The Flare Calmer, Headphones and Silent Clock could probably go halfsies with the autism but for now, we’ll leave them here.

Organizational costs included items such as a planner, key holder, extra sets of markers  so that they were always at point of use, labels, a whiteboard calendar, clear boxes for storage, and etc. This category ended up costing me a minimum of $336.15. There were a few purchases that I didn’t include as well as some organization costs that I didn’t count towards this year’s costs as I was already doing them in 2021 but would definitely go there. This also doesn’t count costs when my employer paid for things like the copious amount of sticky notes that I have gone through this year.

The final costs ended up being purely estimates as there was no way to really track them, as mentioned before:

• Special Interests: $300
• Lost Items: $80
• Forgotten Items: $200
• Unplanned Spending (Dopamine Seeking): $400 Minimum

… and the biggie: Restaurants… Restaurant spending has been the bane of my budgeting life. I always wanted to cut it but never could seem to do so. Now that I have been learning more about myself, my habits and my diagnosis I realize that the reason I spend so much has to do with the fact that when I’m driving somewhere I tend to make a detour for either the caffeine that keeps me running or for a bite to eat far too often and the reasoning is kind of boring… dopamine. Restaurant food seems more exciting to my brain for some reason, it has lots of things in it that make the dopamine receptors in my brain have a fireworks show. Be it the salt, the palatableness, the sugar, or even the variety- go home and have leftovers or have a taco at that place coming up around the corner? The Heather Brain screams “taco” in response to this one, every time. Its difficult to stop from veering towards that dopamine hit when I’m tired and have a long drive home ahead of me. Simple as that. If I said that half of my restaurant spending was due to this chasing of a quick dopamine hit, I would have spent nearly $1,600 so far this year. Its ridiculous. 

If we add it all up, the total was $3,219.74 and I didn’t even account for everything. For instance, I didn’t really have any medical costs this year that hit my budget directly as I tend to spend all of my out of pocket max on medications and appointments for my other medical issues very early in the year, but if ADHD was the only thing I was spending on I can see how medications and appointments would easily eat into my budget there as well. There are so many things that I didn’t realize about my spending habits, even being as deep into budgeting and analyzing my spending as I am, until I started looking at it with this lens. I will definitely start looking into other areas of my life from new angles going forward as this was enlightening. 

Until next time,

​Vacations are great, but they can also be expensive. Luckily, there are many ways to get away without breaking the bank. Here we've put together a list of five low-budget vacation ideas you should consider. These are guaranteed to leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed.

If you're looking for a low-cost vacation idea, consider camping. This is a great way to spend time with family and friends and get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Also, it’s a good way to enjoy the outdoors. If you work in an office or handling a stressful job, camping can help you leave your work at work and clear your thoughts. Although it’s not the most luxurious way to travel, it’s usually a wholesome experience for people who enjoy it together. The best part is that you camp anywhere – you can choose a campsite or in your own backyard.

If you love the great outdoors, taking a vacation to a national park is an affordable option that doesn't require much planning.

​National parks are often overlooked when people think of a low-budget vacation because they're free and accessible. However, they provide a lot of value for the money, especially if you're looking to spend time in nature instead of paying for hotels and restaurants.
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Many national parks offer campgrounds with sites that cost less than $20 per night. You can expect to get access to hiking trails, waterfalls, museums, and more without breaking your budget. If your dream vacation includes hiking through mountains or swimming in lakes surrounded by trees, visiting one of these natural wonders should be at the top of your list!

You don’t have to head out of the country or even out of state. Your backyard is full of incredible natural beauty, and all you need to do is explore it. You should consider checking out your state park system for recreational opportunities, historic sites, and more. Many states have parks that are just as spectacular as national parks but without the crowds and high price tags. You can find state parks in every corner of the country, from Hawaii's Haleakala National Park on Maui to Tennessee's Natural Bridge State Park near Nashville.
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And if you’re lucky enough to live near a national park, it can be a good way to travel and not worry about money. You won’t be disappointed. State parks are often less crowded than their national counterparts, which means you’ll have more time to explore and enjoy the great outdoors. And if you’re lucky enough to live near a national park, make sure you visit. You won’t be disappointed.

If you're looking for an inexpensive vacation that doubles as a learning experience, try exploring your hometown or a nearby city as if you were a tourist. You'll have a better appreciation for the things you take for granted, and who knows? You may even make some new friends with locals.

This is especially fun if you live in an area with rich history, architecture, or cultural traditions. For example, if you're visiting New York City with family members, they'll love learning about Ellis Island. You can take a walk around Battery Park or visit the Statue of Liberty.


