It’s a big decision to invest your time and resources into beauty school, and the goal is to have a viable, thriving career upon your graduation. Cosmetology school takes concentration, and focus, so balancing this undertaking with the rest of your life is crucial. Here are some practical tips to manage your time and energy so you can get the most out of cosmetology school while maintaining your regular life.
Setting Goals and Priorities
It’s likely one of the reasons you enrolled in cosmetology school is you want to make a positive change in your life by starting a new career. To accomplish that mission, you must set priorities and goals to reach during your time in cosmetology school. If your long-term goals are graduating beauty school and starting a successful career, some short-term goals might be learning the curriculum and learning new skills. These can be broken down into smaller goals such as attending cosmetology school every day and giving it your entire focus.
Staying organized, making time and space to learn, and practicing your newly learned techniques are also steps you can take to accomplish your goals as a cosmetology student.
Make a Realistic Schedule That Works for You
Finding balance with beauty school, work, and the rest of your life requires a well-structured scheduling. Planning out each week in a digital calendar, scheduling app, notebook, or planner will help you stay organized and on time for your commitments. Make sure you have time for classes, study, family commitments, work hours, and personal care. Leave yourself time between tasks each day so you have space for unexpected events, travel, and unplanned delays. Managing your time effectively will allow you to efficiently accomplish your goals and still have enough time for your regular life. Reassess your schedule regularly so your time management works for your personal, professional, and school responsibilities.
Eliminate Distractions During Study Time
When you are studying, block out distractions, and close social media. Everyday distractions can make it difficult to concentrate on your cosmetology lessons. Prioritizing your time and focus during beauty school, and during study hours, will help you learn and retain the information you need to become a talented, successful cosmetologist.
During class, take notes and give the lessons your entire focus. When you are studying at home, set boundaries and set your phone on silent, out your focus on learning during your designated study time. You can also join study groups with classmates to share knowledge and help each other stay motivated on your beauty school journey.
Establishing a dedicated space for cosmetology study at home will also help you focus and reach your goals.
Establishing Routines
Once you have found a good schedule and study space that works for you, building good routines for managing your schooling, in addition to the other aspects of your life will help you maintain your energy and school-life balance. Designate specific times during the day and the week where you practice beauty techniques, and other times for your normal life activities. Routines are an effective way to minimize chaos and build structure for the duration of your beauty school enrollment.
Build a Support System of Friends, Family, and Community
Taking on a big commitment like cosmetology school is easier when you have supportive people around you. Friends and family, significant others, and beauty industry peers can be a support system in your beauty school journey.
They can help you be accountable for your goals, give you space to concentrate on learning, and provide assistance by taking everyday tasks off your plate. It’s difficult to balance life, school, and work, and having people in your corner that believe in you.
Share your schedule with your support network, so they know when you are studying, when you need to get ready for cosmetology school, and they can help assist you. It’s okay to have supportive people who aren’t familiar with the beauty industry, too. You’ll have camaraderie with other beauty students, instructors, and positive influences in the cosmetology field. Surround yourself with people who want to see you succeed in your cosmetology career goals.
Keep a Positive Mindset
It can be overwhelming to take on cosmetology school along with work, family, and life, but this is an important step as you are self-improving your life. In the long term, you are setting yourself up to have a fulfilling career.
On days when time is short, and you feel overwhelmed by everything you have to do, remember that you’re taking steps to get where you want to be in life. Keep a positive attitude and practice gratitude for all the opportunities you have for learning new things, and the ability to create a new career.
Positive thinking doesn’t mean you won’t ever feel overwhelmed by work-life-school balance, it just means you see the brighter side and the long-term vision you have for your life.
Manage Stress Effectively
Adding more to your schedule can add stress, so going to cosmetology school is something for which you should prepare. On days when your schedule is full, and you feel like it’s difficult, remember to acknowledge your accomplishments and focus on your long-term goals. You won’t be perfect right away, and that’s okay! It takes time, effort, and practice to master your craft. Hairstyling is tough and you are learning, so give yourself grace. Manage your well-being and be selfish with your time and energy so you can accomplish your goals. Take care of yourself and be sure to eat and sleep enough. Take small breaks to have physical and mental activity apart from school or work. It will help reduce your stress levels.
Get Enough Sleep
When you take on extra responsibilities, like going to school, you may feel tempted to burn the candle at both ends. Your compulsion might be strong to stay up late and study or practice techniques to get everything done. However, it’s much better for you to have a consistent sleep schedule where you get 8 hours of sleep per day. Your focus and concentration will be sharper when you are in school or studying. Make sure you get enough sleep, so your cognitive function stays high, and your stress stays low. It will make it easier to get tasks done and maintain balance in your life.
Celebrate Your Achievements and Milestones
Cosmetology school takes a lot of focus and effort over many months. Learning new skills for your career is a process. When you’ve put in the work, and you achieve a milestone, make sure you acknowledge your accomplishments and celebrate. Be proud of yourself when you master a new technique or pass an exam. It means you are growing as a cosmetologist in training, and your hard work is paying off. Celebrate your wins, both big and small, and have gratitude for your ongoing accomplishments. It will help you get through the many months of hard work and training. Soon, you’ll be a professional cosmetologist.
Stay Flexible and Adaptable
Life is full of unexpected things that come up, and that can add stress to your already hectic beauty school schedule. Whenever possible, plan for contingencies and leave room in your schedule in case things come up. Focus on finding solutions to issues instead of letting obstacles get in your way. Keep a positive attitude through adversity.
Be Kind to Yourself, Practice Self-Care
Life, school, work, family and other things can all be overwhelming, and you may feel demotivated. Practicing self-care daily will help you unwind after long hours in school and the rest of your life. Focus on your mental, physical, and emotional self-care, and make sure to do small things to nourish your self-care. Here are some ways to unwind:
- Visit your local coffee shop
- Take a bubble bath
- Go for a walk or bike ride in the fresh air
- Read a book and relax
- Visit friends
- Order a nice meal or get some ice cream
- Take a spa day
- Go to the gym and exercise
- Take a well-deserved nap
- Watch your favorite show and decompress
Practicing self-care will help you do your best work in beauty school.
Learn the Skills You Need to Be a Professional Cosmetologist
If you have thought about becoming a licensed cosmetologist, Paul Mitchell the School at Campus offers a world class beauty program to teach you the skills you need to start your cosmetology career. In about 30 weeks, you’ll learn hairstyling, hair coloring, skin care, as well as marketing and client retention. Our elite instructors at our Sacramento training facility will prepare you to pass the State Board of Cosmetology exam, so you can be a licensed cosmetologist and being your career.
If you want more information, contact our Admissions team or request more information