This Might Be the Prettiest To-Do App EVER

The ability to organize your entire life from the convenience of your iPhone is priceless, but let’s face it: digitizing your to-dos shouldn’t be a bore. While there are of a variety of amazing to-do apps out there that will get the job done, we’re always on the lookout for tools that make managing our time more colorful, more engaging. So when we find ways to make our most mundane tasks more beautiful, we just can’t help but gush.

So just imagine how pumped we were to find Tick ($1.99): a streamlined to-do app that lets users completely customize its colorful interface. Specifically built for iOs7, Tick uses a clean tile layout and personalized icons to designate different to-do lists. Its simple design feels modern, unfussy, and best of all, inviting. Hands down, this is the ultimate organizational app for color lovers and designers.

Tick’s basic functions are completely straightforward—create a list, add to the list, mark the list—which means you can concentrate the fun stuff: customizing the look of your lists!

You can choose the color for each and every tile by scrolling over a color wheel (for us, the brighter the better!), and categorize your tile with one of 64 adorable icons. Essentially, these symbols act as the titles for your lists (although you get to name them too), so a car icon can be used to keep track of car maintenance or record your must-see road trip destinations. Your lists aren’t bound by pre-determined anything—you have complete creative control.

But as much fun as it is to build your lists on Tick, it may be even more fun to complete them. Tick’s icons come to life every time you complete a task: bought your plane ticket home for the holidays? Mark it “done” on your “travel” list and the plane icon flies off the tile. Buy all of your stocking stuffers? Tick it off your “Holiday” list and snow starts to fall on the Christmas tree icon. These subtle animations are a clever incentive for you to stay on track.

Other rad features include a light detector that dims or brightens the screen based on where you are, which means night owls won’t have to stare at a glaring screen while making the next day’s to-dos from under the covers. Plus you can share your lists on the fly with AirDrop.

What’s mind-blowing about Tick is that it has mastered a way to simplify your life while making it more creative—a concept that’s at the very core of Brit + Co. It’s pretty awesome that a kindred spirit has made what might be the prettiest to-do app EVER.

What apps do you use to organize your digital to-do lists? What’s your favorite organizational app out there? Any other beautiful apps that we should know about? Tell us in the comments below!

Kicking off the new year with a new intention is a great way to set your mind to reaching your life goals. Jan. 1 is a classic marker for changing old habits, refreshing your outlook, going for what you really want, and resetting your health and wellness routines and there's so much good in all of that. But where to start?

This list will help you uncover new year resolution ideas, big and small, that fit into your life goals. Whether you're looking to advance your career, build new relationships or nurture existing ones, act on your values, or simply start healthier habits, this list of 70 new year resolution ideas will spark your creativity and inspire you to get started on something fulfilling.

We dug into our archives for new year resolution ideas for a healthier, happier, more productive you. Sticking to a resolution for 365 days can be tricky though so here's some advice:

  • Create a realistic plan. Focus on key goals that are most important to you. Sure, we might want to do most of the things on this list but what do you really want to accomplish in 2024? Be specific and make a clear plan on how you'll get there.
  • Break up your goal in small steps. If something feels too overwhelming, consider breaking it into smaller tasks that you can more easily accomplish.
  • Stay accountable. Give yourself monthly goals and let friends know what you're trying to do so they can cheer you on and provide support.
  • Track your progress. Use a planner, notebook, or app to track your progress for more motivation.
  • Stay positive. You can achieve anything with a positive mindset. But sometimes life throws us some curveballs. If you slip, move on and keep going. You can do this!
  • Reward yourself. Treat yourself to small rewards at the end of each month once you've accomplished something toward your end goal.
  • Visualize success. Visualizing what you want out of your resolution will help you stay committed and motivated along the way.
Now that you know how to stick your new year resolutions, take a look at our list of 70 new year resolution ideas for inspiration going into 2024. Happy new year to you!

Host Regular Friend Dinners

Photo by fauxels

Commit to making a monthly or bi-monthly dinner date with the friends you love most. Life can get in the way, but these are the memories you'll always value in life. Take turns hosting and turn it into a dinner club. Here are quick and easy dinner ideas to try out throughout the year!

Start Journaling Like Emma Watson

Photo: British Vogue/YouTube

Journaling can help you put things into perspective and get more in touch with your emotions. It can also help you sleep better by putting your thoughts on paper first! In British Vogue's In The Bag, Emma Watson explains how important journaling has become in her life. Here's what Emma has to say about her journaling practice.

