How to Draw Cartoon Characters

Drawing a cartoon character can be a fun way to pass the time. You can even create your own characters and start drawing a comic strip or work on animating a film. Cartoon drawing isn't that different from drawing humans; you need to focus on the overall shape and proportion of the character while exaggerating certain parts to make it more interesting. This wikiHow will show you how to draw cartoon characters.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Drawing a Cartoon Person or Creature

1. Start by creating a head for the cartoon. The person's head can be a circle, a flat top with a curve underneath, pear-shaped, oblong-shaped, or any number of other shapes. For a simple shape, start with a rounded square that you adapt as you add details to your drawing.^[1]
   
   • To make a rounded square, create something between a circle and a square. It should have noticeable sides, but the corners should be rounded.
2. Create an outline for the rest of your person. Use ovals, circles, and lines to create a rough sketch of the person. For instance, you might use 2 overlapping circles or ovals to create the chest and stomach area. You might exaggerate the belly on a heavyset person or the chest on someone with large muscles. Add lines for limbs, placing ovals where the elbows and hands should be.^[2]
   
   • This is similar to what you'd do if you were drawing a realistic human figure so keep basic proportions in mind. If you're having trouble, look at a photograph of a person standing in a similar position. However, keep in mind that in cartoons, some areas may be exaggerated while others are underplayed.
3. Incorporate a line of action along at least one side of the body. A line of action doesn't necessarily refer to movement. Rather, it's a curvy line you incorporate into the figure to give it a sense of dimension. Typically, the line curves in starting at the top of the head, then out around the body, then in again at the bottom. Draw this line on at least one side of your person, using it to guide the details you add in.^[3]
   
4. Add in guidelines for different parts of the body. Guidelines help you decide how to cover the body and fill in details. Add vertical center lines to the face shape and torso shapes. However, depending on how the person is standing, the center line may be a curved arc pushing out slightly to the left or right. The curve helps you add dimension to the drawing, as people aren't flat figures but 3D.^[4]
   
   • Horizontal guidelines may curve upward or downward, depending on where the person is looking and the shape of their face. For instance, you may draw a horizontal guideline across their face to determine the eye and nose placement.
5. Fill in details for the head, starting with the eyes. Consider what you want your character to express and use their face to create that emotion. Set the eyes on the horizontal guideline and the nose close to the crossing point between the horizontal and vertical lines. The mouth should be below the main horizontal guideline. Use circles or ovals for the eyes, a small hook or curve for the nose, and a curve up or down for the mouth. Add hair with straight or curvy lines, bringing it in around the head.^[5]
   
   • Close-set eyes that are tilted down toward the center with eyebrows that match can indicate anger. Big eyes that are ever-so-slightly cross-eyed can make a character seem cute and innocent. If you want a character to look surprised, try lifting the eyebrows a little higher in an arc and use wide-open eyes.
6. Sketch in the torso and the limbs. Round out the limbs using straight lines for the upper arms and round lines for the lower arms. Try straight lines for the thighs, and if the calves are exposed, round lines for the calves. Add in basic details for the hands, like a closed fist: a rectangle with 3 lines in it to create the fingers, along with a thumb out to the side.^[6]
   
   • A pear shape often works well for the torso and stomach. If you want a character with lots of muscles, try an inverted pear shape.
7. Add the finishing touches like clothes and shoes. These don't have to be elaborate. You can just add a line halfway down the arm to create a sleeve, then make the fabric come out a little bit around the arm at the top. Use a curved line for a basic collar. Then, draw a line curving down around the waist for where the shirt ends and the pants or skirt begins. Make a basic shape for the pants, skirt, or shorts by adding horizontal lines on the legs then making the shape expand slightly outside the leg line.^[7]
   
   • Add in basic rounded shapes for shoes.
8. Fill in the sketch with a pen or marker. Once you're happy with what you have, color the lines with a dark pen. Be careful, as these lines will be permanent. Once you've added them and the marker is completely dry, erase your guidelines and other pencil marks.^[8]
   
9. Finished.
   

[Edit]Imitating Your Favorite Cartoon

1. Find a picture of the character online. It's easiest to copy a cartoon character if you have something to work with! Look up a detailed picture of your favorite character, and use that to guide your drawing.^[9]
   
