Creating a distraction free study and homework space at home, is an excellent path to focus, productivity, and ultimately academic success. In today's multi-media rich, chaotic home-life environment, effective customization and consideration are the factors to consider in building a personal space to recharge student focus to learning and study, which can lead to deeper learning and information retention. This is true whether it is studying for tests, completing assignments, or doing a creative project - the space makes a difference!
This blog will help you find 10 easy ways to create an effective, comfortable and personally designed study space at home.
1. Choose a Dedicated Study Spot
Look for a quiet, uniform place in your home to use only as a location for studying. Avoid lived-in spaces that experience a lot of traffic and noise like your living room or kitchen. When you have a dedicated space for studying, sitting there will cause your brain to get into "study mode." Be sure you choose a space that is readily available to you, so your routine can be consistent. You can add some personal touches to make it inviting, but don't add anything that will take your attention off your responsibilities.
2. Eliminate Digital Distractions
Disable non-urgent notifications on your phone, computer, or tablet. Use apps like Cold Turkey or Forest or website blockers like the same name Cold Turkey. Get your phone out of sight or put it on Do Not Disturb while studying. Only use the apps or tabs you need if you have to use your device for research purposes or if you have online classes. Less online distractions make it easier to focus and also reduces unnecessary mental clutter while studying.
3. Optimize Lighting
Proper lighting reduces eye fatigue and increases alertness. It is optimal to be in natural daylight, so it is optimal to have your workspace near a window if possible. If you are not near a window, use a bright desk lamp that has adjustable settings. Avoid dim or warm lighting, as these can promote drowsiness and lethargy. Make sure the brightness of your computer screen is at the same level of brightness as your room, so there is no easy glare to cause fatigue. Proper lighting creates a comfortable environment that will provide longer study sessions, as well as more productive studying due to less fatigue and distractions.
4. Keep Your Study Zone Clutter-Free
A cluttered desk equals a cluttered mind. Keep only what matters to you on your desk -- your computer, notebooks, writing utensils, and textbooks. If you have unnecessary supplies, you can use organizers or bins to contain those supplies. Get in the habit of cleaning the desk and organizing materials regularly. You shouldn't stack papers, and food, or utilize random things (like cabinets, etc.) or unrelated things that clutter your study space. An organized, cleaned study space will minimize distractions or stresses while keeping your productivity functioning at full throttle. Every object in your study space should have a reason for being there, or purposely positioned for the purpose of your studying.
5. Use Comfortable but Supportive Furniture
A chair and desk are designed to promote good posture, so find a chair that has a back rest and be sure to also set the height of your desk so your arms can rest in a comfortable position for typing or writing. Avoid studying in bed or on the couch as you will likely be too comfortable and want to lay down while studying. Additionally, you should consider a laptop riser and external keyboard if you are using a laptop to keep the screen at eye level. All in all, the right furniture will ease any physical discomfort and support your capacity to focus for a longer period of time.
6. Establish a Routine and Stick to It
Having consistency that makes for stable study habits. Create a daily study schedule, mapping out studying, breaks and meals. Use whatever tools you need- planners, Google calendar, sticky notes - whatever it takes to plot out the tasks up ahead. By simply following a routine, your brain is conditioned to expect concentrated work at certain times. This will consequently build momentum for the future and help prevent procrastination. A consistent routine will keep your study zone active and purposeful, and help establish a strong role in the overall success of your academics.
7. Use Background Sounds Strategically
Some students report that they actually focus better with background sounds or instrumental music. Test out different ambient noise apps, such as Noisli, or lo-fi music playlists. Stay away from music with lyrics or songs with fast tempos, I have difficulty concentrating when I attempt this as it seems to confuse my brain. If you like perfect silence, try noise canceling earbuds, or earplugs particularly when you find yourself surrounded with a lot of noise, those create distractions. Pick your soundscape that works best for you to help you get "in the zone," and only use that soundscape, and use it for a period of time. When you use a soundscape of noise, you are conditioning your brain to work in a focused manner and associated with your sound environment.
8. Personalize Your Space Mindfully
Utilize motivational quotes, a vision board, or a plant to provide positive and inviting energy to your space. Use colors that calm or energize you (e.g. blue colors for concentration, green colors for a calm energy). However, be careful not to over-do it by putting too many things and contaminating the space; things that could become distractions. Instead, your environment should be a source of energy and motivation, not more distraction. A personal but purposeful environment helps you remain emotionally connected to your academic intentions.
9. Keep Study Materials Within Reach
Distribute all your supplies—books, writing utensils, chargers, calculators—within reach. This lowers the risk of disturbed focus due to walking away from your study. Use shelves, desk drawers, or pegboards to keep your items organized and accessible. If you have access to everything you'll need, you lower the opportunities to break your focus - and travelling for supplies is an avoidable excuse. Being fully equipped allowed smooth, uninterrupted blocks of focus and mental flow when switching between subjects or tasks.
10. Take Scheduled Breaks Away from the Desk
Techniques like the Pomodoro method (studying for 25 minutes and taking a 5 minute break) can be extremely effective. During the breaks you need to be sure to step away from your desk, stretch, hydrate, walk around, this helps to reset your mind and it's more productive to avoid getting burned out. Don't use social media when you break, as it can pull you in and you don't want to find yourself caught in there longer than planned. These breaks are scheduled to allow your mind to refresh and make it easier to come back and be productive when you begin the next study session! and not to mention you are in a zone free of any distractions!
Creating your ideal study space at home will take some work, prep, discipline, and a little bit of knowledge of what works for you personally. When you make that space right, create the space to eliminate distractions, develop your systems and routines, you'll have an environment to focus deeply and find success long-term. Even just demonstrating minor improvements to your setup and surrounding will really bring a huge difference in productivity and mindspace. As you learn a good or better practice over time you will not only have a comfortable study environment, it will function as a second home, which you will use to achieve your goals and guide the process.
FAQs
1. What if I do not have my own study space?
Take a quiet corner in your bedroom or sitting area and put on some noise-cancellation headphones. You may be surprised as to how much you can focus even in larger spaces. A desk, if it is organized, can create a study area.
2. How am I supposed to study if my family is loud?
You could try studying in the early morning, or late at night, when there are fewer distractions. You could also use earplugs or something like a white noise app.
3. Do I have to study at the same time every day?
No, you do not have to study at the same time every day, but it can help you develop a habit of studying by doing it at the same time. Furthermore, doing this would improve your ability to pay attention as your brain gets used to working at a certain time of the day.
4. Is music a good thing to listen to while I study?
Some people can find instrumental music or even ambient sounds helpful for focus. Avoid music with lyrics or distracting/rowdy rhythms.
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