In case you're looking for a more exotic vacation, consider a trip to another country. You can save money by staying in hostels or renting an apartment instead of staying at expensive hotels.
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Traveling is usually a costly affair. If you are looking for a cheap vacation, you will have to be creative. There are many ways that one can go on a low-budget vacation. You don't need to spend a lot of money to plan a relaxing vacation! If you know how to plan your travel budget properly, then even the most budget-conscious travelers can enjoy themselves without breaking their bank accounts.

If you want to save money while traveling and still have a great experience, consider the following:

• Always keep an eye out for deals and discounts. Also, consider booking your travels well in advance.
  
• Many websites provide great deals and discounts on vacations, hotels, car rentals, and more. If you go online and search for them, chances are high that you will be able to find some great offers.
  
• Travel with friends! You’ll realize that there’s more to your vacation than spending money. Moreover, you can share some costs between you and remember your travels for life.

Most people in the US would agree that road trips are the best! You can see a lot of places in a short amount of time, and you don't have to worry about finding hotels or staying with friends. Plus, they're great for families!

I recommend taking road trips across California because it's beautiful and has so many instagrammable places and beautiful spots in the state you should check out. Here are some of the best ones:

• Big Sur
  
• Yosemite National Park
  
• Lake Tahoe
  
• Sequoia National Forest

​If you're looking for affordable hotels near these places, consider staying in a hotel near Yosemite National Park. There are so many hotels there, and they all have great views! You can also stay in San Francisco if you want to spend less money on your trip.

If you're looking for hotels in San Francisco, staying at the Palace Hotel could be a great option. It's one of the oldest hotels in San Francisco and has amazing views of downtown. You can also stay at The Ritz Carlton if you want something more luxurious!

We hope these ideas gave you some inspiration for your next low-budget vacation. And if you're still not sure where to go, take your time. Think about the places you want to see, and try booking your trip a few months in advance. This will most likely save you money and allow you to plan your trip to the detail. Choose your destination, and have a nice trip!

​Are you in need of some self-care? Taking a wellness vacation is a great way to leave your cares behind and reset your mind and body. This trip is all about you and your needs! When you take time to care for yourself, you’ll be better able to handle the responsibilities of daily life, like caring for family or navigating work challenges. Put life on hold for a little while and treat yourself to an enjoyable getaway. Courtesy of Real Life with Heather, here are five fantastic cities to visit if you’re seeking self-care!

​While many people seek relaxation on sunny beaches and shaded forests, others are calmed and comforted by the hustle and bustle of city life. If this describes you, consider booking a self-care trip to New York City! NYC is always an exciting vacation destination. You’ll never run out of things to do in the Big Apple, from visiting historic monuments to exploring famous museums.
 
If you’re a sports fan, NYC is the place to be. Treat yourself to a game at the world-renowned Yankee Stadium! Look for discounted tickets on ticket seller websites that offer advanced search features to help you find tickets based on date, price range, and seat ratings. Some websites even offer sports fans a chance to peek at the in-seat views before purchasing tickets. 

​Naturally, the first thing everyone thinks about when it comes to Orlando is Disney World. However, there’s plenty of other things to see and do – if and when you get tired of Disney World, that is. But be warned: there’s so much there that it’s impossible to cover everything in a day (or even two), so it’s a good idea to check sites like Mouse Life Today so that you can plan your budget and itinerary well in advance. And don’t worry – you can always go again!

​Serving as a gateway to five of America’s national parks, Salt Lake City is a fantastic travel destination for hikers. The city itself boasts amazing dining options, interesting historic sites, beautiful architecture, and eye-catching street art. Downtown Salt Lake City is very pedestrian-friendly. You can even rent bikes or electric scooters to get around, so save some money and skip the rental car. Check out VisitSaltLake.org to find more information about this wonderful city!

Aspen features world-class skiing in the winter and beautiful hiking opportunities in summer. If you’d rather spend your self-care vacation taking in the great outdoors than walking around a city, Aspen could be your perfect trip! Travel + Leisure describes Aspen as one of the world’s most accessible mountain getaways. The small town has everything you could ever want, from a vibrant outdoor dining district to trendy neighborhood shops. Take in the art scene, enjoy a high-class meal, and hike to a gorgeous alpine lake. You’re bound to return from your visit feeling relaxed and refreshed!

Another exciting city adventure, Boston is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the East Coast. The city is brimming with historic sites, incredible architecture, and fresh seafood. You can spend your trip exploring museums, discovering beautiful parks, or setting sail on a whale-watching cruise. Boston truly has something for everyone!

Before embarking on your self-care adventure, make some work preparations so you don’t have to worry about what’s going on back at home. If you run your own business, inform your clients and customers that you’ll be away for a few days and consider hiring a virtual assistant to handle your daily responsibilities while you’re away. If possible, try to get some extra work done before you leave. This way, you won’t have to face the stress of playing catchup right after your relaxing vacation.
 
