Creating A Productive Study Space At Home

31Aug

We all know how important study is to exam success and educational progression. However, the way you study can have a huge impact on how productive it is. Some people study for long periods yet have poor retainment and do not achieve the results they desire. Conversely, productive students can study for less time but get greater results. So what is the difference?

There are several factors that contribute to effective study. Here are some useful tips to create the perfect study space.

Declutter the area

If your desk is messy, it will be harder to find things, which can stress you out. This will lead to procrastination and poor productivity. Get your space tidy and neat and keep it like this. It will make you more focused and efficient.

No Distractions

Ask yourself, what things distract you the most? Make a list of them all and ensure that these are not near the area where you are studying. Keep any phones or tv remotes in a different room and on silent. If you have to use a laptop, you can block sites that might distract you by downloading an app such as Self-control and set it for the amount of time that you want to study for.

Comfort is Key 

Make sure your study area is comfortable as you will be spending a lot of time there. This doesn't mean studying in bed, obviously, but make sure your chair is comfy and doesn't cause stiffness or strain. If you do get stiff or uncomfortable, take a moment to stand and stretch out your limbs.

Get the Right Light

Lighting is hugely important to create the optimum room for study. Don't make it too dark or you’ll be straining to read your notes and will become tired. If the lights are too bright, you may feel overstimulated and could end up with headaches. Try and get as much natural light as possible to minimise these negative effects and allow some open windows as fresh air is food for the brain.

Control the noise levels 

Controlling the noise is crucial to success. Depending on your learning style you might want some background noise, or you may want complete silence or perhaps something in between. Whatever your preference, try to find a space where this noise level is possible and consistent. If you encounter distracting noises that are unavoidable, use a good pair of headphones or earbuds to cancel these out or play the sounds you want.

Make it personal 

Add things to your space that are personal and make you feel good. Arrange photos or items of personal significance close by to help keep you grounded and provide some colour to boost your mood. Plants and flowers are extremely calming and add oxygen to the budding student. Your zone should reflect what makes you special. Feel confident there and you will thrive.

Ensure good time management

A clock should be easily visible from where you are sitting, ideally an easy-to-read digital one and not a smartphone (otherwise you may be unable to check the time without checking your Snapchat as well). It is also good to keep a revision schedule close by so you always know what you should be doing and how long you should be spending on it.

Have Stationery and Snacks at the Ready

Your revision will be broken up constantly if you keep getting up to find stationery or snacks. Ensure that you have everything you will require on a regular basis close to hand and you’ll save yourself time and energy that is better spent studying or taking a proper break. Have some energy boosting snack on hand at all times - raisins and nuts are simple to snack on and will help keep you energised.

Keep It Up
Setting up your dream study space is only half the battle. It’s vital that over the next few days and weeks you don’t allow it to become messy and disorganised. Don’t leave out books or work that you don’t need urgently and dedicate five minutes every morning to cleaning up the room you’ll be working in.

Step Back to See Clearly

It’s easy to convince yourself that you’re being productive when you’re creating a study space, but it can sometimes become a form of procrastination itself! Remember that the most important thing about having an area to revise in is that you actually do some revision. If you find yourself organising your post-it notes for the fifth time in an hour, you might not be getting the best use out of your time.