stressed African American woman sitting in front of laptop at work

How to Deal with Stress: Doctor’s Advice

With the crazy world that we live in and the hustle and bustle of each day, getting stressed out is not exactly a strange experience. Still, some level of stress has in fact been proven to be healthy! A little anxiety ...

Just like every other thing in the world, if stress goes unchecked or is too frequent, there can be frightening consequences. Your body could experience a decline in the central nervous system, immune system, cardiovascular and neuroendocrine.

And honestly, what is scarier than a trip to the emergency room? Doctors and scientists have gone out of their way to discuss tips for dealing with stress—so you can avoid health scares and feel your absolute best.

How to Deal with Stress in a Healthy Way

Beat Stress with Exercise

Hitting the gym or going for a walk comes first on our list because it’s one of the most fantastic ways to get your body and mind relaxed. Ironically, most of us who would love to experience these exercising benefits hardly ever find the time to make it happen!

Dr. Edward Group, Founder of Global Healing Center, stated that exercise helps you to feel stronger and better energized. It emits neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine which leaves you strong and feeling good thereby curbing stress.

Get in a regular sweat session at home with free YouTube workouts, DVDs, or other options. Doctor’s orders!

Fight Mental Overload with Meditation

Cutting off every distraction and finding that peaceful space to meditate and pray can be all you need to deal with stress. Research shows that it helps your body relax and keeps your mind focused. What’s more, meditating and mindful prayer help you get rid of negative emotions which could contribute to physical stress.

Meditation is so potent that the American Psychological Association recommends it to individuals, adding that it assists in generating self-compassion, forgiveness and other instant benefits.

Experience Renewal with Muscle Relaxation

With stress comes the feeling of tension and uneasiness. For this reason, taking actions to relax your muscles can help you get over such stress and exhaustion. To experience deep relaxation in your body, try:

enjoy a massage
stretch with a foam roller
take a hot shower
soak in a hot bath with Epsom sales

Gain a New Outlook when You Change Your Attitude

Stress usually originates from demands for your time and energy that you find difficult to handle. The most logical way to get out of stress is to avoid the situation that got you worked up in the first place. Easier said than done, right?

Maybe not. If your job gets you stressed to the point that Sunday afternoons are full of intense dread of Monday morning, consider updating your resume with a professional and start looking for something new.

Also, don’t work yourself up over circumstances that you can’t change. Focus on things you can control: your attitude, your time, and your thoughts.

Diva, daily living can be so crazy that it’s no wonder stress pops up every now and then. If your stress is ongoing, or leading to physical ailments, please visit your doctor.

If you’re looking for a simple way to enhance your productivity, get organized, and feel less overwhelmed by all your to-dos, download the Back to School Divas Planner! This beautiful free template includes weekly schedules, assignment lists, grocery lists and more.

group of young people around a laptop smiling and talking about work

March 27, 2019March 26, 2019

How to Apply for Internships in Grad School

Grad school internships should never be an afterthought. This is how you’ll often get your “foot in the door”, after all. Knowing how to go about applying for your ideal internships will help to ensure that you l...

Finding the Right Internship Opportunities

Before applying for an internship, you first need to learn how to find good internship opportunities. There are many streams that can help you achieve this.

Ask Your Teacher or Professor

Your teacher or professor will know about the available opportunities in your field because many times, companies will directly contact colleges about available internship opportunities.

Google Search on Intern-Specific Sites

There are plenty of sites online that are specifically dedicated to announcing internship opportunities in different fields. Sites such as LinkedIn, Wayup and YouTern can help you get started in finding the right type of internship for you.

General Google Search

A general Google search for internships in your field will help you identify what the opportunities are and where they are. Putting in your nearest town or city is also ideal when doing this.

Now that you’re clear on how to find an internship, let’s have a look at the steps it will take to apply for one.

