When you study, it's important to have a designated study space where you can focus and be productive. This space doesn't need to be fancy, but there are a few things you can do to set it up for study success. In this article, we will discuss how to.
When you study, it's important to have a designated study space where you can focus and be productive. This space doesn't need to be fancy, but there are a few things you can do to set it up for study success. In this article, we will discuss how to set up your study space so that you can achieve maximum productivity.
Study success tip 1: Own your space
If you're someone who struggles to focus when studying from home, it might be time to take a closer look at your study space. After all, your surroundings can have a big impact on how productive you are.
First, find a space in your home that you can dedicate to studying.
This can be a spare room, a corner of your bedroom, or even just a study nook. Once you have found your study space, ensure it is well-lit and comfortable. Consider adding personal touches to make it feel like your space, such as photos, artwork, or plants.
Make sure your study space is free from distractions. That means no TV, music, or social media. As tempting as it is, you should also avoid studying in bed, as this can make it harder to concentrate and mess with sleep schedules.
By creating a dedicated study space, you'll be setting yourself up for success from the start.
Study success tip 2: Find the hush
Choose a quiet spot. Finding a quiet location is one of the most important things to consider when setting up your study space. This will help minimise distractions and allow you to focus more easily on your work.
A noisy spot can lead to many physical and mental health ailments, including:
- difficulty concentrating
- increased stress levels
- hearing loss
- fatigue
- headache pain and
- decreased satisfaction with performance.
Studies conducted at schools have shown that kids with a desk and a quiet place do better in school, so this would certainly apply to adults.
Study success tip 3: Tool up
Next, outfitting your study space with the proper tools is essential for productivity. Make sure you have a comfortable chair and desk that are the right height for you. Invest in some good quality pens and paper so that taking notes is enjoyable and you're scrambling around for a pen that actually works.
And lastly, don't forget to include any tech essentials like a laptop or charger.
Hint: buy an extra phone charger to keep in the space, so you don't have to hunt for one and interrupt your study flow.
Study success tip 4: Comfy
Your surroundings can significantly impact how keen you are to study, so make them comfortable. Another critical element of creating a productive study space is making sure it's comfortable. This means having enough light, adequate ventilation, and furniture that supports proper posture.
If you have the room and budget, you might like to decorate with soft furnishings, including a nice floor rug, a chair with a cushion and inspiring artwork. These décor additions will make the space a delight to work in, and somewhere you look forward to spending time.
Study success tip 5: Push away the piles
Keep it organised: A cluttered and disorganised study space can be highly distracting. Take the time to declutter your desk and organise your materials so you can focus on your work.
'Piles of stuff accumulating on your office desk and the floor of your bedroom has a psychological effect, says Susan Whitbourne, Professor of Psychology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.'
Hint: once you've stopped studying for the day, set a timer for 7 minutes and tidy up your desk and study area, so you have no resistance the next time you sit down to study.
Study success tip 6: Let there be light
Natural light is also important, so try to set up your space near a window if you can.
A recent study showed that comfortable lighting was the second highest-rated wellness factor that leads to better productivity and engagement.
Good lighting can't be overstated. It can help improve your mood and make you more alert. If you don't have a lot of natural light in your home, try using a lamp with a full-spectrum light bulb. This type of light bulb mimics sunlight and can help improve your focus.
If all else fails and having a suitable space doesn't spur your study success, do what makes you happy. 'An extensive study into happiness and productivity has found that workers are 13% more productive when happy.'
Loving these study tips? We're on your side! If you want to study with an organisation that actually cares about your success, view our range of nationally accredited online courses or book a free consultation with us below.
