How to Balance Life and Beauty School

Choosing to pursue a beauty education can be an exciting journey that opens the door to creativity, connection, and meaningful career opportunities. At Aveda Institute New Mexico, students are immersed in an environment that combines technical skills with holistic well-being and professional growth. However, like any intensive educational path, beauty school also brings a unique set of challenges—balancing classes, client appointments, practice hours, and exams.

Many students are managing more than just their education. Juggling work, family obligations, relationships, and personal wellness alongside school is a reality for many. Finding balance in the midst of it all isn’t just helpful—it’s essential for long-term success.

To help you maintain that balance, here are some effective strategies designed to keep you grounded, motivated, and thriving throughout your time at Aveda New Mexico.

1. Know What You’re Committing To

Before diving into time management tips and daily habits, it’s helpful to understand how beauty school is structured. At Aveda Institute New Mexico, the schedule is immersive and hands-on, offering plenty of opportunities to learn through both classroom instruction and real-world practice on the salon floor.

Depending on the program, you may have:

• 25 to 35+ hours per week of instruction and practice
• Mandatory attendance requirements
• Performance-based benchmarks (like passing exams or completing service quotas)

This isn’t meant to overwhelm you—it’s meant to help you prepare mentally and emotionally for the journey ahead.

2. Get Crystal Clear on Your “Why”

Balancing life and school takes grit. One of the best sources of motivation is remembering why you started.

Ask yourself:

• Why did I choose a beauty career?
• What does becoming a licensed professional mean to me?
• What kind of future am I creating?

Write down your “why” and place it somewhere visible: your mirror, planner, or phone background. Let it be the reminder that keeps you going when the days get long.

3. Create a Weekly Game Plan

Time management is your best friend. The more structure you add to your week, the less stress you’ll feel.

Here’s how to start:

Use a Planner or Digital Calendar

Plan your week every Sunday evening. Include:

• Your school schedule
• Work shifts
• Study blocks
• Family or childcare obligations
• Breaks and self-care

Seeing your time mapped out helps you identify busy periods and make space for rest.

Break Down Tasks

Instead of writing “study for the exam,” break it into smaller pieces:

• Review Chapter 3 notes
• Quiz myself on haircut terminology
• Watch a video on color theory

Smaller tasks feel more doable—and checking them off is super satisfying!

4. Lean on the Aveda New Mexico Community

One of the best parts of Aveda Institute New Mexico is the sense of connection and support. You’re not in this alone.

Build Relationships With Your Educators

Your Educators have been in your shoes. They know what it takes to succeed, and they want to see you thrive. If you’re falling behind or feeling overwhelmed, talk to them. They can offer guidance, resources, or even flexibility in some cases.

Make Friends with Classmates

Your fellow students understand exactly what you’re going through. Forming friendships or study groups can help:

• Share notes and tips
• Practice techniques on each other
• Offer emotional support on hard days

School feels a lot less overwhelming when you know you’ve got people in your corner.

5. Prioritize Self-Care Without Guilt

When you’re balancing multiple responsibilities, self-care is often the first thing to go. But at Aveda, we believe that taking care of yourself is essential to taking care of others, especially in a field as people-focused as beauty.

Get Enough Sleep

Sleep is non-negotiable. It affects your energy, focus, mood, and memory. Aim for 7–8 hours per night, and create a calming nighttime routine.

Nourish Your Body

Bring healthy snacks and water to school. When you’re well-fed and hydrated, you think and perform better.

Make Time for Joy

Even if it’s 15 minutes a day, do something that brings you joy—stretching, painting, dancing, journaling, or walking your dog. Your emotional wellness matters.

6. Set Boundaries with Friends and Family

Your loved ones may not fully understand the time and energy beauty school requires. That’s okay—you can help set expectations.

Try saying:

• “I have class until 5:30, but I can talk after dinner.”
• “I need to study this weekend, but let’s plan something fun next week.”
• “I’m working toward a big goal, and I appreciate your support.”

Clear, kind communication helps others respect your schedule and allows you to focus guilt-free.

7. Stay Organized with Tools and Systems

Having your physical and digital life organized can save you hours of stress.

Try These Organization Hacks:

• Use binders or folders to separate notes by subject
• Color-code your calendar for school, work, and personal tasks
• Set reminders on your phone for deadlines and exams
• Keep your kit tidy so you’re never scrambling to find tools

When everything has its place, you’ll feel more in control—even on busy days.

8. Learn to Say “No” (or “Not Right Now”)

You don’t have to do everything. Trying to do everything is a fast track to burnout.

Give yourself permission to say:

• No to social plans when you need to study or rest
• No to extra shifts if your schedule is already full
• No to perfectionism—progress is what matters

You’re allowed to put your goals first for a while. This is your season of growth.

9. Use Aveda’s Resources to Stay on Track

At Aveda Institute New Mexico, you’ll have access to:

• Experienced educators and mentors
• Career coaching and resume support
• Mock interviews and guest speaker events
• Opportunities for creative expression, like fashion shows and photoshoots

Engage with these opportunities! They help you stay motivated and prepare you for life after graduation.

And if you’re ever feeling discouraged, remember—Aveda’s mission is rooted in caring for the world and the people in it. That includes you.

10. Keep Your Eyes on the Finish Line

Beauty school isn’t forever—it’s a chapter in your larger story. Every service you complete, every late-night study session, every day you show up gets you closer to the career you’ve been dreaming of.

Visualize Your Future:

• Where will you work?
• What kind of clients will you serve?
• How will you use your creativity to impact the world?

Hold that vision close. Use it to fuel your focus and determination.

Real Talk: What If You Feel Like Giving Up?

Let’s be honest—there will be moments when this journey feels hard. You might:

• Question if you made the right choice
• Feel like you’re falling behind
• Struggle to balance your schedule

That’s normal. It doesn’t mean you’re failing—it means you’re learning and growing.

When You Feel Overwhelmed, Try This:

1. Take a breath. Step away for a few minutes and center yourself.
2. Reach out. Talk to an instructor, mentor, or trusted classmate.
3. Revisit your why. Remind yourself of the dream you’re working toward.

And most importantly, don’t quit on a bad day. You’re stronger than you think.

You’ve Got This

Balancing life and beauty school is challenging, but completely doable. At Aveda Institute New Mexico, you’re not just gaining technical skills, you’re building resilience, time management, confidence, and a sense of purpose.

You are becoming the professional you were always meant to be.

So take a deep breath. Trust yourself. Use the tools and support around you. And know that every step forward, no matter how small, is a step toward your beautiful future.

Ready to start your journey at Aveda Institute New Mexico?
Contact us today to schedule a tour, speak with an advisor, or learn more about our programs.

Your dream career is waiting. Let’s create it together.