Steps to Apply for an Internship

Identify the Internship

This first point has to do with your specific field. I’d also encourage you to be open-minded here. For instance, if you studied journalism and would like to be a magazine editor one day, if there’s an internship available for the Beauty Section of Elle magazine, there is certainly no problem in applying for one.

Although the “Beauty” section may not be something you’d ideally want to do, it is still helping you to get your “foot in the door”. Applying for this internship will also help you to broaden your mind as to what the other opportunities may be in your field that you may not have considered before.

Prepare Your Resume

If you’ve been in school your whole life or haven’t really had the opportunity to work in your field of study, don’t stress. This is an internship, after all.

All your prospective boss wants to know is what your background and interests are. To make sure that your resume is as professional as it can be, make sure that you do the following:

Include your school courses and extracurricular activities
Mention any volunteer work you’ve done in your past
Of course, if you have prior work experience, include that too
Try to be as concise and as internship-related as possible
Don’t forget to include contactable references

(Want a professional resume review by Lorraine, Founder of BacktoSchoolDivas.com? Book her now! You’ll receive a one-on-one call with Lorraine to review your goals and your experience. Your $25 review fee will be put toward any revisions you order.)

Write your Cover Letter

A resume is concise and briefly points out all the school and work experience you have had. A cover letter, on the other hand, is more personal. It highlights why you are the ideal candidate for this internship.

Try not to replicate the information from your resume here. Instead, highlight what drew you to that specific internship, what skills you have, and how that has prepared you for the internship.

Prepare for the Interview

Once you’ve applied for the internship/s (make sure that you apply to many. You want to cast the net as wide as possible) and get a call for an interview, you’ll need to prepare yourself for that big day.

Prep yourself by getting a professional outfit, practicing generic questions (such as: Tell us about yourself. Why should we choose you? What are your strengths and weaknesses?) and also make sure that you arrive early for the interview to avoid any chances of bad traffic getting in your way.

An internship will help you to take a step in the right direction of your career aspirations. Following these tips will help to ensure that you identify the right internship for you, and you know exactly how the process will unfold.

Keep track of your graduate school internship process and so much more with the official Back to School Divas planner download! You’ll get free templates for weekly planning, goal setting, meal planning, grocery lists, and so much more.

Back to School Tips

March 14, 2019March 5, 2019

Is Western Governors University Right for You: Pros & Cons

Considering online university? There are many digital colleges to choose from. At Back to School Divas, we want to help you make the right choice for you and your family. Today...

Considering online university? There are many digital colleges to choose from. At Back to School Divas, we want to help you make the right choice for you and your family.

Today we’re breaking down Western Governors University (WGU).

WGU Reviews

One of the best ways to judge an institution is through online student reviews. According to Grad Reports, WGU is a highly recommended university with 4 out of 5 Star ratings from current and past students.

WGU Programs

WGU has 4 online colleges available with more than 60 degree programs between them.

These colleges all offer accredited degree programs in the specified fields.

See a program you’re interested in? Now that you know WGU offers programs that fit your needs, let’s break down pros and cons of attending this online college.

Pros of Attending WGU

Online Programs are Convenient

Online classes are simply convenient, especially for the modern mom who has a number of things on her to-do list. You’ll be able to receive all your course material, assignments and test dates all online so that you’re able to plan ahead.

Course Mentors Available for Assistance

Many people may shy away from online courses because they’re under the impression that they won’t be able to get the support they would get from traditional classes. Well, with WGU, you’ll have course mentors and relevant professor available for consultation when you need them. Like all online college, there are also online group discussion platforms that allow you to engage with your peers.

A New Program Starts Each Month

This is, perhaps, one of the best advantageous to heading to WGU. All the WGU programs have start dates on the first of every month, all year long. This means that you don’t have to wait until spring or fall semester to start your program.

Low Tuition

College student loans debt is at an all-time high and any institution that offers more affordable courses is worth mentioning. Their site explains that “we’re about half the cost of most other online universities”. Sounds like a win.