Create An Inspiring Vision Board

Photo by cottonbro studio

Vision boards are one of the most effective tools that you can use to build your business, nurture your romantic life, and reach your creative goals. The process can bring clarity to your thinking, focus to your plans, and can leave you with a curated visual + tangible reminder of the life you want to build. Here's how to get started to create your own vision board for 2024.

Eat Breakfast In Bed More Often

Photo by Ngakan eka

We're so quick to look at our phones and jump out of bed and hit our laptops. Rather than make breakfast in bed a once-a-year type of activity, turn it into a common practice. You'll connect better with your partner and yourself. Here are easy breakfast recipes to eat in bed throughout 2024.

Create A Morning Ritual

Photo by Blue Bird

A morning ritual that doesn't involve working the minute you wake up can clear your mind, calm your nervous system, and prepare you mentally and physically for the day. Some morning ritual ideas: a skincare routine, a bike ride, a nature walk, journaling, drinking tea, reading a book, and more. Decide what would help you start your day on the best foot.

Become A Plant Lady

Photo by Blue Bird

Plants can clean the air you breathe, boost your mood, and increase your creativity. Embrace plants in your decor and bring the outdoors in! Make it a resolution to learn more about how to care for them.

Take A Yoga Challenge

Try our at-home yoga challenge or join a new studio, many of which have challenges for new members at a discount. Yoga can help improve digestion, mood, stress levels, and more.

Give Daily Compliments

Photo by Guilherme Almeida

Licensed psychologist Dr. Lauren Hazzouri says you can actually learn more about yourself and create more positivity around you by taking notes about what you see in others. Here are her thoughts on why heartfelt praise is so powerful and five super solid sentiments you can aim to share every day.

Delegate The Things You Don't Want To Do

Photo by Polina Zimmerman

Uncover the things that are taking up your time that you don't want to do and get support. Maybe it's cleaning your apartment or tasks at work that can be automated or maybe it's getting your laundry delivered. Delegate the tasks you don't love so you can focus your time on the things you do love.

Get Organized, One Day At A Time

Photo: Shutterstock

Overwhelmed by the clutter in your home? Dedicate each month to a new decluttering project. Bedroom Closets January, anyone? Donate or sell what you don't use and build an organizing system you can stick to. Here's more pro advice for decluttering your space.

Open Your Mind To New Stories

Want to read more books? Set out a plan to read the books you missed in 2023 and plan for the books you want to read in 2024, depending on your schedule. Maybe it's a book a month that you share with others, near and far?

Train For An Organized Run

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Want to get back on a running schedule? This is a great goal to try if you want to achieve a 5K, 10K, or even a marathon. New to running? Check out our running tips for learning to love it.

Make New Friends

Photo by ELEVATE

Is there a new acquaintance you want to know better? Or feeling like you're missing out on a community? Maybe you've just moved to a new city. Nurture new friendships in 2024 with these friendship tips.

Reconnect With Old Ones

Photo: Brit + Co

Reach out to old friends this year and reconnect in a more meaningful way with these thought-provoking questions to get to know your friends better. Make it a resolution to reach out to one old friend a month!

Plan Regular Dates With Your S.O.

Photo by Ron Lach

Connect with your partner one-on-one with these date night ideas for the whole year.

Flirt With Confidence

Photo by Katerina Holmes

Single? No problem. Try online or IRL dating but before you do learn to flirt with confidence. Practice makes perfect!

Judge Less, Communicate Better 

Learn to communicate better by communicating to understand versus judge. We can all use better communication skills these days with people inside and outside our bubble.

Eat Healthy Most Of The Time

Photo by Akshata Bablad

Try Whole30 this January to uncover any allergies or an intermittent fasting schedule to lighten your load (and sleep better!). Whatever you do, do in moderation (indulging once in a while is OK!) and pick up healthy habits that you can sustain throughout the year.

Find A Job That Appreciates You

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio

Feeling burnout or stuck in a job rut? Use your MBTI to find your next career move, and then start finding the job you want!

Become Better Friends With Your Siblings

Photo:Thirdman

Become better friends with your siblings by having a conversation that runs deep, no matter what difficult things you've faced in the past.

Start An Exercise Routine You Love

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Exercise doesn't have to be a chore. Find a sport or activity that gives you the workout you need while also boosting your mood, expanding your friendship circle, and bringing you joy every day.

Eat More Veggies With Better Cooking Skills

Here are 10 sneaky ways to get more veggies in your diet. Remember, they should make up half your plate! Learn how to cook vegetables more flavorfully too! Salads for breakfast, perhaps?

