @the.lettering.fern’s hand lettering tutorial with Zebra Metallic Brush Pens.

7 Ways to be More Productive at Work

Being productive is an important part of any job, no matter what career you are in. But we all know, going to work every day and striving to be consistently productive is no easy feat. Between long meetings, chatty co-workers, and never-ending email chains, some days just seem to slip away and when it is over, you feel like you haven’t accomplished anything. Use these tips to get more out of your workday and head home without your to-do list hanging over your head.

Focus on One Task at a Time

Multitasking may seem like a smart way to accomplish multiple things at once, but it actually has the opposite effect. Research has shown that our brains are not nearly as good at handling several tasks at a time as we like to think we are. In fact, some researchers suggest that multitasking can reduce productivity by 40%. When you focus and commit to one task instead, it allows your mind to be clear and not be clouded by other thoughts, allowing you to work more efficiently. Take one task at a time, cross it off your to-do list, and start feeling more accomplished.

Be Strategic

While we can’t create more hours in the day, we can be strategic about how we use the hours we’re given. Think about how and why you are not getting as much work done as you’d like. Is it because you didn’t get enough sleep? Are you distracted by social media temptations? Or do you sit next to a chatty coworker? Spend some time identifying the causes and then be strategic about finding the solutions that address those issues.

Be Alert

There will always be large tasks that take more brain power and energy then others. Prioritize the time of day that you are most alert for these types of tasks. For some people, their peak time of day is first thing in the morning after a big cup of coffee. For others, it might be during the afternoon (after that 2^ndcup). Find the perfect time of day for you and tackle your biggest tasks then. That way, you can get through the small stuff when your energy tank hits empty.

Snacks on snacks on snacks

It can be hard to get your work accomplished when your stomach is grumbling. Keep snacks close by for those moments when you need to curb your hunger. If you can, make sure they are healthier snack options. Snacks filled with sugar and empty calories can often make you feel like you’re going to crash and have an adverse effect on your productivity. Reach instead for a healthy snack that will have you feeling energized and fuel you through the rest of your stressful day.

Use the Right Tools

You’ve heard the phrase “dress for success” before, but while it’s a good motto for professional work attire, it’s also a good sticking point to consider your work tools. Equipping yourself with tools you’re excited to use, like the sleek and smooth Sarasa Grand, can not only get you motivated to work, but can actually increase your productivity. For a less permanent option, try out the DelGuard Mechanical Pencil, which features an unbreakable lead tip and textured grip. Or, check out other options from the STEEL collection to help you Choose Different and power through your day.

Put a Stop to Interruptions

Interruptions are everywhere, but one of the biggest sources of distractions come from your cell phone. Emails, text messages, and social media notifications can throw a wrench in your flow. Even if it is for a couple hours while at work, take some time and silence your phone. With the lack of interruptions, it will be easier to focus and cross items off of your to-do list faster.

Declutter that Desk

Too many things on your desk can be distracting or just make you feel downright anxious and uneasy. Take a few minutes and find a place for all the random clutter and papers that are scattered about. A clean, well-organized desk will make it easier to find things you need quickly and keep your mind sharp and focused on what you are working on.

Don’t let yourself go home at the end of the day feeling like you accomplished nothing. Start implementing these tips to put a stop to distractions and refocus on your priorities.

5 Simple Strategies for Taking Better Notes at Work

Effective notetaking is often the unsung hero of the workplace. It can help you capture ideas, learn new concepts, organize your thoughts, share information, and much more—but in order for your notes to be effective, you first have to learn the right notetaking strategies. We’ve got you covered. Whether you’re in a one-on-one with your boss or in a large company meeting, these simple strategies will help you take better notes at work—and get more out of them.