Cons of Attending WGU

Not Ideal if You Need Face-to-Face Learning

Not everyone is crazy about online courses. Some people need face-to-face time with their lecturers and peers. If that describes you, and you and have the time to attend classes multiple a week, then WGU might not your best pick. You may consider other online universities that also offer on-campus learning including Strayer University.

You’ll Need a Serious Amount of Self-Motivation

One of the best parts about the institution is its “Competency-based education”. This means that there is a strong focus on measuring learning rather than time. For instance, if you’re able to put in the hours, then you can complete your degree program at a much shorter time frame than someone who isn’t able to put in the same amount of time. This, however, also means that you’ll need to be self-disciplined and motivated as you are the one who will ultimately decide when you complete your degree. The same runs true for any college you attend!

Know someone who wants to learn more about online colleges? Share this post with your friends and tell us how you chose your school!

Back to School Tips

February 28, 2019February 27, 2019

Should I Switch Majors?

So, you’re a year or two into your college journey and you’re starting to feel like, maybe, you made the wrong choice about your major. Courses in your major don’t excite...

So, you’re a year or two into your college journey and you’re starting to feel like, maybe, you made the wrong choice about your major.

Courses in your major don’t excite you. Honestly, you’re not even sure you want to pursue a career in the same field you did when you registered.

What do you do?

Should You Switch Majors?

Making the choice to switch majors in college can be tough. You don’t want to lose credits you’ve worked hard for or — even worse — increase the weight of your student debt.

To be sure you’re making the right choice, first ask yourself the following:

What’s making me want to switch my current major?
How can I improve my experience in my current major? Do I need help through tough courses? Is it my professors?
What new major or career path interests me now? Why?

Once you have a deep understanding of what’s causing you to seek change, you can determine if you truly want to continue with the process.

How to Change Majors: First Steps

If you’re considering starting a new graduation track, the first thing you’ll want to do is schedule some time with your College Advisor. Your Advisor’s top priority is helping you succeed, and with their wealth of knowledge and experience, they’re a great option for advice.

In general, students in their first 2 years of college (or first 60 credits) will have a less-risky route to changing majors. That’s because those first credits are made up of your “basic” courses. The courses that set the foundation for your future degree are usually easily applicable to almost any track you choose.

The further into your current track you are, the more challenging it may be to switch without some penalties. That’s why switching majors in your junior year of college can be a risk — but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do it.

How to Work With Your Advisor to Change Majors

Ready to start the process? Schedule some time with your College Advisor. Come prepared for an in-depth discussion:

Bring your college transcript and current course list
Bring the course list for your desired new major
Write down your questions ahead of time

At the time you schedule your meeting, request a Degree Audit or Prior Learning Assessment (PLA). This will help you and your Advisor get a full-picture view of your credits, certifications, life experience, and extracurriculars. Together, you can determine if your desired switch and your previous experience are a good match.

Remember that when it comes to changing majors, you’re not alone. Up to 50% of college students will switch majors at least once in their college journey (that number is highest in STEM-related fields.)

With help from your Advisor and a lot of self-searching, we’re confident you’ll make a great choice.

Switching majors, choosing majors, and surviving your adult college experience is what we know best! Join the Back to School Divas Facebook Group to share stories, ask questions, and connect with women who share your experiences.

Ready to switch majors? Get organized and on track with our FREE Back to School Divas planner template. Grab the link when you sign up for our email list.

February 20, 2019February 20, 2019

Is Strayer University For You: Pros & Cons

When it comes to online universities, Strayer University has been making waves. With a spokesperson like Queen Latifah, and commercials airing all the time, it’s hard not to notice them! Read more

When it comes to online universities, Strayer University has been making waves. With a spokesperson like Queen Latifah, and commercials airing all the time, it’s hard not to notice them!

If you’re considering attending one of Strayer University’s online programs, you’ll want to get informed on what the school offers, the tuition prices, and what other students have to say about it.

We’ve got you covered.

We’re here to breakdown the pros and cons of attending Strayer University, so you can determine for yourself what’s best for you.