   • You can even look up tutorials on how to draw specific characters to make life easier.
2. Start with the basic shape in pencil. Sketch in circles, ovals, and rectangles to help get the figure in the correct perspective. Look closely at the face, for instance, to see if it's more of a circle or oval, then sketch that into place. Maybe the torso is more of an oval shape, so make a light sketch for that. Add rectangles for the limbs, including ovals or circles for the arms.^[10]
   
3. Add in the hands, ears, and feet. If your character has unusual ears, such as Mickey Mouse's round ears, sketch those in. Similarly, add in ovals or circles for the hands, depending on what the character's hands look like.^[11]
   
   • Don't forget to add shoes or feet!
4. Put in guidelines for the face and torso. Add a curving center line for the face, going vertically. The line should curve in the direction the character is facing. If the character is looking straight ahead, it can go straight down the face. Similarly, add a vertical line along the character's torso, curving the direction the character is turning.^[12]
   
   • Add in horizontal guidelines for the face and body. The face guidelines should curve upward or downward depending on whether the character is looking up or down. The torso and stomach guidelines should show how the area rounds itself out in 3D.
5. Fill in the basic details of the body. Connect up the lines along the limbs and joints, and fill in any lines along the torso and body that aren't in place yet. Use the curves on the picture to guide how you add them to your character.^[13]
   
   • For example, some characters will have very skinny arms and legs, while others will have more defined curves.
6. Add in the clothes and facial details. Incorporate the eyes, nose, and mouth, using both the guidelines and the original character as a guide. Pay close attention to the proportions, meaning how big or small things are in connection to one another, including how far apart things are. Then, add in lines along the limbs to create sleeves and pants or skirts as needed.^[14]
   
   • For hair, create a flattened v-shape to indicate a part in the hair. Add curving or straight lines to make the hair, depending on the character.
7. Finish the character with a pen. Draw the character in with a dark pen or marker, making sure you follow the final lines. Let the pen dry, then erase any guidelines or other pencil marks left on the character.^[15]
   
8. Finished.
   

[Edit]Perfecting Your Drawing

1. Draw in light pencil strokes. If you try to draw in pen from the beginning, you won't be able to correct mistakes as you go. Plus, when you start out, you want to create guides for your drawing. At the end, you erase those guides, so they need to be in pencil.^[16]
   
   • Light pencil marks are important because if you draw too heavily, you'll leave indentations in the paper.
2. Look at the skeletal and muscle structure if you have trouble with proportions. Most art students have trouble with proportions at some point! A way to help with that is to study how an animal or human is built based on their basic anatomy. Try looking up anatomical drawings online for what you're drawing and sketching those as practice.^[17]
   
   • A figure drawing class would also be helpful in learning how to draw cartoons.
3. Exaggerate the parts you want to stand out. Cartoons are meant to be exaggerated because they tell a story just by the way they're drawn. If your character is angry, you may want to exaggerate their head with an angry expression. If your character is fierce, you may want to exaggerate their muscles or armor. To achieve this, make these portions slightly bigger or overdone in comparison with the rest of the body.^[18]
   
4. Adjust the drawing as needed. As you draw, don't be afraid to make changes to the shape of the character. Erase the outer lines and draw in new ones if they don't look right or continue to adjust the shape of the face to make it look sharper or cuter.^[19]
   
   • You're drawing in pencil so you can make changes throughout the picture. Plus, as you draw, you'll be able to see the shape you want your cartoon character to take.
5. Finished.
   

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Draw a Cartoon Dog
• Draw a Cartoon Car

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIlJnjq5W88&feature=youtu.be&t=26
2. ↑ http://www.cartooncenter.net/how-to-draw-cartoon-bodies/
3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVdDFjUuNKc&feature=youtu.be&t=71
4. ↑ http://www.cartooncenter.net/how-to-draw-cartoon-bodies/
5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIlJnjq5W88&feature=youtu.be&t=58
6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVdDFjUuNKc&feature=youtu.be&t=220
7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVdDFjUuNKc&feature=youtu.be&t=276
8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIlJnjq5W88&feature=youtu.be&t=222
9. ↑ http://www.supercoloring.com/drawing-tutorials/cartoon-characters?page=1
10. ↑ http://www.cartooncenter.net/how-to-draw-cartoon-bodies/
11. ↑ http://www.supercoloring.com/drawing-tutorials/how-to-draw-mickey-mouse
12. ↑ http://www.supercoloring.com/drawing-tutorials/how-to-draw-mickey-mouse
13. ↑ http://www.cartooncenter.net/how-to-draw-cartoon-bodies/
14. ↑ http://www.supercoloring.com/drawing-tutorials/how-to-draw-mickey-mouse
15. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIlJnjq5W88&feature=youtu.be&t=222
16. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIlJnjq5W88&feature=youtu.be&t=249
17. ↑ http://www.cartooncenter.net/how-to-draw-cartoon-bodies/
18. ↑ http://www.cartooncenter.net/how-to-draw-cartoon-bodies/
19. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIlJnjq5W88&feature=youtu.be&t=67