Eat Less Meat For You And The Planet

Beef production accounts for most of the greenhouse gas emissions of the entire food production industry, and leads to deforestation and loss of biodiversity, significant contributors to climate change. Vegetarian diets tend to have fewer calories and less fat too, and vegetarians have a lower risk of heart disease so you'll do good by you and the planet!

Make Drinking Water More Fun

Photo: Yaroslav Shuraev

Stay hydrated with more water in your 2024, whether you flavoring it a la TikTok, shopping the latest water bottles for on-the-go hydrating, or simply cutting back on soda and sugary drinks. All good things!

Do The Work To Get More Sleep

Photo: Anna Nekrashevich

Make an effort to ditch the devices before bedtime, design a bedroom ideal for sleep, and follow these tips to fall asleep faster. Sleep with a partner? Try the Scandinavian sleep method for better co-sleeping.

Improve Your Gut Health

Photo: Ella Olsson

Try an anti-inflammatory diet if you have a hard time getting rid of belly bulge or have health issues related to gut health. You'll feel and look better through 2024 and beyond!

Take Care Of Your Sexual Health

Photo:Bellesa Boutique.

Here's a reminder that you need to take care of your sexual health to ensure a healthy overall wellbeing. Sexual health includes self-esteem, personal attractiveness, competence, as well as freedom from sexual dysfunction, sexually transmitted diseases, and sexual assault/coercion. It goes beyond testing for STIs and fertility and rather encompasses just as many mental components as physical ones.

Quit Smoking

Photo by Maria Orlova

Add as much as a decade to your life and avoid a slew of health problems by quitting your smoking habit, even if it's just socially. Make a point of asking your doctor the best plan for you. We know this is a tough one -- and totally not unique -- but your health matters and this is a big one to reach your fullest potential!

Cook More At Home

Photo by Sarah Chai

You'll save money and eat healthier by reducing your restaurant and takeout budget. You may also find that you enjoy cooking! Check out Brit + Co's Cooking Classes, plus try our delicious recipes!

Learn A New Language

Photo by Leeloo Thefirst

Download Duolingo, Babbel, Rosetta Stone or take a language course in person at a community college or community center. You might even want to find a local person who speaks the language you want to learn and meet for coffee once a week for IRL practice!

Manage Your Time Better

Photo by Vlada Karpovich

Start the new year with a new planner and these time management tips, like time blocking.

Improve Your Public Speaking Skills

Photo by Mikhail Nilov

Get over your fear of public speaking with these public speaking tips. Find ways to practice your new skills at work, at networking events, even weddings!

Volunteer For A Cause You Care About

Photo by Liza Summer

Build connections, improve your resume, even volunteer to travel to do good work for your community and help those in need.

Pay Off Credit Card Debt

Here are 7 ways to get out of debt, including credit card debt, this year.

Learn How To Invest

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Women are still not investing at the rate that men are. Let's close the investing gap for good. Here's our ultimate beginner's guide to investing in the stock market. Try our free Investing 101 course and check out Nicole Lapin's The Money School, where our favorite finance pro shows you how to make your money grow and we mean really grow. You'll learn things like: how to create a budget, how to save for big life goals, how to buy a house and car, how to invest in the stock market and retirement accounts. This is truly the masterclass for all things money!

Launch A Side Hustle Or A Business

We're all about following your passion at Brit + Co and if you've had an idea for starting your own biz now is the time to take that first step. First, get over your fear of failure with these seven tips, then write out your business plan. Need a little motivation? Check out Brit + Co's Selfmade online business course, where you'll meet inspiring entrepreneurs who will help you get to the next level (all while Brit and her "Co" cheer you on!).

Plant A Garden

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio

Gardening has mood-boosting benefits and is a great way to clear your head and get creative. Given it may be snowing outside early in the year you can try an indoor herb garden for starters and come spring plan a bed or two outside for your favorite fruits and veggies.

Take A Creative Class

Learning something new about yourself or the world can be as easy as listening to a podcast, which is the whole premise for our Teach Me Something New podcast. Listen in on our chat with experts on meditation, cooking, mental health and more during your next drive or jog. Get creative too with more than 120 Brit + Co creative classes on everything from cake decorating to coding.

Break Out Of Your Comfort Zone

Photo: RDNE Stock

New Year's resolutions don't have to be full of Don'ts. Brit + Co Founder and CEO Brit Morin started her #GiveItAWeek challenges as a way to break out of her comfort zone and try something new every week of the year vs. one "Don't" all year long. Try dance lessons, take an illustrating class, or change up your running routine to make it more FUN. Good news is a new hobby has restorative benefits for your mental health too.