Strayer University: The Good Stuff

Affordable Tuition and Financial Aid Opportunities

Strayer cites it’s base price per course as $1465. Unlike many schools, Strayer prices per course, rather than per hour. This flat rate doesn’t include fees like lab fees or administrator fees, however.

This rate compares well to some other popular online university tuition fees:

Strayer University: $1,465 per course
University of Phoenix: $1,195 per course
Capella University: $1,062-$2,460 per quarter

When you apply to attend Strayer, a Financial Advisor will walk you through the process of applying for aid. You’ll learn how much you could qualify for, as well as final dues before you start the semester.

PS: You can explore 2019 scholarships you can apply for right now here.

Variety of Online Programs

With options for Certificates, Associate, Graduate and Master’s degrees, Strayer University is competitive in the online college space.

Associates:

Arts in Accounting
Arts in Information Systems
Arts in Acquisition and Contract Management
Arts in Marketing
Arts in Business Administration
Arts in Information Technology

Bachelors:

Science in Accounting
Science in Information Systems
Business Administration
Science in Information Technology
Science in Criminal Justice
Applied Science in Management

Masters:

Education
Science in Health Services Administration
Science in Accounting
Science in Information Systems
Public Administration
Science in Management
Business Administration
Science in Information Assurance
Human Resource Management

Earn Credit For Your Experience

Strayer University takes into account the rich life you’ve already lived. They may accept credit from your previous work and life experience, education and equivalency exams. You can also receive credit for military training and experience.

Good Reputation and High Retention

Compared to some other popular online university’s Strayer University has a positive reputation in the community. You’ll have access to resources including advisors, career development services, and technical support. The retention rate is also reported to be higher than average for online colleges.

Strayer University: The Challenges

Larger Class Sizes

One benefit of online college is the ability to train at your own pace, in a more efficient manner. However, for a popular school like Strayer University, that may not always be the case. Comparison Shop has reported larger-than-average class sizes, which can make it difficult to connect with professors and get the one-on-one help you need.

Difficulty With Financial Aid Department

Some students report challenges communicating with the FA department at Strayer. While there may not be a solid reason for that, many online colleges report these types of concerns.

Is Strayer University a top pick for you, or do you have another school in mind? Let us know in the comments below! You can also check out our review of Phoenix University here!

African American nurse smiling at elderly patient in hospital bed

February 13, 2019February 13, 2019

How Registered Nurses Can Balance Work and School Like Superheroes

A registered nurse’s daily schedule is not easy, and now you want to head back to school? How on earth are you going to manage? Balancing nursing school with work and family is a big commitment. You’ll have to find the time to attend...

A registered nurse’s daily schedule is not easy, and now you want to head back to school? How on earth are you going to manage?

Balancing nursing school with work and family is a big commitment. You’ll have to find the time to attend classes, do your research, submit assignments, and stay focused on your work. Before you think this is a task that only a select few superheroes can achieve, know that many women before you have come out on the other side. You just need the right tools in hand.

Let’s have a look at how you can better manage your work, school, and home lives as a working nurse.

1. Communicate With Your Family and Work

Communicating with your family about your desire to go back to school is very important, especially in the early stages. You’ll need to make it clear to your partner what going back to school will mean to you so that you two can figure out a way to re-evaluate your responsibilities, and you’ll have time to concentrate on your studies.

Let the kids know to expect some changes in the house as well. If they are older, they can take on more responsibilities to help lessen the load. Consider assigning daily chores and tasks and keeping them all in a central place. This is a great time to structure personal responsibility, and help outsource to-do’s around the house while you adjust to your new schedule.

Finally, it could be beneficial to let your workplace know about your schedule changes and updates. Your job may be able to assist you financially with your return to school.

2. Understand Your Peak Study Periods

There are certain times of the day where you’re simply more productive. It may be in the early hours of the morning before the kids wake up, or late at night while everyone’s asleep and it’s super quiet.