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How to Get Better at Tetris

Tetris is a classic video game that has a large competitive scene and dedicated fanbase. While there are many different versions of Tetris, the basic components are always the same. You score points by filling in rows, which is done by rotating 7 different shapes to make complete rows out of your shapes. Each row that you fill in disappears immediately and the pieces fall faster as you play. To get better at Tetris, you need to master the essentials of maintaining a mound, leaving a well open, and scoring a Tetris by clearing 4 rows at once. All of this requires a masterful balancing act between leaving room to maneuver and utilizing the appropriate pieces to score. Once you get the basics down, you can practice complex moves and strategies like hyper-tapping, tucking, and spinning to really step your game up. This guide covers skills mostly used in Tetris for the NES while mentioning other Tetris variants that use the same skills. It was first published in 1989 and currently remains the standard version for competitive tournaments.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Manipulating Pieces and Scoring

1. Memorize how pieces rotate clockwise and counterclockwise. Start a game of Tetris and simply rotate each block. Note how each piece moves and commit the number of times that you need to press the button to turn a piece a certain way to memory. Knowing the order will give you free time to look at the preview box, mound, and well since you won’t need to monitor a piece while rotating it.^[1]
   
   • At higher levels of play, players don’t need to look at the pieces as they fall. They know exactly how many times they have to turn a piece and only pay attention to moving it left or right.
2. Look at your next piece while setting your current piece down. As soon as you have a piece lined up with the slot where it belongs, look at the preview box on the top or side of your screen to figure out what piece is coming next. This will help you plan your next move and make it easier to determine how you want to play the board.^[2]
   
   • For example, if you have a tall mound and you’re debating on whether you need to burn some rows or not, checking for an I piece can save you from unnecessary burning.
3. Play on marathon mode to learn the level progression. Part of getting better at Tetris is adjusting to the way that pieces drop at different speeds as the levels progress. As the levels increase, you’ll need to move faster, build smaller mounds, and rotate pieces more accurately. Play on marathon mode when practicing alone to get used to the way levels progress.^[3]
   
   • Games of competitive Tetris usually start at level 5 or 10, and sometimes even higher. If you’re already pretty good with the basics, go ahead and start your marathon runs from these positions.
4. Clear 4 rows at a time with “I” pieces to score the most points. While the scoring systems vary, many versions of Tetris awards the highest score for clearing 4 rows of bricks at once. The only way to do this is to build up a mound that is at least 4 rows tall while leaving a single column completely open for the I piece. When you finally get an I piece, place it vertically in the column that you left open to score a “Tetris” and get the most points possible.^[4]
   
   • Scoring in Tetris refers to the number of rows that you clear at a time. A single is when you clear 1 row, a double is 2 rows, a triple is 3 rows, and a Tetris is 4 rows. You get a huge set of bonus points for scoring a Tetris.
   • In competitive Tetris, the term “Tetris rate” refers to the percentage of your points that come from scoring Tetrises. If your Tetris rate is over 50%, you’re doing really well.
5. Score singles, doubles, or triples to clear obscured wells. If you ever misplace a piece, dig it out by clearing the rows around it. Do this by completing the rows to make them disappear. Score singles, doubles, and triples above and underneath the obscured section to clear the column out instead of trying to score a Tetris on top of it.^[5]
   
   • As you level up in Tetris, the rate at which the pieces fall increases. This means that it’s more advantageous to lose some points early on by clearing a well out for a Tetris than it is to build Tetrises on top of a mound.
   • Scoring singles, doubles, or triples to clear a well that you accidentally covered is called “digging” or “cleaning.”
6. Practice your movement finesse. Finesse refers to rotating and moving the pieces most optimally so that you can get the tetrominoes where you want them to be with the least amount of taps. The exact way to go about this depends on the rotation scheme, so find a finesse guide that's specific for the rotation scheme you use most often.
   • On the most basic level, this means that you should use both clockwise and counterclockwise rotations. Many beginning players tend to rotate pieces in only one direction, which is a huge disadvantage at higher speeds.