Start Saving For A Rainy Day

Make 2024 the year to get your finances in order, from setting yourself up on a budget-minded money date to knowing the milestones you should hit by 35.

Break Out Of Your Cooking Rut

Bored by the same meals you've been cooking at home since spring 2020? We got you. Whether you want to cut down on sugar with our Whole30 recipes, use your new Instant Pot to make easy weeknight meals, or save money and eat healthy we've got loads of recipes to help you reach your food goals. Not confident in your cooking skills? Pick up some pro cooking tips from our pal Rachael Ray.

Drink Less Booze

Treating yourself to a Dry January might seem like a good idea right about now and it can mean better sleep, a cleaner gut and a host of other health benefits. You'll save money too and probably boost your productivity like Brit + Co'er Lindsey Graham-Jones experienced when she took a Dry July and B+C editor Meredith Holser tried Sober October. Not sure you can swing it? Try these mocktail recipes that are just as tasty sans the hard stuff.

Hack Your Workout Goals

Research by The Myers-Briggs Company shows that our MBTI personality type preferences affect how we like to exercise and who (if anyone) we like to exercise with. Here’s how knowing where you fit on each of the four dimensions of the MBTI assessment can help you reach your workout goals. Here's our workout playlist too!

Lighten Your Social Media Load

You don't have to go cold turkey like quitting Instagram for a month but cutting back on your online use by even 50 percent can have measurable benefits like better sleep, improved mental health, more QT with the ones you love and more time to focus on your goals, hobbies and creative pursuits (vs. scrolling through the pursuits of others!). Here are pro tips for limiting social media this year.

Write Thank You Notes

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Send a little love to the people who make big and small differences in your year with old-school thank you or gratitude notes. You'll pay positive vibes forward and score greater feelings of happiness and (some studies show) lower levels of depression. Here are more health benefits worth giving this resolution a try.

Start A Spa Budget

Finding the time for self-care can be tough as work and life commitments start to pile on, which is why scheduling a regularly sesh is so needed. Put aside money each month for a regular spa day, or if money is tight try a solo hike or walk to recharge, take 10 minutes a day to treat yourself to meditation, online yoga, an article read, a mini massage or an impromptu call to a long-distance friend or family member.

Advance Your Career

Photo: Antoni Shkraba

Commit to taking a training or certification class to build your skills and advance your career.

Network Better

Photo by Mizuno K

Here's advice for how to network when you're not comfortable networking.

Become A Mentor or Mentee

Photo by Christina Morillo

Have a skill or experience you can share? Find a mentorship program near you to connect with people in your industry. Need a mentor to coach you through your career? Check out these mentor tips or try Selfmade, our business and coaching course for new entrepreneurs.

Seek Out New Challenges At Work

Photo by RF._.studio

In a bit of a career rut? Rather than find a new job, look for new opportunities at work to build new skills, broaden your connections, and feel inspired. It may lead to a new role and promotion too!

Log Off More Often

Photo by Alex Gállego

Create better balance in 2024 by logging off and finding time to do things you love, like creating, reading, and socializing IRL.

Learn To Say No

Stop being a people pleaser and instead be a YOU pleaser by establishing better boundaries without feeling guilty.

Become A Minimalist

Photo: Alexi Almond

Learn how to build a minimalist wardrobe that isn't boring and live a minimalist lifestyle with these minimalist tips.

Reduce Digital Clutter

Photo by Vlada Karpovich

This is a good resolution to break into smaller tasks. Make a plan to reduce your digital clutter by clearing work and personal inboxes, reducing your social media follows and accounts, and organizing photos and videos while backing up your digital files.

Don't Procrastinate On Important Things

Photo by Antoni Shkraba

Procrastination can be your creative superpower but it can also keep you from doing the things you want most in life. Here are tip to stop the procrastination that holds you back.

Start A Gratitude Jar

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Every day in 2024 write down the good things that happened that day and put it in a jar. At the end of the year, read all the good things that happened to you! This is a great activity to do with kids.

Relax More

Photo by Rachel Claire

Is your stress response cycle In overdrive? These 7 stress response tips can help.

Start Therapy

Photo by Polina Tankilevitch

Finding the mental healthcare that fits all your needs can be very overwhelming. The internet is filled with self-proclaimed “mental health experts” and more information on mental health than someone ever could read in a lifetime, so here we help you narrow it down to the truly important deets. After all, if you believe that you could benefit from mental health services, you deserve the best information possible.