Once you understand your circadian rhythm, you’ll be able to use it to your advantage. Schedule your studying times around this time so that you get the most out of your sessions.

3. Consider a Support System

Of course, you can always turn to close family and friends to give you that motivational speech you may need when you feel like giving up, but consider a support system from people who know exactly what you’re going through – your classmates.

You may be surprised to find out that there are plenty of other mothers in your class. Make friends. Share tips and even share babysitting recommendations.

Knowing that you’re not alone and there are plenty of other mothers out there in similar shoes who can help to give you that boost you need from time to time.

4. Look into Part-time Programs

If you’re a registered nurse and have a family, you are more than likely already spread thin. Adding school work to this equation is, without a doubt, not going to be easy.

One option you should definitely consider is part-time programs. Although they may take a little longer to complete, it might be what you need to keep sane as less of your time will be required each week. This is the principle of many online schools today—including one of the most popular, University of Phoenix.

In the Back to School Divas Facebook group, we’ve got members from around the country who are working mothers going back to school. We asked for their tips to help you power through:

LaTonya Grant said, “I work at the states mental health inpatient hospital…Stress is an understatement…I work two 16 hour shifts and one 8 hour each week…Plus school…Praying…Relaxing…And exercising helps me with my stress.”

Chanda Delia Wilson added “I worked as a contract nurse through the state and federal. I did this so I can make my own schedule.”

Bottom line: you’re not alone.

To get even further, and stay organized in the process, be sure to download the free Back to School Divas planner. This free resource includes templates for goal setting schedules, meal planning, grocery lists, and more.

African American woman smiling wearing cap and gown and holding diploma

Back to School Tips

February 6, 2019February 2, 2019

Am I Too Old to go to Grad School?

There are so many myths about grad school that many of us have heard. There’s the one about how, you should only consider going if you’ll be at a top school otherwise, it’s not going to be worth it (This is a lie). The...

There are so many myths about grad school that many of us have heard.

There’s the one about how, you should only consider going if you’ll be at a top school otherwise, it’s not going to be worth it (This is a lie).

There’s also the myth about how you can only get in with a 4.0 GPA (This is another lie).

But the one that really gets under my skin is the myth that grad school is only for the young.

This particular myth gets under my skin because it couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, statistics show that the average grad school student is actually 33 years old and the number of students who are 35 years and above is on the rise each year.

So if you’ve been thinking about going to grad school but are a bit hesitant because you’re in your thirties or older – I’m here to tell you that now is the time to finally pursue those goals.

Of course, there are a few things to keep in mind if you’re trying to get into a grad school program.

1. Your GRE Scores Are Very Important for Grad School Applications

You’re most likely aware that having a good score on your Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is important for any graduate school application. When you’re a little older, these scores can be even more important because they indicate your ability to handle the program you’re interested in.

2. Get Organized & Gain A College Mindset

So, getting into grad school is great and all – but it’s not going to be easy. You’re going to have to reach deep within to realize your goals. One thing you’ll need to start doing is getting organized.

There’ll be classes to attend and research to do, on top of all the day-to-day tasks you have as an adult returning to school. So, make sure that you create a schedule that involves meal prepping, study time, assignments or researching time.

If you want to get organized today, be sure to download the FREE Back to School Divas Planner. You’ll get access to weekly plans, goal sheets, meal planning sheets, and much more.

You may also need to reach out to your significant other or close family and friends for extra help if you have small kids. Set aside specific time over the weekend to get all your studying done. Whatever the plan is, communicate your needs to your loved ones and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

3. Draw From Your Life Experiences in the Classroom

I’m a firm believer in working with what you’ve got. Can you think of one thing that could give you an edge over your younger fellow peers? Your life experiences. The fact that you’ve lived, have worked, and have life experience always comes in handy when in grad school.

Your new college professors will enjoy engaging with someone who can draw from their real life experiences. You can add value to the class discussions. So start viewing your age as an asset you can draw from, Diva!