[Edit]Building, Burning, and Dropping Pieces

1. Build a mound on the left side at the beginning of every game. The I- and T-shaped pieces always rotate to the right of the screen when you spin them. This means that you need more space on the right side of the screen to move pieces as the game progresses. Start each game by layering pieces on the left side to keep the right side open. Build up rows of pieces and leave the rightmost column open until you have 4 solid rows. Once you have a long piece (called an I piece), drop it in the column and start over again.^[6]
   
   • In Tetris, a “well” refers to the column that you leave open to score while the other cells on a row are getting filled.
   • Lay I pieces horizontally when you get them early on to build your mound.
   • If you start with a Z or S piece, you’ll need to leave an opening on the bottom row. Place it in the middle so that you can tuck a J or L piece into the open cell.
2. Burn rows to make your mound smaller when it gets too big. You lose a game of Tetris when the pieces stack all the way to the ceiling of the playing field. If you’ve covered multiple wells on accident or left too many pieces hanging, you’ll need to “burn” a few rows to lower the size of your mound and give yourself more room to work. As soon as you realize that the mound is getting too big for you to safely maneuver pieces around, start clearing rows by completing them however you can to make it smaller.^[7]
   
   • When you complete a row, it disappears. Making rows disappear will make your mound smaller. “Clearing,” “digging,” and “burning” have different connotations in terms of the player’s intentions, but they’re all just different ways of saying “make rows disappear.”
   • Sometimes, you simply won’t get an I piece for the first 20-30 turns of the game. This will require a lot of burning early on to keep your mound manageable.
   • Adjust the amount of burning you do as you level up. As the pieces move faster with every level, the amount of space that you’ll need to move pieces will increase.
   • RNG stands for “random number generator.” You will hear players complain about RNG when they go a long time without an I piece and have to cover the well. Having a lack of some particular pieces is called a "drought".
3. Hold the down button to move pieces for a quick soft drop. Competitive Tetris gives you bonus points for placing pieces more quickly. Increase the speed that you drop pieces into place by pressing down on your joystick or keyboard and holding it while the piece travels. Instead of pausing to rotate a piece, rotate the piece while it falls.^[8]
   
   • The points that you accrue over the course of a match will add up quite a bit. Soft drop whenever you comfortably can to increase your score.
   • When you hold a button or stick down while you place a piece, you are performing a “soft drop.”
4. Press the up button to place a piece instantly for a hard drop. On some versions of Tetris, you can press up on your joystick or keyboard to drop a piece instantly. In timed Tetris, utilize the hard drop to place a piece as fast as you can. As soon as you get a piece, rotate it to match the slot you need. Move it left or right until it is floating over the position that you want to place it and press up. The piece will instantly shoot to the bottom of the screen where you were hovering.^[9]
   
   • The most popular version of competitive Tetris is played on Tetris for the NES. There is no hard drop function in this version of the game.
5. Build a double-wide well. Build your regular well as usual, making sure that you are ready for a Tetris. Your well should be 1 block wide for at least 4 lines, so that you are Tetris-ready, while the part of the well above that can be made 2 blocks wide. This is very handy because almost every piece can fit in here and will clear one or two lines, leaving you with no holes and an open well, still ready to score a Tetris. It's also a great way to burn off the top of your stack if it's getting too high.
   
   • The only requirement for this to work is that the left side of your build is sufficiently high for the lines to actually clear. If your left side is too low, this won't work.
   • This technique is more suitable for versions of Tetris that do not reward bonus points for Tetrises did in a back-to-back styles, since it sometimes requires you to burn one or two lines to fill it up to a regular, single-wide well.

