Trying to pass exams, cramming months worth of classes, working part-time, side-hustles, college, friends, internships at once can be too much. For this reason, we need self care essentials for busy college students without breaking your bank account!
Some quick self care strategies busy college students can incorporate into their daily routine are journaling, aromatherapy, rejuvenating baths, social media detox, taking things slow, etc.
Self care and mental health; two things most people put aside due to busy schedules and procrastination. Feeling like you don’t have time for this or worse, telling yourself you’ll get back to it once you’ve achieved X (guilty!) is super common.
You need to actively work towards achieving a balance because sooner or later you will burn out. At some point you need to ask yourself if the way things are going is sustainable or would you wish you’d started changing things sooner?
Here’s a list of some of the best self care tips and products you can use to practice self-care as a busy college going student!
This post is going to be product based. If you want a more holistic approach to self care which includes mental, physical, spatial self care, check out this Practical Self Care Routine for Busy College Students post!
Self Care & Hygiene Essentials For Busy College Students
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1. MIND
Mental health self-care is at the top of this list of self care essentials because, without proper mental health, all else will fail.
A room/home that is Zen and feels like a sanctuary, journaling and meditation helps a lot with clearing your mind from unwanted thoughts.
1. Journal
Decluttered mind? Start a journal! You don’t have to write down what happened every day. Writing your thoughts as they come to you.
When you feel like you have a lot on your plate is super helpful. Believe me, coming from someone who hated journaling/ journal prompts!
If you’re someone who struggles with journaling, then this Moleskine journal is perfect for you. Simple, elegant, easy to use.
2. Essential Oils For Aromatherapy
The first step to converting your room into a sanctuary is by incorporating essential oils which help with aromatherapy.
Aromatherapy is the best way to relax your racing mind, unwind and be at peace after a long day of work. Aromatherapy Oils for Diffuser with a blend of lavender oil, chamomile oil, clary sage oil help having calming effects.
Setting up your essentials oils in your diffuser and dedicating 10 minutes before bed to meditation can go a long way. If you cannot meditate, read a book or play your favorite music and just vibe instead of going on your phone.
3. Essential Oils Diffuser
This essential oil diffuser from amazon is the best self care ideas for busy college students because all you need to do is switch it on- doesn’t matter while studying or while sleeping, and you automatically start to feel the calm energy.
I think a diffuser with the right essential oils can not only calm you but also help you focus on your school work! Creating a Zen environment is super easy with this essential oil diffuser!
4. Homesick Candles
Feeling stuck in the same place? In need of change in the way you feel in your space? Candle is the perfect accessory for your home, office or dorm as it will transforms your room, creates an ambiance and improves your mood! Super easy self care idea for busy college students!
This amber and moss candle is perfect if you like the feeling of mountains, sun gleaming through the canopy. A blend of sage and lavender to create the perfect atmosphere in your dorm/ home-office.
5. Hot Tea
A cup of tea to start off or end the day is amazing not only because it is healthy but also because it calms you down/ helps you unwind.
This tea bag set is one of the must have self care essentials for busy college students! I mean, $0.24/ tea bag is a steal right?
6. Take Things Slow
When your life starts to feel out of control, with too much clutter accumulating not only in your room but also in your mind, it is time to take things slow. This is why it is so important for you as a college student to practice a few self care essentials.
If you’re not the journal type, something as simple as waking up and doing breathing or stretching exercises for 10 minutes instead of reaching for your phone/ social media helps!
2. FACE
One of the reasons why is self care important for college students is because it acts as a stress buster and helps to improve quality of life, in turn helping you do better at college!
Your face and eyes are generally the most stressed after hours of staring at the computer. These face self care essentials for busy college students are super easy to adapt to!
1. Gua Sha
I’m sure you’ve seen this everywhere. Gua sha is the best when you don’t have time to put on elaborate 10 step skincare routine but want to depuff your face and look like you put in some effort for your 8AM class.
This gua sha by sacheu is amazing for depuffing your face, blood circulation and giving you that snatched jawline!