Reduce Your Plastic Consumption

Photo by Lisa Fotios

Humans produce more than 350 million metric tons of plastic waste per year, and that number is expected to triple by 2060 if we don't make policy changes. To get a head start, here are the coolest ways to reduce your plastic consumption.

Shop Local 

Photo by Amina Filkins

Give your community the boost it needs (and reduce your dependency on Amazon) by shopping local. You'll get out in the neighborhood, meet new people, and feel good knowing your local businesses have your support.

Learn A New Craft

Photo: Cottonbro Studio

Working with your hands is a great mental workout and inspires your creativity. Learn to sew, knit, make pottery or more at a local community center or via online classes.

Create An At-Home Workout

If working out in the middle of winter seems daunting, make an effort to create a little gym space at home. You'll save money on gym memberships and get in the routine of fitness in the comfort of your own home. Check out how IKEA can help with a new workout collection.

Go Off The Beaten Path

Photo by Nina Uhlikova

Travel to some of the happiest cities in the world and find your happy place by taking the path less taken.

Give To A Farm Sanctuary

Photo by Leah Kelley

Farm sanctuaries protect farm animals who have been injured and rescued from factory farms. Share your time by volunteering or adopt a pet!

Visit Our National Parks

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Visit as many of the 63 national parks in the United States. Here are 11 national parks that are out of this world.

Try Community Theatre

Build connections, create community, and be creative by becoming part of a theatre program. Here are 5 things that an acting class taught me that I use every day.

Write A Book

Photo by Mikhail Nilov

Have a book idea in your head but just not sure where to start? Try our tips for writing a book you'd actually want to read.

Give More Hugs

Photo by RDNE Stock

According to science, a 20-second hug helps reduce stress, relieves your blood pressure, and nurtures a healthy heart.

Focus On The Positive

A healthy mindset will help you achieve any goal, any year. Start with these 40 positive affirmations to boost your mood.

Treat Yourself

Photo by Yaroslav Shuraev

You went a month, a year, a lifetime reaching a goal you set out to do, not sure whether or not you will get there. But you did it. Treat yourself to the little things, a candlit bath, a massage, a pedicure, anything that brings you calm and joy and makes life more fulfilling to you.

You got this. Try putting pen to paper to hold yourself accountable and even try manifesting your goals to get what you want this year and beyond.

What is your 2024 resolution? Share with us @BritandCo, and sign up for our weekend scroll for more inspiration!

Lead image: Guilherme Almeida

This article has been updated from a previous post.

What's your favorite The Summer I Turned Pretty episode? The series (which stars Lola Tung as Belly, Gavin Casalegno as Jeremiah, and Christopher Briney as Conrad) has had standout moments since its premiere in 2022. And so far, my favorite scenes in both seasons 1 and 2 happened during episode 6.

Belly and Conrad's heartbreaking conversation on the dock against Billie Eilish's "When The Party's Over" instantly became my favorite scene of the show, only to be topped by their fight on the beach & the house party while Taylor Swift's "Snow on the Beach" plays during season 2. And it looks like every episode of The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3 is going to be a favorite based on Jenny Han's latest update.

Here's what Jenny Han had to say about the new The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3 episodes.

Every moment in 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' season 3 will matter.

Erika Doss/Prime Video

After revealing season 3 will have 11 episodes, as opposed to 7 or 8 like the first two seasons, Jenny Han recently wrote on Instagram (via US Weekly), “One thing I’ll say about season 3 of [The Summer I Turned Pretty] … there are no filler episodes.”

The last decade of streaming has seen television seasons drop from around 22 episodes to 10 or under, resulting in the loss of those filler episodes. You know, where the characters are just hanging out and the audience gets to know more about their personalities. Do these episodes move the plot along? No. Are they valuable in helping to understand the characters? Absolutely!

However, there is something to be said for the idea that every moment should matter. One lesson I took away from my creative writing classes in college is that if you can remove a detail from a story and nothing changes, then it didn't need to be there! And it definitely sounds like every moment in the upcoming The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3 episodes will have a purpose.

"I'm just very excited to be back with everyone and to be able to step back into Belly's shoes, I'm super excited," Lola Tung told Brit + Co in February.

'The Summer I Turned Pretty' season 3 might not be the final chapter.

We haven't gotten word on whether The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3 is going to be the final season of the Amazon Prime show (there are only three books), but it looks like we could be seeing more of our favorite characters either way!