[Edit]Pulling off Complex Moves

1. Tuck pieces to clear overhangs. If you play a T, J, L, Z, or S piece in a way where there is an open space underneath it, you’ve created an overhang. Because there is a delay between a piece moving down one cell and setting on a row beneath it, you can rotate or move a piece into these open spaces by pressing the rotation button right before it settles. This is called “tucking,” and it is a necessary move to know if you want to get out of tough situations.^[10]
   
   • When you tuck a piece after performing a hard drop, it is called a zangi-move.^[11]
2. Master the T-spin to perform tough tucks. The T-spin is a move that can get you out of tight spots if you can master it. Because of the delay before a piece settles, you can rotate a T piece into a slot at the last moment to fit it in unexpected ways. To do this, press the rotate button right before a T piece settles and it will spin into a slot that it otherwise wouldn’t have fit into.^[12]
   
   • For example, if there is a gap created by an overhang on your mound where a T brick could fit from the side, you wouldn’t be able to drop it directly in. You could, however, lower it next to the opening and rotate it at the last minute to settle the cell that sticks out snuggly into the opening.
   • The T spin cannot accurately be performed if you don’t have the rotations for the T piece memorized.
   • Tucking generally refers to simply sliding a piece, while spinning it refers to rotating it into a slot. The principles behind the 2 moves are the same though—you’re filling in a hidden slot by moving at the last possible second.
3. Use the O-spin to tuck block pieces on newer games. On classic versions of Tetris, the O block cannot be rotated. In some newer versions, the O block can be rotated right before it lands. This will allow you to squeeze the O block right into a space that is blocked by an overhanging piece. Press the rotation button right before the O block lands to spin it.^[13]
   
4. Learn hyper-tapping to master piece placement at higher levels. At levels higher than 15, the game will drop pieces at such a high rate that you’ll have less than 1 second to rotate and place them. To save time, learn to hyper-tap by tapping a button repeatedly instead of holding it down to move a piece left or right. When you get to higher levels, tapping the button will be more efficient than holding it down.^[14]
   
   • Hyper-tapping can cause a lot of strain on your hands and wrists. Take breaks in between practice sessions to preserve your body.

[Edit]Tips

• Play at least once every day to internalize the rotations and commit spins and tucks to muscle memory. As you continue to play, you’ll naturally get better.
• One of the best ways to get better is to study the way that professional Tetris players adapt and handle difficult situations. Go to a Tetris tournament or pull up the world championship matches and watch the pros play. The Classic Tetris World Championship is the world’s premiere Tetris tournament. It is held every year in the United States.
• Be calm; getting angry is a distraction.
• Practice over several months, as doing it all at once might make you angry.

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Play Tetris

[Edit]References

1. ↑ https://www.polygon.com/guides/2019/2/22/18225349/tetris-strategy-tips-how-to-jonas-neubauer
2. ↑ https://www.polygon.com/guides/2019/2/22/18225349/tetris-strategy-tips-how-to-jonas-neubauer
3. ↑ https://tetris.com/article/77/hitting-your-stride-in-marathon-mode
4. ↑ https://tetris.wiki/Scoring
5. ↑ https://youtu.be/L_UPHsGR6fM?t=324
6. ↑ https://www.polygon.com/guides/2019/2/22/18225349/tetris-strategy-tips-how-to-jonas-neubauer
7. ↑ https://youtu.be/L_UPHsGR6fM?t=723
8. ↑ https://www.polygon.com/guides/2019/2/22/18225349/tetris-strategy-tips-how-to-jonas-neubauer
9. ↑ https://www.polygon.com/guides/2019/2/22/18225349/tetris-strategy-tips-how-to-jonas-neubauer
10. ↑ https://www.polygon.com/guides/2019/3/6/18244590/tetris-t-spin-perfect-clear-combo-guide
11. ↑ https://tetris.fandom.com/wiki/Zangi-move
12. ↑ https://tetris.com/article/70/how-to-perform-a-t-spin-in-tetris
13. ↑ https://tetris.fandom.com/wiki/List_of_twists
14. ↑ https://kotaku.com/16-year-old-dethrones-tetris-world-champion-with-diffic-1829911215

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How to Enjoy a Lazy Day

We’ve all had those days where we just don’t feel like doing anything. You’ve been working hard all week, you haven’t gotten enough sleep and the more you tack onto you “to-do” list, the more your motivation seems to drain away. If you just can’t seem to get anything done no matter how hard you try, you may be in desperate need of an off day. Forget about running errands or even putting on actual clothes—just get comfy on the couch, grab a pint of ice cream and give yourself a day of rest and relaxation. You may be doing yourself more good than you realize.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Taking Advantage of a Day Off

1. Sleep in. Take this opportunity to catch up on all the rest you’ve been missing out on. There are no deadlines or appointments to keep today. Disable your alarm clock and let yourself snooze until you awaken naturally. Sleep is vital for the restoration of your body and mind, and people who get enough sleep tend to be healthier.^[1]
   
   • If you’re used to waking up early and can’t break the habit, take a long nap (or two) in the middle of the day.^[2]
   • Keep in mind that you can't completely make up for missed sleep later on—once it's gone, it's gone. Instead, try to establish healthy regular sleeping habits so that you're not under-rested.^[3]
2. Dress comfortably. Leave the business casual attire in the closet. Pick out a pair of well-worn pajamas or deck yourself out in soft, baggy sweats. Then head to the sofa and wrap yourself up in a cozy blanket. Your comfort is the most important thing.
   