Going to grad school may have been a dream of yours when you were younger. Maybe you started to slowly let go of this dream because of that annoying perception that graduate school is only for young people.

Well, that’s not true. You’re never too young or too old for school. As long as you feel that your career can benefit from you furthering your studies, go for it Diva! You have nothing to lose and infinite opportunities to gain.

mature woman at desk sipping coffee and confidently taking notes on a journal from her computer

January 17, 2019January 15, 2019

Ace Your Next Research Paper With These Free Search Engines

Have you been assigned a research paper? Writing the paper is nothing short of a headache! Having the right resources could help you through this process. Choosing the right source material can also help set your work apart from your pee...

Have you been assigned a research paper? Writing the paper is nothing short of a headache!

Having the right resources could help you through this process. Choosing the right source material can also help set your work apart from your peers in terms of detail, authenticity, and unique point of view.

Let’s dive right in with free search engines for research paper writing that help you achieve the most out of your work.

Remember to join the Back to School Divas Facebook group for even more hacks from other Back to School Divas like you!

The Best Free Search Engines for Research Paper Writing

In order to access these free search engines for research paper writing, you only need an internet connection.

In some cases, the only other thing that you may need could be your local student email address/user ID.

Your personal info might be the key to help you access your university’s private search engines, which contain scholarly works and other resources for students only.

But the student ID is not required in all cases. For the free search engines outlined below, you won’t even need a university ID to access data to write your research paper.

Google Scholar

Google is the most popular free search engine for a reason. With specific algorithms returning relevant search results with each query, it is the Holy Grail of search engine technology.

That’s why it’s no surprise that the first name to make it on this list of free search engines for research paper writing is a sub-engine of Google.

We are referring to Google Scholar.

As a standalone service that curates academic journals, research works and other relevant contributions from academia from around the world, Google Scholar could be your one-stop solution to write your research paper under the virtual mentorship of experts from all over the world.

The only hiccup that you’ll experience here is an overabundance of content. Otherwise, Google Scholar has everything you need from free search engines for academic writing.

Microsoft Academic

Google and Microsift go hand-in-hand. From search engines to phone operating systems, these two entities are always head to head against each other.

It’s no surprise that Microsoft has its answer to Google Scholar ready in the form of Microsoft Academic.

Similar to what Bing is to Google search, Microsoft Academic functions in the same way as Google Scholar. It is the next best stop in free search engines.

The search function is a bit more cluttered than Google Scholar. However, it makes up for that flaw by providing a high number of valuable results.

Science.gov

What better database to trust for writing your science paper than one curated through experts hired by the government itself? Science.gov has all of your credibility and source issues resolved.

This resource includes peer-reviewed work that’s carefully selected by experts in various fields. Proven credibility makes it one of the best free search engines for academic papers in the field of science.

With several sources and various citations to check out, Science.gov will produce quality results. However, the selection here may not be as extensive as Google or Microsoft’s free search engines.

Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC)

The Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) is also curated by the U.S. government and provides academic search results from all over the web.

The sources that the ERIC uses are highly credible. A simple search could return hundreds to thousands of high quality results for your research paper. For this reason, ERIC remains one of the best free search engines for students.

Get better work completed, faster with the help of a large selection of sources and results.

Refseek

Refseek starts off with a simple-looking homepage. The interface is as simple as Google, and its search results are just as extensive in their offerings.

Refseek is a reliable source to pull data from several credible institutions and academia at once.

With a web-like search that uncovers even the most obscure works on the web, Refseek is an excellent option for finding unique sources.

These are some of the most widely used free search engines, but the list doesn’t end here. You may also look into these helpful resources:

You are now well on your way to becoming a research whiz!

Join the Back To School Divas Facebook group for even more hacks!

If you’re interested in receiving professional help with your essays, head over to UniversityWriting911.com and learn how we can help.

young woman smiling while using a planner

January 10, 2019January 14, 2019

Best Planners to Organize Work, School and Life

Diva, when you’re a student, professional, or a stay-at-home spouse or parent, the responsibilities that you have to juggle through on a daily basis can be overwhelming. You have so much you want and need to do. Where do you start? &n...