“This show is going to continue to be a huge centerpiece for us," Vernon Sanders, Amazon and MGM Studios' head of television, told Deadline in September 2023. "We absolutely have plans to continue building it. Jenny’s got great vision for where she wants to go with all of it, but we’re already hard at work developing complementary pieces."

I would love to see a spinoff, whether it's about Belly after the third book ends, or about Taylor and Steven! "Jenny’s got some exciting surprises. So we’re thrilled about a Season 3, and she’s got a vision for more."

Vernon also spoke about how the show has become a intertwined with Taylor Swift's music, and even debuted a few unreleased Taylor Swift songs! "We have been so delighted and humbled by having had this relationship over the course of the last two seasons, and they have been incredibly lovely — and, believe it or not, incredibly easy to work with," he says. "Jenny credits Taylor Swift as the music she was listening to as she was writing these books. It’s just always been infused in how she’s thinking and feeling and what is authored into the show itself. So, to have Taylor’s music, and as you said, unreleased music in the show, I think is beyond incredible."

Check out 5 Details From The Summer I Turned Pretty Ending That Reveal Who Belly Ends Up With In Season 3 👀.

In our series Selfmade U, we’ll tackle the most common questions and pain points that come up for business owners with tips and tricks from Selfmade, a virtual business coaching program, founded by Brit + Co founder Brit Morin and sponsored by Office Depot OfficeMax. We’ll hear from Selfmade members and business coaches on what it takes to run a successful business and make it as an entrepreneur.

Constant juggling of creative tasks, business decisions, and operational responsibilities can lead to stress, burnout, and a hit to your productivity. That’s why a daily mindfulness practice for entrepreneurs can not only be good for your well-being, it can also impact your business growth.

“To recharge and relax, I find solace in simple activities like walking to my office. I also have a weekly meditation session via Zoom with a friend who recently adopted a baby. It helps me find balance and unwind,” says Maria Londono, founder of Disrupt3rs, an app that helps creators learn the language of business in a fun and interactive way. “I also have a weekly ballroom salsa date with my husband, Francisco. These moments make a significant difference”


It’s hard to be fully present when managing and growing your business is always on your mind. But taking the time to clear your thoughts and rest your mind has its advantages to your business. You can train your mind to be more focused, resilient and better equipped to handle the challenges of a small business owner.

“Receiving the Office Depot OfficeMax scholarship to Selfmade has been a game changer for my business,” says Maria. “The most rewarding aspect of the program was feeling supported and connecting with like-minded women entrepreneurs. Having conversations with people who understand my struggles and joys as a builder makes a tremendous difference.”

Here are five ways a mindfulness practice can help you build connection, boost your creativity, and grow your business:

Reduce stress. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and deep breathing exercises, have shown to reduce stress and increase the feeling of relaxation. “I always prioritize my meditation practice,” says Maria. “Finding a balance is an ongoing effort, and though it’s not perfect, it’s definitely worth it.”

Make better decisions. When founders are more mindful, they become more attuned to their thoughts and emotions, helping them recognize when they’re reacting impulsively. Feeling clear-headed, calm, and ready to face the day can help you consider multiple perspectives, take the time to evaluate risks, and make strategic decisions for the long term vs. knee-jerk reactions that can cloud your judgment and affect the long-term success of your business.

Nurture your creativity. Your best ideas come from giving yourself the space to explore new ideas without the pressure to go, go, go all the time. Tap into your creativity by taking a midday walk, doing yoga, or just closing your eyes. “I nurture my creativity by hanging out with my daughter. We read, dance, and play together,” says Maria. Tapping into your innate creativity can lead to innovative solutions, product improvements, and fresh approaches to how you run your business.

Increase focus and productivity. A daily mindfulness practice can train your mind to stay focused on the task at hand rather than getting distracted by everything on your to-do list. This healthy focus time can lead to better productivity too, allowing you to accomplish more in less time and make more efficient use of your resources.

Improve communication and relationships. Being a great communicator is key to running a successful business. You may have employees, partners, or clients you need to communicate with clearly and calmly on a daily basis. “I have a deep appreciation for my co-founder,” says Maria. “We keep each other balanced and don’t mind talking shop during our downtime.”

Maria was one of 10 Selfmade members to enter the Selfmade pitch competition in her cohort. “Pitching our business through Selfmade has taught us the importance of introducing our target client and bringing her to life,” says Maria. “This helps people connect with her pain points and understand the potential solutions we offer.”

As a result, Maria earned an Office Depot OfficeMax gift card to help support her business. “Office Depot has been instrumental in helping us grow our business. From laptops to Post-Its for ideation to printers, we rely on their products and services to meet our needs.”