   • Lounge around in your underwear, if you want. You’re free to do what you please!
   • Skip your grooming routine for the day. Don’t worry about putting on makeup or deodorant or making yourself presentable. Pull your hair back in a messy bun, or simply let it go.
3. Post up in front of the TV. Kick back and spend the day binge-watching your favorite movies and shows. Work your way through the backlog of titles in your Netflix queue, or just put on an “I Love Lucy” rerun you’ve seen a hundred times. The TV can make a great companion when you just want to shift gears and put your brain on cruise control for a while.^[4]
   
   • Laughing is good for you. Putting on a good comedy or inviting a friend over to share a few giggles can burn calories, reduce stress and even strengthen your immune system.^[5]
4. Listen to music. Grab your best pair of headphones and relax by playing your most beloved records. Sing along, dance to the rhythm, let yourself go completely. Music promotes relaxation, and can ease anxiety and feelings of stress.^[6]
   
   • Be your own DJ. Compile customized playlists to create the perfect mood for your lazy day.
   • Browse streaming music services like Spotify, Google Play and Pandora Radio for an enormous catalog of genres, artists, albums and songs.^[7]
5. Order takeout. Rather than bothering with breakfast, lunch and dinner, call your local Chinese place for lo mein and egg rolls, or have a pizza delivered. Figuring out what to eat, and going to the trouble of preparing a meal, just adds to regular day-to-day stress. Make it easy on yourself and chow down on what sounds good. You don’t even have to get up from the couch.^[8]
   
   • A couch-potato session can be the perfect time to put aside dietary concerns and eat whatever you want.
   • In some areas, you may be able to use food delivery apps like DoorDash, GrubHub, Seamless or Eat24 to place an order from your favorite restaurant with ease and have it brought straight to your door.^[9]

[Edit]Getting Some Peace and Quiet

1. Shut off your electronic devices. Silence all notifications and alerts on your smartphone and other electronics. If need be, put your phone, tablet, and laptop away in another room and resist the urge to check them throughout the day. These items are just distractions that you probably already spend too much of your time worrying about.^[10]
   
   • Stay away from social media. It tends to be no more than an addictive overload of information, images and time-wasting activities. Use your off day to reconnect with yourself and the world around you.^[11]
   • Make sure the people you correspond with regularly know that you’re taking time off before you simply ignore their messages.
2. Do a little reading. Crack open a book you’ve been meaning to read for a while, or simply pick a title at random from your bookshelf. Immerse yourself in astounding stories and captivating characters as they unfold on the page. Reading is one of the most beneficial activities you can do, as its both mentally stimulating and highly relaxing.^[12]
   
   • Chances are, you’ll feel mentally sharper and more accomplished after a few hours of reading.^[13]
3. Take a long, hot bath. When was the last time you treated yourself to a luxurious soak in the tub? Slip into a steamy bath and feel the tension melt away. Make things even more relaxing with a billowing layer of bubbles, or add fragrant, moisturizing essential oils to your bathwater.^[14]
   
   • Turn down the lights and arrange a few candles around the tub for a spa-like experience.
   • Put on some soft music or bring a book into the bath with you to kill two birds with one stone.
4. Bask in silence. Put everything else on hold for an hour or two and savor the stillness around you. If you feel like stretching your legs, go for a stroll somewhere quiet and serene. The hustle and bustle of daily life is filled with an onslaught of sensory distractions, which can become overwhelming after a while. Refresh your mind by allowing it to focus on nothing for a change.^[15]
   
   • Even if you don’t get out of bed all day, you can enjoy an atmosphere free of planning, conflict, ringing phones and work-related talk.
   • If you have small children, see if you can get a babysitter or leave them at a friend or relative’s house for the day. You’re entitled to your alone time, too.

