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How to Refresh Yourself Halfway Through the Semester

This is a sponsored feature. All opinions are 100% from Her Campus.

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Clark chapter.

The middle of a semester is hands down the worst part of the semester. Forget finals week during which you at least know you’re nearing the end of your classes, the stagnancy and workload of the middle of the semester will send you into a slump of its own kind. How do you get out of this slump, you ask? Staying organized, keeping yourself motivated, and using our top recommended products and tips will help you keep pushing through the rest of the semester.

  • Treat yourself: We can all agree on the fact that candy makes everything better. Hi-Chew is the best go-to candy to treat yourself with during those long study sessions. They’re gluten free, free of trans fats, and contain no artificial flavors! Make studying more fun by rewarding yourself with a different Hi-Chew flavor every time you accomplish a task.
  • Hydrate: Staying hydrated will help you stay healthy, and will give you the energy you need to get your schoolwork done. Spindrift = sparkling water + real fruit, and absolutely nothing else. We love drinking this seltzer because of how fresh and delicious it tastes, but also because we know that the fruit they use is freshly picked from family farms.
  • Get clean: The weather is getting colder, and you know what that means. One of the only downsides to college and dorm life is how often we all get sick, and it can be hard to stay healthy. Steripod uses thymol to create a safe place for you to store your toothbrush and dry it out so that contaminants are less likely to stick around. You can even sign up on their website to get reminder texts or emails whenever it’s time for you to change your Steripod. Get yours in a fun color to make mornings more exciting!
  • Go on a shopping trip: If you’re looking for a comfy pair of jeans that will get you through the winter months when your outfits consist of only sweaters and jeans, look no further. Aéropostale’s jeans are not only trendy and versatile, they also offer some of the most comfortable stretchy jeans out there. 
  • Get organized: At this point in the semester we are all feeling a little frazzled.  With deadlines rapidly approaching, and tests and papers galore, it’s hard to stay on top of it all. That’s why we love our Erin Condren Hardbound Life PlannerErin Condren‘s smallest Life Planner yet, makes this perfect for college students like us.  It’s easy to throw in any bag to bring to class, work, or the library. The vertical layout, full calendar pages, and notes sections, gives us plenty of space to plan and keep track of deadlines. I have been using an Erin Condren Spiralbound Life Planner my entire college career, but I recently switched to the Hardbound. It’s so durable and the perfect size for on the go planning. If you’re looking to get more organized, definitely look into this planner.
  • Do a face mask: The best way to rejuvenate yourself during the middle of the semester is by taking time for yourself. Freeman Beauty masks are the perfect way to relax and rehydrate your skin. I love their Feeling Beautiful Rejuvenating Cucumber and Pink Salt Clay Mask, and soothes and detoxifies my skin, leaving me feeling fresh and smooth.  The Feeling Beautiful Manuka Honey + Tea Tree Oil Clay Mask + Cleanser is another great choice if you have oily, acne prone skin. If you have dry to combination skin, you cannot go wrong with the Feeling Beautiful Detoxifying Charcoal + Black Sugar Mud Mask.  This mask helps your skin lock in hydration to keep you looking your best.  Take some time for yourself during the weekend to try out one of three amazing masks.
  • Style your hair:  If you are looking to change up your beauty routine, look no further than Bed Head by TIGI.  Their Masterpiece Shine Hairspray, locks in your most intricate hairstyles without drying out your hair.  The Hard Head Hairspray, dries instantly, leaving you with a strong hold, subtle shine, and even conditions your hair as you wear it.  My personal favorite for when you’re running late is the Dirty Secret Dry Shampoo.  It absorbs oil and makes your hair smell fresh and clean.  It is nearly colorless making it perfect for collegiettes with dark colored hair!  Your hats and clothes will definitely thank you.  The Oh Bee Hive! Matte Dry Shampoo absorbs the oils that weigh your hair down leaving you with incredible volume.  This is also perfect for brunettes who are sick of dry shampoos leaving your hair looking chalky!  If you need to freshen up, look no further than Bed Head by TIGI.
  • Update your beauty routine: Everyone loves a sun-kissed glow, and since Clark is unfortunately not located in an area with more desirable weather, sometimes you have to fake it till you make it. L’Oréal Paris offers some of the best beauty products for you to consider adding to your morning or night time routine. One of our favorite self-tanners is their Sublime Bronze ProPerfect Salon Airbrush Mist that’s so simple to use. When classes get busier and you don’t have much time for self-care, their Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Towelettes make giving yourself a nice glow that much easier, and are perfect for tossing in your bag when you travel. Glowing skin does not just stop at self-tanner; prep your skin the right way with their Hydra Genius moisturizer made with aloe and made to lock moisture in for 72 hours!  

Good luck with the rest of the semester, collegiettes!

Annabelle is a Senior at Clark University, finishing her undergraduate studies in Business Management, and starting her MBA studies in the 5th year accelerated degree program at Clark. She loves fashion, photography, and writing!