Ditch the Laptop

Your brain reacts differently to passive versus active actions during notetaking. Recent research has proven that since writing by hand is an active action, it is often more effective then typing for notetaking. Plus, when you are having one-on-one meetings with clients or your boss, it is nice to not have a laptop “wall” between the two of you. Laptops can also be a distraction in larger meetings, due to email pop-up alerts and social media notifications. Using a notebook eliminates these distractions and keeps you open and engaged.

Use the Right Notetaking Tools

As research has proven, handwriting is better for retaining what you write, but first you need the right tools. Using a lined or dotted/gridded notebook (like for bullet journaling) will help keep your notes organized and make writing easier. Then, choose different and make a statement with the right pen. The STEEL F-701 Ballpoint Pen is all-metal and has a heavy-duty feel you’ll notice right away. Plus, it’s refillable so you’ll never have to worry about replacing your entire pen. For other professional but still stylish options that features gel ink, check out the Sarasa Grand.

Focus on the Right Things

Your notes should not be a straight transcript of an entire meeting. Afterall, we all know how meetings can tend to meander onto tangents before getting to the meat and potatoes. Make sure you take down the main bullet points and any additional comments or questions you may have. The key is to focus on capturing the basic facts, issues that need to be resolved, decisions that have been made, and action plans including who is responsible for completing these tasks.

Less is More

When it comes to notes, taking less is actually more. Take down keywords, skip unneeded words, or write down partial sentences. While this sounds strange, you will actually be able to capture more notes than trying to write down every single word that is said. Once you are finished with the meeting, write up a full summary while the information is still fresh in your mind. This gives you the opportunity to fill in all the blanks, so when you look back you have everything you need from the meeting.

Keep it Bold

While taking notes, make sure to highlight or bold the most important information. This allows you to more easily locate the important takeaways when skimming your notes later. If you are handwriting your notes, make sure to bring a highlighter with you to your meeting. If typing, use the highlighter, italicize, underline, and bold options to make your notes more effective.

No matter what profession you’re in, taking notes is part of the job. These tips and tricks will help you be more productive and effective no matter what career you’re in.

The Best Zebra Pen Illustration Tools

By Jerome of kulorbandit

It’s that time of year again when we put down our pencils and pick up our favorite ink pens in anticipation of Inktober®. My name is Jerome (aka kulorbandit), an artist based in Phoenix, AZ, and today I’ll be showing you which Zebra Pen tools I like to use for the Inktober® challenge and for illustrating in general, and how I like to use them. So, let’s get started!

Step 1: Sketching Your Design

For starters, I used the STEEL F-701 ALL METAL Ballpoint Retractable Pen from the STEEL series for all my initial sketching. With its fine point tip, gnarled grip, and easy glide, this pen gives me all the control I need. From general sketching, crosshatching, to shading, this is the workhorse of the group. The tip in conjunction with the ink allows me to build up nice gradations with the layering of lines. This is great for an artist like me whose work is primarily portraiture, and where shading is imperative.

Step 2: “Blocking In” With Color

Once I completed my base sketch, I moved immediately into “blocking in.” This is where the Mildliner Double Ended Brush Pens came in handy. For this drawing, I referenced a young lady who has been heavily body painted in multiple colors. With a range of 15 hues of Mildliner Double Ended Brush Pens, achieving multiple colors isn’t a problem. The durable, firm points allowed me to get in and around tight corners while keeping a consistent ink flow. It’s perfect for fills, or for changing line weights on the fly.

Step 3: Adding in Fine Details

Now to add some initial details. For this, I used Sarasa Fineliners. The fine tip on these pens is excellent for small details that can really make a difference with the overall finished composition. They dry quickly and are water-resistant, making them great for layering. I use them constantly for mixing and building up skin tones in my portrait work. Since the color spectrum in both the Mildliner Doubled Ended Brush Pen and Sarasa Fineliner sets are complimentary, transitioning from one type of pen to the next is seamless. In this drawing, I used the Sarasa Fineliner directly atop of the Mildliner Brush Pen to create unique lines that give the figure and shapes more flow.