To learn more about growing your business, sign up for the !

Illustrated by Daniela Jordan-Villaveces

Building a mindfulness practice that works for you can help you feel good and manage your business better. Let Office Depot OfficeMax help you organize & save time with a suite of business services & solutions, like print & copy services. Accomplish more with Office Depot so you can focus on life’s important moments, like seeing your big idea come to life.

Considering we talk about Lorelai and Rory Gilmore at least once a week — and constantly argue why Dave is the right answer for who's the best Gilmore GirlsTV boyfriend (although we'll also accept Logan) — we're always thinking about Gilmore Girls. Even though the show ended in 2007, the success of Gilmore Girls: A Year In The Life proves that it still has a life of its own. And the actors do too! Here's what your favorite members of the cast of Gilmore Girls have been up to since the end of the series.

Alexis Bledel

Image via Saeed Adyani/Netflix

As one of the two Gilmore Girls mentioned in the title, we watched Alexis Bledel (Rory) grow over the years, both inside Stars Hollow and outside of it. She's starred in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, Sin City, and The Handmaid's Tale. But Alexis is also a mother and shares a son with her ex-husband Vincent Kartheiser.

Lauren Graham

Image via Saeed Adyani/Netflix

Lauren Graham played Lorelai Gilmore, and has also played a mom in titles like Parenthood and Evan Almighty. You can also read her books Someday, Someday, Maybe, Talking as Fast as I Can: from Gilmore Girls to Gilmore Girls (and Everything in Between), and Don't Worry About It.

Chad Michael Murray

Image via Freemantle

Chad Michael Murray, who played Tristan Dugray, has been in a slew of shows since he left Gilmore Girls in season two. He booked the lead role of Lucas Scott in One Tree Hill, and has played Jake in Freaky Friday and Edgar on Riverdale. He's also a published author! You can read his book American Drifter: An Exhilarating Tale of Love and Murder. Right now, he stars as Cal in Sullivan's Crossing.

Scott Patterson

Image via WB

Chad isn't the only one you can watch on the CW! Scott Patterson (Luke Danes) stars as Sully on Sullivan's Crossing. He was also in Aliens in America as Gary and in Saw IV and Saw V as Agent Strahm. In addition to acting, he launched Scotty P's Big Mug Coffee *and* the Gilmore Girls rewatch podcast I Am All In!

Milo Ventimiglia

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Milo Ventimiglia played snarky, book-loving Jess Mariano, but gained even more recognition for playing Jack Pearson on This Is Us (a role that got him an Emmy nom for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series). He's also been in series like Heroes and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.

Jared Padalecki

Image via Neil Jacobs/Netflix

Jared Padalecki (Dean Forester) went on to star as Sam in Supernatural, a show which ran for 15 seasons. You can also see him in New York Minute and in Cheaper by the Dozen (but just for a moment)! In addition to his acting, he launched the Always Keep Fighting campaign after revealing his struggles with depression.

Melissa McCarthy

Image via Disney

Melissa McCarthy's Sookie St. James is one of the most lovable members of the Gilmore Girls cast, and went on to do even more hilarious roles during, and after, the show. You can see her in films like The Little Mermaid, Bridesmaids, Mike & Molly, and Spy, but she also received critical acclaim for her role in Can You Ever Forgive Me?

Matt Czuchry

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Matt Czuchry, who played the fan favorite Logan Huntzberger on Gilmore Girls, also starred in some other long-running shows like The Good Wife as Cary and The Resident as Conrad. He also stars as Dexter in this year's American Horror Story: Delicate.

Liza Weil

Image via Neil Jacobs/Netflix

Liza Weil's Paris Geller is driven and hardworking (we love her for that), and Liza works just as hard! She appeared on Bunheads, and had a main role on How to Get Away with Murder. Just like Milo Ventimiglia, you can see her on The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, too!

Keiko Agena

Image via Neil Jacobs/Netflix

Keiko Agena portrayed Lane Kim, but was in a variety of nostalgic TV shows like Sister, Sister, Felicity, and Beverly Hills, 90210 before Gilmore Girls premiered. You can also see her in13 Reasons Why on Netflix. Keiko married Shin Kawasaki in 2005 — in a helicopter!

Adam Brody

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

Adam Brody was a member of the cast of Gilmore Girls for a short time, but his character Dave Rygalski is one of the best parts of the show. He left the series to star as Seth in the teen dramaThe OC, and has also appeared in Jennifer's Body, Promising Young Woman, Shazam! and Shazam! Fury of the Gods. He married Gossip Girl star Leighton Meester, and the couple has two kids.