[Edit]Letting Yourself Enjoy a Lazy Day

1. Don’t feel guilty. Stop thinking about your responsibilities for a few hours. Use that energy to nurture yourself instead so that you can come back feeling re energised. There’s no reason to feel bad about occasional laziness. In fact, it may be exactly what you need. As overwork, exhaustion and stress build up, it becomes necessary to be able to decompress in order to continue meeting the demands of work, school, family, relationships, etc.^[16]
   
   • You won’t be able to enjoy your time off if you’re convinced that you’re doing something wrong.
2. Think of laziness as therapy. Take some downtime periodically for the sake of your mental health. Research suggests that well-deserved laziness is extremely restorative and can have a huge impact on productivity and motivation when you return to work. It can help to acknowledge taking some time off as doing something good for yourself. That way, you won’t feel like you’ve wasted your day.^[17]
   
   • Just as you take breaks at work, you should schedule unproductive days to interrupt long blocks of busy, hectic activity.
   • Leisure is like an investment for success. The idea is to take care better care of yourself today so that you can take better care of your life tomorrow.^[18]
3. Strive for balance. Aim to achieve the right balance between responsibilities and relaxation. Most people get about two days off a week (usually back-to-back on weekends), but this may not be enough to leave you as well-rested as you need to be to do your best work. It’s normal to feel like you should always be doing more, but this sort of unrelenting drive can actually cause you to burn out and do sloppier work. Slowing things down from time to time helps you recharge, which will make you more productive in turn.^[19]
   
   • If your duties allow, set aside one or two extra days a month to do nothing.
   • Too many days off can be a bad thing, too. Use your time judiciously. Make sure you’ve fulfilled all important commitments before putting your responsibilities on hold. If you're taking so much time off that you struggle to get things done later on (more than three days a week on a regular basis), you might need to reevaluate your priorities.

[Edit]Tips

• If the weather is nice, spend some time luxuriating outside.
• Invite a friend or loved one who also has some free time to be lazy with you. Social relationships are like taking medicine for the tired and overworked.
• Lazy days can be extremely comforting after a stressful event or a bad breakup. Get your mind right before getting back into the swing of things.
• Schedule some time off as a reward for a long string of work days, reaching a goal or completing a big project.
• Make sure you get up and move around every once in a while to loosen up.

[Edit]Warnings

• If you have other people depending on you, such as small children, patients or employees, you might not be able to enjoy lazy days as often as others. Get your relaxation in where you can. Even a few hours here and there is better than nothing.
• In moderation, a little laziness doesn't hurt; it can even be a good thing. In excess, however, it can create disorder. Be careful not to indulge yourself to the point that you begin neglecting the important parts of your life.

[Edit]References

1. ↑ https://www.sharecare.com/health/sleep-disorders/article/a-good-reason-to-stay-in-bed
2. ↑ http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/5-things-you-accomplished-lazy-day.html
3. ↑ http://uamshealth.com/healthlibrary2/medicalmyths/lostsleep/
4. ↑ https://www.eventbrite.com/rally/los-angeles/5-tips-for-having-a-totally-lazy-labor-day-weekend/
5. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/balance/features/give-your-body-boost-with-laughter
6. ↑ http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/5-things-you-accomplished-lazy-day.html
7. ↑ http://lifehacker.com/5824193/five-best-streaming-music-services
8. ↑ http://www.ibtimes.com/national-lazy-day-7-easy-things-you-can-do-celebrate-holiday-2400024
9. ↑ http://www.tomsguide.com/us/best-food-delivery-apps,review-3044.html
10. ↑ http://www.forbes.com/sites/janbruce/2013/06/04/dial-down-your-devices-to-dial-down-stress/#1a439ae05e14
11. ↑ https://www.spherion.com/job-seekers/career-resources/careerboost-blog/archives/a-healthy-disconnect-unplugging-from-social-media_99/
12. ↑ http://www.houzz.com.au/ideabooks/30202638/list/15-things-to-do-on-lazy-sunday-afternoons-at-home
13. ↑ http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/10-benefits-reading-why-you-should-read-everyday.html
14. ↑ http://www.houzz.com.au/ideabooks/30202638/list/15-things-to-do-on-lazy-sunday-afternoons-at-home
15. ↑ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bruce-davis-phd/quiet-_b_3901285.html
16. ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2015/07/12/reducing-your-guilt-about-not-being-productive/
17. ↑ http://www.chatelaine.com/health/in-defence-of-laziness-being-lazy/
18. ↑ http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2014/08/to-work-better-work-less/375763/
19. ↑ https://www.scotthyoung.com/blog/2006/03/18/balancing-work-and-leisure/

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How to Obtain a Business License

Your business needs to be licensed to legally operate. Regulations vary, so it's very important to understand the licensing rules where your business is located—failure to comply can have serious consequences. Fortunately, getting a business license is neither very expensive, nor very time consuming.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Knowing Local Requirements

1. Determine where to get your business license. You'll need to get a license from the city in which you're planning to operate your business. Whether you'll be renting office space or operating your business from your home, you'll need to get a license in the place where your business address is located.
   