Research shows us again and again the writing down your goals is the best way to achieve them. That’s why looking into some of the best planners that help you track your goals, objectives or achievements all in one place goes a long way.

Which Planner is the Best Option for You?

The answer to this depends upon your preference, your needs, and what you want to focus on.

At Back to School Divas, we want you to have all the tools you need for success. That’s why we designed an exclusive planner download pack! You can now have your very own functional, systematic planner without breaking the bank.

Download the official Back to School Divas planner printable for FREE! Get pages for monthly and weekly planning, goals, meal planning, grocery lists, assignment trackers and more.

With that being said, if you’re ready to invest in a way to get organized, here are some of the best planners that could help you achieve those goals in 2019.

Best Overall Professional and Student Planner: Panda Planner

Panda Planner is known as the professional, personal and student planner for everyone.

When Panda Planner’s founder, Michael Leip, struggled through multiple physical and life challenges, he identified a need to organize his life in the most optimal, simple way.

Over years of work, Leip has eliminated the clutter and only kept the most important organization tools within this planner. His strive for excellence makes Panda Planner one of the most well-rounded on the market.

Here’s what makes Panda Planner so great:

Undated, so you can buy it any time during the year and start with your organization.
Segmented in monthly, weekly and daily sections, so you can plan over a stretch of a few days or over a smaller period of a few hours.
Lots of space to write, brain dump and take notes.
Comes with bookmarks for additional organizational support.

The Panda Planner does have its shortcomings:

The ‘box’ segmentation in all planning pages may make organization seem monotonous.
The design is simple for those who want more character out of their planner.

Best Customizable Planner: Eric Condren LifePlanner

If the Panda Planner is the best overall professional, personal and student planner, then the Eric Condren LifePlanner is its equivalent in customization.

What sets the Eric Condren LifePlanner apart is the focus on delivering in aesthetics as much as it does in planning.

This planner comes in a classic coiled design with colorful pages to boot. Choose your favorite design and customize with sticker packs and more!

Here’s what makes the Eric Condren LifePlanner one of the top options for efficient student planners:

Weekly layouts are available in multiple options: vertical, horizontal, or even hourly.
In addition to undated weekly and monthly planning, this organizational tool also has separate notes pages and a dreams notes segment.
Colorful design includes inspiring quotes and feminine, fun color schemes,

LifePlanner shortcomings:

The classic coiled design could serve as either a blessing or a curse. It is easier to flip pages, but can be quite a task to handle as opposed to usual hardcover or paper bound designs.
Personality in colors may be overwhelming to those who like to keep their planning simple.

Best Professional Planner: Full Focus Planner

The Full Focus Planner by Michael Hyatt is considered to be more than a planner, designed for organization and targeted at mostly “Type A” personalities who want the utmost management out of their daily schedules.

The Full Focus Planner is mostly used by professionals such as business executives, including C-Level execs such as CEOs.

This planner uses its own terminologies, making it different from other planners out there, and has gained a cult following that sets it apart from its competition.

Here’s what makes Full Focus Planner a good choice:

Unique planning system includes detailed guides by the creator. A great option for those who like a complete management program.
Apart from the system, there are daily, weekly, and monthly options, as well as a section for notes.
Comes with multiple bookmarks for quick referencing.

But Full Focus Planner also carries its own little list of challenges:

The planning system can take some time to learn, which poses a disadvantage if you are already swamped with disorganization and want to get going with planning and tracking immediately.
Doesn’t offer much in terms of aesthetics. and appears a bit bulky.

Best Dated 2019 Planner: Passion Planner

Available in dated, undated and academic versions, Passion Planner can be the planner for those who want to juggle between a few responsibilities at once.

Passion Planner offers monthly and weekly layouts while also providing a roadmap along with to-do lists. You can plan future appointments, write the list of groceries that you want to pick up the next weekend, or track anything else you like.