While self-care can and should be a daily practice, sometimes you just need to get out of town for a dedicated self-care trip. Start looking for places you could go and things you could do, like visiting Disney World or exploring the national parks surrounding Salt Lake City. As long as you make a few work preparations before leaving, you’ll be able to enjoy a carefree getaway!

Real Life with Heather is here to help you live life, set goals, and be amazing. Feel free to check out our blog archive!

Having to work a 9-5 job is not an easy task if you suffer from anxiety. The modern work environment is generally stressful, and many factors could cause people to become overwhelmed. From chaotic environments and strict deadlines to all social encounters (with managers, colleagues, customers, clients, etc.), many things can trigger a person with anxiety. Yes, most of the known jobs fit this description. But, don't worry - there are some exceptions. Namely, there exist some low-stress jobs for people with anxiety that you can do either in the comfort of your home or in a private office space.
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These jobs do not take their toll on your mental health and don't leave you drained after working hours. Thus, do not panic because there is something for you out there! And, we will help you find the perfect job for your needs. So, if you want to know what are some best low-stress jobs for people with anxiety, keep on reading.

Have you heard of transcriptionists? They are people who change spoken words into written ones. If you opt for this profession, you will probably work outside your home. Most transcriptionists work in different settings, such as in courtrooms, surgery rooms, etc. However, don't let that scare you - as a transcriptionist, your only job would be to write down what is happening around you. Or, you may need to write down someone's thoughts. You will never be in the center of attention and never have to deal with toxic people - that is why this is one of the best jobs for people with anxiety. 
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However, if you feel that being in an environment where you have to work in real-time, other transcription jobs are also available. You can look for work as a transcriptionist who types out the audio from pre-recorded footage. You can also do this job remotely, so you won't have to leave your home. You will also be able to pause or rewind the recording if you missed something, which will further reduce the level of stress and pressure you are dealing with

We live in the age of technology. So, why not take advantage of it? Become a freelancer, and decide how much work you will take on! Even though you will be your boss and work from the comfort of your home, you will still have no limits. Of course, you must possess good skills, some experience, and a lot of creativity and patience, but hey, that is a small price to pay for one of the best low-stress jobs for people with anxiety.
There are many different types of freelance jobs you can choose from. For instance: 

• Content writing 
• Editor
• Web developer
• Accountant 
• Virtual assistant 
• Graphic designer

The best part of having a freelance job is working from home. But don't let that excite you too much! Working from home can sometimes become dull and uninspiring. You may become lazy, and you may start procrastinating. However, there is a 'cure' for that too - having a nice home office. If you are working from home in a studio apartment, you should look for ways to maximize space. Doing that will help you stay motivated, maintain your routine, and set boundaries. 

Many people find housekeeping or cleaning jobs to be degrading. But, there is no degrading in this honest work. You will earn your salary just like everybody else, and you will not have to worry about things that may trigger your anxiety. Most housekeepers and cleaners do jobs requiring little to no encounter with people and stressful situations. You will have no supervision, a steady routine, and peace, and you will always be able to leave work at work. 
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Moreover, remember that some cleaning positions are better for people with anxiety than others. For example, if you don't want to have any contact with other people and don't want to be somewhere where you will have to handle other people's personal items, you should opt for cleaning offices and commercial buildings. There, you will work only night or early morning shifts when no one is around. Additionally, the act of cleaning something is said to reduce stress and positively affect depression. 

​When we think about art, we envision a free time activity, not a job that pays our bills. But why is that? Art is an essential part of the corporate world. For instance, some sort of the artists that are always needed are: 

• Photographers 
• Painters 
• Illustrators 
• Fashion designers 
• Makeup artists
• Cake decorators 

All these jobs are stress-free. Moreover, all these jobs proved to be very helpful to people suffering from anxiety or other mental health problems. And, don't trust the fact that artists don't make a lot of money; that is simply not true! Professional makeup artists, for example, charge approximately 100$ for just one hour of work. Thus, stop worrying about money, and if you have some artistic hobby that you have always wanted to turn into a profit, now is the time.

We simply cannot talk about the best low-stress jobs for people with anxiety and not mention librarians. Librarians work in the quiet parts of schools and libraries, of course. Their job is to give people the book they want and to provide them with some piece of information if necessary. However, even the job of a librarian has been slightly modernized. Yes, gone are the days when you will have to look for a specific book for hours. Nowadays, you just type what you need on your computer, and the program tells you exactly where the book is. So, yes, as a librarian, you will have to stay on top of technology, but you will still be working in the quiet company of books.
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As you have seen, there are many great low-stress jobs for people with anxiety. We mentioned just a couple of the most anxiety-friendly ones, but trust us, there are many more out there. For instance, check out professions such as landscaping, medical coding, etc. Or focus on freelance jobs such as blogging, proofreading, data entry, programming, etc.