   • Every city has a database with a list of addresses that fall within that municipality. Search online for your city's name + business license to find the correct webpage.
   • You can also find the right information by way of the US Small Business Administration (SBA)'s website.^[1] Whether you are just starting out in business, or are firing up a new venture, the SBA has a wealth of information, not just on rules and regulations, but on everything from how to name your business to how to get funding. Their page on permits offers information where to get licensed, with details specific to your locale and your industry.
2. Know your business code.^[2] Different business types have different codes, and you'll need to know this information to get a license.^[3] Different codes will require specific application processes, and every city has its own set of requirements. You may need nothing more than a simple Assumed Business Name (often called a DBA), or you may want to start a corporation. Whatever you are searching for, your city will undoubtedly have a form for it. Check your city's business license site for information.
   
   • If you use the SBA website, you'll need to locate your state agency and narrow down your location by city or county. You may be presented with a list of links and information relevant to obtaining any of the licenses and registrations you need to conduct virtually any type of business.
3. Locate the forms you'll need to fill out. Whether you go directly to your city's website or use the SBA as a resource, you'll be presented with an extensive list of business entity types for your state. Locate the one that is most applicable to your needs.^[4]
   
   • To get the forms, you can either download them from the site or go to your City Hall and pick them up in person.
   • In addition to the basic forms for obtaining a business license, you may need to fill out other forms and apply for permits specific to your situation. For example, if you're operating your business from home, planning to remodel your building space, planning to use hazardous materials, planning to sell food, etc., you'll need to make sure you get the required permits.^[5]
   • Follow the links to your form, reading any important information that may be presented along the way—including descriptions, fees, requirements, and so on.
4. Fill out the forms. You may do this online or print the forms and fill them out by hand. Some states make provisions for performing these functions directly online, but will generally require you to create an account before being able to do so. You will generally be required to provide the following information about your business, in addition to other information specific to the type of business you are operating:
   
   • Type of business
   • Business address
   • Name of business owner
   • Contact information
   • Federal ID number
   • Number of employees

[Edit]Getting Your License

1. File your forms. Either using the online forms, or US mail, file your forms with your city's finance department. Your city's website will contain the proper contact information for form submission.
   
2. Pay the filing fee. Each city has its own requirements regarding the filing fee that goes with your business license.^[6] It usually ranges from $50 - $400 or more, depending on what type of business you're operating. There may be an additional processing fee of $25 or so as well.
   
3. Wait to receive your license. The time it takes to process your license will vary, depending on the type of business entity you are creating. For example, a DBA might take just a couple days, whereas a corporation could take up to 2 weeks. Each state will vary.
   
   • You may need to pick up your license in person and provide identification to prove you are the business owner.
   • You may need to get fingerprinted, unless the city already has your fingerprints on file.^[7]
4. Follow the ordinances that pertain to your business. Once you start operating, it's important to follow the rules laid out by your city for the type of business you're operating. For example, if you opened a restaurant, be sure to get the required permits, liquor license and health inspections. You'll also need to renew your business license according to your city's laws.
   
   • In some cities you will need to display your business license in your business location.
   • You'll need to report any major changes to the facts on your business license application promptly.

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Warnings

• Once you have your business started, you need to collect taxes for the state in which you live. You are supposed to report income generated within the state and to pay sales taxes on it. When you register, they usually send the information on how to report taxes.

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Start Your Own Business
• Choose a Franchise Business
• Name Your Business
• Find a Federal Tax ID Number

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch/apply-for-licenses-permits-federal-state
2. ↑ [v161906_b01]. 24 August 2021.
3. ↑ https://proconnect.intuit.com/articles/principal-business-activity-codes/
4. ↑ https://www.fundera.com/blog/business-license
5. ↑ https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/apply-licenses-permits
6. ↑ [v161906_b01]. 24 August 2021.
7. ↑ https://grayga.us/city-government/business-licenses/

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