Kelly Bishop

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Before Kelly Bishop played Emily Gilmore, she was in Dirty Dancing, but she also won the Tony Award for Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical for her role as Sheila in A Chorus Line. You can see her in Bunheads and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.

Sean Gunn

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Sean Gunn's Kirk Gleason is my favorite Gilmore Girls cast member, and has Sean has continued to play funny but lovable roles. He starred as Kraglin in the MCU and Weasel in Suicide Squad (his brother is director James Gunn). Sean is married to actress and director Natasha Halevi.

Which member of the cast of Gilmore Girls have you followed throughout the years? Let us know on Facebook and check out our Gilmore Girls page for the latest news on your favorite show!

Lead image via Saeed Adyani/Netflix

This post has been updated.

We're still thinking about the end of Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life(and the fact we might finally get season 2?!). There were so many questions left unanswered when the series and its spinoff finished, like how exactly do the Gilmore Girls eat so many donuts and pizza? More importantly, which guy is Rory finally going to end up with? Even if you’re #TeamLogan or #TeamDean, you can’t deny the appeal of stereotypical bad guy Jess. He turned into a major success story in the end, not to mention became a huge advocate for Rory getting her life back on track. Here are 10 moments that prove that anyone who isn’t #TeamJess is seriously delusional.

1. 22.8 Miles

After Rory makes the big decision to go to Yale, Jess actually looks up the distance from Stars Hallow to campus on Yahoo Maps (how very early ’00s of him!). This might be a small gesture, but it shows just how much he was thinking about their future — even if he wasn't ready to admit it — proving once and for all, he does care about her.

Image via Saeed Adyani/Netflix

2. The Swan

When Jess shows up at Friday night dinner with a black eye, we all thought our worst suspicions about him had come true, that he’d gotten into a bad fight with Dean. Actually, he just got beat up by a swan (duh) and was too proud to admit it. We. Can’t. Even. (This is also one of our favorite Luke and Jess episodes!)

3. The Bjork Snow Woman

Jess always seems to know what’s in Rory’s heart best, like the little comments he leaves for her in the books they share and the jokes they're constantly cracking. And when he recognizes that Lorelai and Rory have dressed their “snow woman” up like Bjork, it’s like he just gets it.

Image via The CW/The WB/YouTube

4. This Isn’t You

Rory stealing a boat, dropping out of Yale and joining the D.A.R. was possibly the worst or most frustrating plot line in the history of plot lines. Jess is the one who lets her know she needs to get back on track because the whole rebel rouser thing so isn’t her.

5. When He Publishes a Book

It’s understandable if you weren’t so into Jess in high school. He was sarcastic and rough around the edges and could be harsh. Grown-up Jess, on the other hand, has grown into someone who's mature, thoughtful, and grounded. He's got a good head on his shoulders and totally grounds his scenes in the Season 6 episode "Let Me Hear Your Balalaikas Ringing Out."

6. When He Leaves It All on the Line

That time Jess actually shows up at Rory’s dorm room and tells her to come away to New York with him was so sweet. Even if it was never going to happen in a million years, you’ve got to give the guy some credit for leaving it all out there.

Image via Neil Jacobs/Netflix

7. When He Says “I Love You”

Everyone knows Jess isn’t the warm and fuzzy type. At the start of his time on Gilmore Girls, Jess has a hard time communicating and forming connections with the people around him. So when he finally drops the bad boy front, and comes out and says he does love Rory, we can’t help but get all the feels.

Image via WB

8. The Sprinklers

Early on in the show, Rory can’t get the sprinklers off and her neighbors lawn is going to be ruined. Jess comes running to help, no questions asked. Even if this was still the period in their early friendship when they consistently got on each other's nerves (and Jess was actively trying to convince everyone he didn't care about Rory), it's *clear* he cares more than he lets on.

9. When He Borrows Luke’s Love Advice Tapes

At one point in the show, Luke goes through a mushy phase where he expresses his commitment to Lorelai by buying some goofy relationship tapes/books. Jess totally gets in on it and Lorelai even finds one of the books in Jess’s backpack. Busted!

10. When He Tells Her She’s Still a Contender

If you haven’t seen Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life yet, 1. What the heck are you waiting for? And 2. When Rory is down and out on her luck, who is the guy who tells her she’s still got it? Jess, obvs.

Are you Team Jess, Dean or Logan?Tell us @BritandCo!

Lead image via The CW/The WB/YouTube

This post has been updated.