What makes Passion Planner a great all-rounder:

Since it’s available in undated as well as dated formats, it can be used by those who want printed dates on their planners. The dates are also available in academic formats, perfect for students and teachers.
Available in multiple sizes so you can choose one that you’re comfortable carrying around.
Challenges section makes it easy to set and track goals.
Stay motivated with roadmaps, to-do list sections, quotes and monthly reflection segments.

But as with all the other best planners on this list, Passion Planner does have its shortcomings.

If you get the dated version, your planner has an expiration date on it.
Little space to take notes or jot down to-dos, especially in the weekly layouts.

If you’re interested in a totally customizable planning system, check out our post on the totally Pinterest-worthy bullet journal system.

Remember, you can launch your 2019 strategy for FREE right now when you download the official Back to School Divas planner printable!

How are you keeping track of your goals this year?

2019 planner with checklist for goals, plans, and actions

December 27, 2018December 27, 2018

How to Set Resolutions For School, Work & Family That Stick: Make 2019 Your Year!

We all want to set resolutions and kick butt when the new year comes around. The end of the year is a time when most of us reflect on what we've accomplished, and start to think about what we’d like to achieve in the following year. Se...

We all want to set resolutions and kick butt when the new year comes around. The end of the year is a time when most of us reflect on what we’ve accomplished, and start to think about what we’d like to achieve in the following year.

Setting New Year’s resolutions is something human beings have been doing for over four thousand years! Although we’ve been doing it for a while, it doesn’t mean we’ve managed to get the hang of it.

How many times have you set the resolution of eating healthier in the new year and a month or two later, found yourself at the nearest fast food restaurant after work? How many times have you promised yourself to start that side hustle you’ve been dreaming about, only to get to the end of the year with no progress made?

The truth is, setting resolutions that stick doesn’t come naturally to many people. In fact, most people need a little help. If you’re tired of not accomplishing your new year’s resolutions and want to finally set resolutions that stick, you’ve come to the right page.

Start by Setting Small, Achievable Goals

Setting small, achievable goals will help to ensure that you reach your target and stay motivated to keep going. For instance, if you’d like to get fit, aim for 3 to 4 gym sessions a week. For an unfit person who hardly goes to the gym, this is much more achievable than aiming to the gym 6 to 7 days a week.

Share your 2019 Goals with Others

Speaking to your close family and friends about your resolutions will help to keep you motivated and focused because you won’t want to let them down. If you’re planning on quitting smoking, joining a support group can help you be around others who are going through similar struggles and help give you the strength that you’ll need to keep going.

Be open to sharing your resolutions as you never know where you can find strength that will motivate you to strive harder.

Take it One Day at a Time

You’re not going to achieve your resolutions overnight. Remember that whatever unhealthy habit you’re trying to kick developed over a long period of time and being patient with yourself is the only way you’re going to change it.

For instance, if you’re trying to eat healthier, you can start by aiming to drink more water, instead of cutting out all the unhealthy foods from your diet in one go. Once you’re comfortable with drinking lots of water daily, you can then start by cutting out unhealthy carbs and replacing them with whole grains, for example.

You can aim to cut out one unhealthy habit per month or per week and slowly, you’ll begin to develop that healthier lifestyle you’ve always wanted.

Reward Yourself

Giving yourself small rewards is a great way to encourage yourself to keep going, especially during the difficult days. Your rewards don’t have to be grand at all, they just need to be small things that will put a smile on your face as you reach your milestones. Reward yourself with a trip to the movies, going to a comedy special, or just a simple massage or bubble bath when you’ve achieved what you want.

There is no better time to start setting your new year’s resolutions than right now. Sit and think about them carefully. Decide on what you really want to achieve in the new year and then apply the above.

Want to learn even more tips and tricks on becoming your best self on your back to school journey and beyond? Join our email list and become a member of our Back to School Divas Facebook group!