But most importantly, you can use this tool not just after you wake up but also while you are catching up on school/ having a stressful college day.
2. 24K Gold Eye Mask
Messed up sleep schedule and long hours of staring at your laptop definitely doesn’t help with your eyes & eye bags. These 24k gold eye mask are perfect for a self-care Sunday routine!
You can leave these 24k gold eye mask under your eyes and clean your room or catch up on college work! We love multitasking.
Not only have you gotten sh*t done but also look less tired, reduce wrinkles and fine lines undereye- leaving you refreshed and productive!
3. Indian Healing Clay
Can you tell I love masks? The best of the best self care strategies for college students is Indian healing clay mask or any mask for that matter. Ideally, it would be cool to put on a mask, set a timer for 15 mins and take a nap.
But, since there’s always something to do as a busy college student, you could apply this Indian healing clay mask and get on with your school work!
4. Teeth Whitening
Activated charcoal teeth whitening is for one of those days you want to go the extra mile and do something relaxing for yourself.
5. Laneige Lip Mask
Laneige lip mask is one of those products that is actually worth the hype. This leave-on overnight lip mask is the best base you can get for the perfect lips the next day when you are running late.
3. BODY
1. Flamingo Razor
Flamingo shaving kit includes 1 handle, 2 five blade heads and a shower caddy/holder. Perfect self care essentials any busy college student.
2. Tend Skin
Tend skin is the perfect self care essential for ingrown hair, razor bumps, etc. You need to get this if you want to get rid of strawberry legs!
3. Time out Bubble Bath
Time out bubble bath is perfect for a cozy and relaxing bath. The watermelon scent is super refreshing and soothing!
4. Dr Teal’s Foaming Bath
Dr. Teals’ foaming bath is a self care and wellness essential that will come handy for every busy and stressed out college student.
This foaming bath with sleep essential oil with melatonin is super easy to use. Put it in your bath for a better night’s sleep & stress relief.
5. Coconut and Coffee Scrub
Name a self-care therapy better than coconut and coffee scrub & body wash. I’ll wait.
Body scrubs are the easiest way to have a smooth and glowing skin.
6. Palmer’s Cocoa Butter
Best self-care for students is this palmer’s cocoa butter. Drugstore cocoa butter that leaves your skin super soft and fresh.
7. Tree Hut Shea Butter
Best self care plans start with exfoliation. This tree hut shea butter is perfect for a clean, smooth exfoliating experience. Trust me you need this one after finals week!
8. La Roche-Posay Moisturizer
La Roche Posay moisturizer is a must have self care essential for college students. Super moisturizing and nourishing. The way this moisturizer leaves you smoother than a baby’s skin! You need to get your hands on this one!
4. HAIR
1. Wet Detangler Brush
If you know you know! The wet detangler brush helps to brush your hair without ripping them out. Best for when you are running late for classes and want you hair to look kempt.
2. Moroccan Oil Treatment
MoroccanOil argan oil is something you should start using in your hair styling routine or as is on the second or third day after washing your hair.
Great self care/ hair care essential to boost shine in your hair.
3. Scalp Massager Shampoo Brush
scalp massager shampoo brush is a great stress buster in the shower. A good scalp massage is necessary for blood circulation and calming your nerves.
4. Amazon Oil
Doing your hair everyday to class is a hassle. Heat causes damage so the best way to care for your hair without getting expensive hair treatments & hurting your bank, is to use Amazon Oil.
This Amazon Oil is organic, lightweight, plant based, nourishing and prevents frizz and split ends. Works for all hair types!
5. Microfiber Hair Towel
Microfiber hair towel is all over self care & hair TikTok and rightfully so. This towel is super soft and gentle on your hair as it is more absorbent. Everything a hair towel must be.
These were some of the best self-care & hygiene essentials every busy college student/ twenty something must try!
When you as a busy college student dedicate some time to take care of yourself with self care essentials, you ensure your body and mind get adequate rest they deserve. Thus promoting better engagement, concentration and performance at school.
