Bullet journals have become an increasingly popular way to organize and take charge of your life. Your bullet journal can act as a journal, diary, sketchbook, or agenda. In my case, my bullet journal serves as all of the above. Through art and design, you're able to unleash your creative ideas through the blank pages. And the best thing about bullet journals? You can create them for your specific needs. If you're looking for ideas to make your bullet journal more useful and exciting than just a weekly calendar or agenda, here are 12 ideas to brighten your bullet journal.

1. Monthly Memories

I would especially recommend this to college students. Sometimes, our lives become so busy and full of activities, we sometimes forget the little accomplishments and memories we made throughout the month. Adding them to your bullet journal will guarantee you'll never forget them.

2. Gratitude Log

Gratitude journals are a great way to invite happiness your life. It's a constant daily ritual to make you recognize the best things in your life. This would be a great addition to your nighttime bed routine to make you remember all of the things for which you are thankful.

3. Water Tracker

Creating a water tracker is a good way to hold yourself accountable for drinking the proper amount of water each day. Set a goal amount of water based on your average weight and age. As motivation, similar to as shown in the photo, include the benefits on water right on the page so you always have an initiative to be hydrated.

4. Birthdays

Since Facebook generally reminds you of birthdays every day, I usually only keep the important birthdays within my planner -- roommates, family members, or significant others. It's a great reminder to plan for parties as well. Once the month arrives, I'll also include the birthday in the monthly spread for an additional reminder.

5. Weekly Meal Planner

Planning your meals will save you a lot of time during the week, and a lot of money from wasted food during your grocery shopping trips. The page doesn't need to look this elaborate, as the time spent designing might be too long for most people. However, just having a grocery list and meal plan in your bullet journal will help immensely when it comes to lunch and dinner time throughout the week.

6. What To Watch Next

Watching movies in a listed order saves a lot of time rather than attempting to choose from the hundreds of movies on Hulu or Netflix. Sit down before girl's night or date night and make a list of movies you hope to watch together, and then watch the list from start to finish.

7. Bucket List

It's always effective motivation to keep your long-term dreams in mind by creating a bullet journal spread with a bucket list. Then, if you're ever feeling unambitious, you can look towards this spread for inspiration.

8. Weight Loss Tracker

When you're working out and eating healthy, it's nice to keep your goal in mind, and creating a weight loss journal spread is a great way to do this. Keeping a consistent goal weight is important throughout the process. Additionally, creating milestone rewards for every five or ten pounds you lose assists in the completion of your goal.

9. Books You've Read This (Year/Month)

If you have a monthly or yearly reading goal, I would highly suggest creating a spread such as the one above. You'll keep your goal book number in mind, see your progress, and you'll also have the names of all of the books you read throughout this period.

10. Cleaning Schedule

This is a very simple layout. However, it would be very effective in reminding you of the cleaning chores you need to do. As a recommendation, I might have multiple boxes next to each of the cleaning lists because it will prevent you from having to draw the list multiple times over again.

11. Sleep Log

Sleeping logs are a great way to confirm you're getting enough sleep at night. Make this a daily ritual, similar to the gratitude journal, except you highlight the period of time you slept. Similar to the water tracker, it is a great way to hold yourself accountable for getting the proper amount of sleep every night.

12. Monthly Mood Tracker

Designs of the monthly mood tracker can change based on the season. The layout of the page above would most likely be used during the holidays. However, you could use other designs such as ghosts during Halloween or Easter eggs during April.

As I mentioned previously, the best thing about bullet journals is you can make them whatever you need them to be. Draw some inspiration from the pictures above and start creating!