The New school year is officially here. You get to be with your friends all day and to see your crush.
But, let’s face it, school is stressful. You have to get up before dawn and then do homework all evening.
Sometimes it feels like everyone else looks amazing and gets good grades without effort, while you struggle to get out of bed, let alone look pretty or excel at math.
It’s important to remember that it’s difficult for everyone. Here are a few practical tips to make going to school easier and more enjoyable in the first days and weeks of the semester.
1. Bring something to share.
In school, we are often preoccupied with how we look or what others think of us. One proven way to combat stress? Be nice.
You can bring a box of cookies to class to celebrate the start of the school year. Or pack an extra apple in your bag to give to a friend.
Think of beauty products you can let your friends try, like hand cream or a bottle of rosewater to use as scent.
Seeing your best friend’s joy as she puts some flower water on her wrist, or the smile on a shy classmate’s face when they receive an unexpected cookie will make you glow, as well.
2. Prioritize sleep. Are you sleeping less, now that school has started? We thought so.
You got up before 7 to catch the bus, and, the night before, you stayed up late writing an essay or checking what everyone had posted on Instagram.
But sleep is crucial for both beauty and mental health.
A well-rested mind is better equipped to cope with problems.
While under-eye creams help a lot, none of them are a match for 8 hours of sleep. Your skin will be brighter and your complexion more even if you turn off your devices and allow yourself some rest.
Lack of sleep also weakens your immune system which, among other things, combats acne-causing bacteria. In short, more sleep can mean less pimples.
A good concealer is a powerful weapon, but you can ready yourself for battle with proper rest beforehand.
3. Less coffee, more water. When you’re sleep deprived, the temptation is to resort to coffee or sugary energy drinks. Both contain caffeine, which heightens anxiety. It is also a diuretic, meaning it dehydrates you.
As you know, hydration both inside and out is crucial for the skin. Caffeine may be a great ingredient to put on your skin, but it’s best to drink less of it and focus on water instead.
Bringing a reusable water bottle to school is both eco and stylish: you can decorate yours with stickers, or draw on it with a marker. The bottle can remind you to drink more water instead of coffee.
4. Work first, beauty later. A less effective way to deal with stress is to avoid unpleasant tasks, like your homework.
Try to finish your assignments right after you come back home in the afternoon. Remember that it doesn’t have to be perfect; it just needs to be done.
Once you close the books, you can focus on yourself and the things you want to do. You can put on a face mask, do your nails, and chat with friends: a beauty and wellness win.