Step 4: Adding Depth and Shading

Now it’s time to start adding more depth. I went back to my “workhorse tool,” the STEEL F-701 ALL METAL Ballpoint Retractable Pen, and used it to start shading. To get even deeper, bolder black lines I used the Zensations Technical Pens. Available in varying points, the quick drying, smudge-free, rich black ink is fantastic. I use the combination of these pens alongside my trusty F-701 all of the time when I’m trying to achieve depth and detail.

Step 5: Achieving the Final Portrait Details with Zensations Brush Pens

For the final portrait details, I used the STEEL F-701 Retractable Ballpoint Pen and Zensations Technical Pens sparingly. Not wanting to overpower my drawing, I saved the heavier black line work until the very end. This allows me to be more deliberate about where I want to add volume to the figure. I used the Zensations Brush Pens specifically for this, covering everything from hair to gestural strokes. Easily to control, the thin to broad tapered strokes you can create is awesome, making these pens indispensable!

Step 6: The Final Artwork

All in all, I’m very pleased with the outcome of the final image. The tools used in this example are quite versatile. I’m sure with a little bit more experimentation, I or any of you, could really create some unique artwork for this year’s Inktober® Challenge!

During October, Zebra Pen will be hosting its own contest in partnership with Inktober®, called the Zensations Challenge. To enter, participants must create a daily ink drawing and tag it using the Inktober® hashtags, #inktober and #inktober2019, in addition to the hashtag #ZensationsChallenge. Zebra will be awarding two random winners in the U.S. with a prize pack of Zebra Pen product, retailed at $250.

To learn more about the Zensations Challenge contest, visit zebrapen.com/ZensationsChallenge/

Thanks for following along with me, and happy creating!

Cheers,
Kulorbandit

3 Ways to Use A Bullet Journal to Stay Active

By Shannon Hakala of @wellellabujo

Hey there, it’s Shannon from wellella.com. Did you know that bullet journaling can help you get excited about exercising? It’s true! Read on to see how I’m sticking to my fitness goals using my BUJO.

Fitness Goals Bullet Journal Spread

First, I started by writing down some reasons for why I want to exercise. Having them written down makes it easy for me to remember why it’s important—to me—to stay active on a regular basis.

I also decided to create some exercise goals for extra motivation. When thinking of fitness goals, it helps to choose goals that are S.M.A.R.T., also known as specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and timely. To make this page even more fun, I added some reward ideas I can give myself if I stick to my exercise plans.

I used my trusty Zebra M-301 Mechanical Pencil to plan out these BUJO layouts before adding ink and markers. It’s been my go-to mechanical pencil since long before I started bullet journaling! The steel construction gives it a solid feel which makes it a pleasure to use, whether for writing or sketching.

For normal writing in my bullet journal, I used my black Z-Grip Ballpoint Retractable Pen. The thick barrel width and the grip make it a comfortable pen to use for any kind of journaling.

Activity Tracker BUJO Spread

Next, I created a page to keep track of how I’m exercising for the month of September. The activity tracker I made tracks the total minutes of exercise, as well as what kinds of activities I’m doing each day.

I decided to use my favorite highlighters, the Zebra Mildliner Double Ended Highlighter & Creative Tool, to make this tracker more colorful and fun. The broad chisel-tip creates thick lines of even color perfectly in this tracker.

Fitness YouTube Channel Bullet Journal Design

I love following YouTube exercise videos at home, so I created another BUJO page of my favorite fitness channels for quick reference. I categorized them into groups according to the type of activities I can do from each channel, using the same colors for each group as I did in my activity tracker page.

By thinking about my why, creating S.M.A.R.T. goals, and using a tracker to hold myself accountable, I feel mentally ready to hit the gym!

I hope you’ll try some of these ideas in your bullet journal if you’ve been wanting to get more active, too. Remember—without a plan, a goal is just a wish! For more bullet journaling inspiration, check out Mandy’s back-to-school bullet journal ideas for students.