Going back to school is one of the best feelings in the world; you get to show off your golden tan and catch up with your girlfriends about summer crushes, internships, and other secrets. But as the novelty of school wears off and the routine of essays, gym class, and cafeteria food set in, it’s necessary to take control and make your year what you want it to be. That means being prepared for all types of situations and being able able to ride any wave- crimson or Hawaiian surf. To help ease the transition and make sure you’re ready for the year ahead, we’ve created an Ultimate Healthy Locker Checklist for girls headed back to school, but remember your number one staple is a positive attitude.
1. Portable Phone Charger
Whose phone doesn’t die during the day? With all the texting, social media notifications, picture-taking, and learning apps phones hold, it’s no wonder we’re constantly battling the low battery sign. Throw a portable charger into your locker or an extra battery so you can concentrate in class and eliminate any potential FOMO during the day. Just make sure to keep your phone on silent and leave it in your locker when possible – taking a break from the digital world and the social media world has many benefits for mental health.
2. Message Board
This is a cute way to keep in touch with friends or get special messages throughout the day without being tied to your phone! Choose to get a chalkboard that attaches to the outside or get a whiteboard for the inside, where only your close friends can write you messages. If messages aren’t your thing, choose to write an inspirational quote each day or use the empty space to doodle when words become too much!
3. Noise Canceling Headphones
Essential for cutting out yapping for peace of mind or for a productive study break, noise canceling headphones can literally transport you to another world during the day. Get lost in music, listen to an inspiring TEDTalk podcast, or simply use the silence to meditate. Breaking free of your current environment can be liberating and empowering; use the few minutes of peace you get to refocus, remember your priorities, and cleanse yourself of unnecessary stress.
4. Deodorant & Razor
Whether it’s pitts, pubes or ankles – there are always errant, unwanted hairs poking through somewhere or rebelliously glistening in the light. Store a clean, dry razor in your locker for emergency shave sessions in the bathroom and throw in a deodorant for good measure. Stress comes in all forms in school- should you get a little moist or dank, use a powdery scent to create a feeling of freshness.
5. Tampons, Sanitary Pads & Panty Liners
Never let yourself get caught without a period-protection kit. Having tampons, pads, and panty liners on hand is a good habit to be in, for yourself and for forgetful friends! While you explore different brands and types, make sure you try organic tampons or natural feminine hygiene options so you’re not introducing unnecessary chemicals into your body. As a general rule, remember- never put anything in your vagina that you wouldn’t put in your mouth.
6. Anti-bacterial hand sanitizer
School is a cesspool of bacteria; stay healthy by cleaning your hands when you can’t wash them. Remember to sneeze into your elbow if you do catch a cold, so you don’t spread as many germs.
7. Water bottle
Consider keeping a water bottle in your locker to increase your consumption throughout the day. Many products we consume throughout the day contain high levels of sugar, salts, and sometimes, caffeine, which can all lead to dehydration and other side effects like lethargy. Make sure to drink at least eight glasses each day; try drinking more if you’re an athlete! Water can prevent camps and decrease the likelihood of muscle sprains, can cure headaches, improve skin complexion, among other benefits.
8. Snack bars
If you’re someone that gets hungry or becomes unable to concentrate when hungry, keeping an emergency ration of food is a good idea. It’s a great way to get added fiber and protein into your diet as well. Fiber is particularly important for women during puberty and young adulthood as it may lower the risk of developing breast cancer later on and can help reduce the occurrence of skin conditions like acne. Since it aids in the process of digestion, fiber can also help with weight loss and bloating.
Find one with chocolate or throw in your favorite chocolate bar; it might just give you the serotonin kick you need when your period leaves you feeling blue.
9. Green Tea Bags
If you don’t like constantly sipping on water or want to feel fancy, drop a green tea bag into your water for a fresh taste and health benefits. Green tea has been shown to reduce stress in teens, improve muscle endurance, help with weight loss, aid memory and cognitive functioning, prevent tooth decay, increase heart health, and boost immune systems.
10. A love note to yourself
This can be something you write, compliments you’ve collected from friends, or inspiring messages that remind you how great you are. As they say, you must be yourself — everyone else is taken! Take a few minutes to list the things you love about yourself and the positives you can focus on when things get rough; write it on a post it or print it out, but make sure you hang this up in your locker where you can glance at it whenever you need to. If this seems too corny, make this a game with your friends. Write something nice about each person on a slip of paper with their name on it and pass it around. You’ll have a flurry of notes to decorate with.