August is nearing its end, which means college students across the country are packing their things and getting set for a brand new semester. It's an exciting time for many, but it can also bring on the anxiety, especially for first-timers!
We've prepared a few tips to help make the transition into campus life as smooth as possible. Enjoy!
1. Set the Mood
Create a Study/Focus Playlist
Listening to music while studying or doing homework is nothing new. Familiar tunes can block out the distractions of your environment. However, try creating a playlist of songs without lyrics.
It can be hard to resist singing along when listening to your favorite Lizzo or Beyonce while studying. They're great, but when you need to focus, an impromptu jam session is probably not going to help. Give smooth jazz or even classical music a try.
It's proven that they can help stimulate the mind to do its best work. If you can't picture yourself jumping right into those genres, start out by just listening to the instrumental versions of your favorite songs; baby steps count too!
2. Keep it Low Maintenance
Protective Styles for the Win
No matter how much you love taking care of your hair, chances are you'll start to find it harder to make time for it with your new class, study, + social schedule. To help make your hair routine quicker and easier, without sacrificing the cuteness, opt for protective styles throughout the semester.
Whether it's braids, twists, wigs, or something in between, low maintenance styles are a must-have! Keep great scalp care items on hand, like our Peppermint Tea Tree or the Papaya Castor collection, and a solid daily moisturizer, such as the Hibiscus Honey Hair Tonic, and your hair will be healthy and happy + you'll save tons of time!
3. Make "Me-Time" a Must
Establish a Self-Care Routine
As the school year progresses, your schedule will likely become extremely hectic. It is vital to establish a self-care routine to not only keep up with hygiene, but also to maintain your sanity while studying and navigating college life. Set aside one afternoon or evening a week to pamper yourself. Mark it on your schedule to assure that you actually make time for it.
This routine should not just be for your physical health (hair, skin, etc.), but also your mental and emotional health. Take time to journal, pray, meditate, watch your favorite YouTube guru, whatever it is you need to do to take care of you, even if it's just taking a good nap!
4. Find Your Spot
Establishing healthy study habits early
No one enjoys a game of catch-up, especially with their grades. Establishing healthy study habits will make your life so much easier. Get a daily planner to keep you on track and avoid procrastination. Also, it can be tempting to study in your dorm or apartment surrounded by friends, however, it's not always the most productive.
Early in the school year, determine the most productive spot to do your work. Maybe it's the library, computer lab, or perhaps your dorm building has a study room. Once you've determined where you can study in peace, designate that as your daily working place.
Make it a habit to go there to complete all of your homework + prep for exams. If you habitually do this, you may be able to eliminate the unnecessary stress of all-nighters.
5. Stay Motivated
Encourage Yourself
It's easy to get down on yourself, especially when you're immersed in the stresses of school, roommates, work, and a number of other factors. You must actively work to keep yourself encouraged.
Try finding and setting your mind on a different motivational quote each week. Focus on it and repeat it to yourself like an affirmation, until you truly believe it! If you have to set it as the home screen on your phone, or plaster it to your dorm wall, do that!
Self -confidence is key, so whatever you do, keep your spirits high and often remind yourself of the gem that you are.
“I thrive on obstacles. If I’m told that it can’t be done, then I push harder,” - Issa Rae.
And on that note, we hope you take on this new school year in confidence! In the comments below, be sure to share your favorite back-to-school tip.
See you next time!
