Let’s talk about studying. You might be a student or someone who just enrolled to get a Master’s degree online. In any case, you are back to school and need a space that is conducive to productive studying habits.
Admit it: It’s easy to do the things that you love -- like playing video games, chatting with friends, reading your favorite novel. On the other side of the spectrum are things that do not like doing like chores or studying. In this case, you need to put in the effort to stay focused and dedicated to finishing tasks.
Internally, you can prepare your mind to study. But the environment must also enable you to concentrate, especially if you are tackling a tough subject or assignment. What you can do is to create a learning space in your home instead of going to cafes to lessen the exposure to the virus. Some libraries are also closed due to the virus, so your home or dorm is the most ideal place to study for now.
But this can also be tricky because your home is associated with comfort. In any case, getting out of the way to create a study space will help you to redirect your energies and make the most of your studying time.
Here are some tips that you can use to start cultivating highly effective studying habits:
1) Find a place that is exclusive for studying -- This can be a part of your room, couch, or kitchen. A solitary room is preferable but if space is an issue, you can skirt your way around this. You can be creative and use a space in your closet or a tiny desk in your kitchen. Need more help in the design department? Read This Old House article to find different design inspirations. The idea is to find a place that is quiet, comfortable, and free from distractions.
2) Use the right furniture -- In addition to the point above, you must use furniture that would help you to stay productive. For example, a height adjustable desk can help you to switch from sitting to standing in a jiffy. The transitions are good for the body since prolonged sitting is bad for health.
3) Have the right lighting -- According to this Love to Know article written by a former commercial and residential designer, task lighting is needed if close work is needed. The article further said that a good light source is necessary even if all the work is done on a computer to avoid eyestrain.
4) Set the right temperature -- According to this U.S. News article, a too-hot temperature can negatively affect learning. Meanwhile, this Forbes article mentioned that low ventilation has been shown to reduce attention, vigilance, concentration, and memory. Just find the right temperature that suits you -- not too hot or not too cold to distract you from studying.
5) Play the right music -- The right background music can help you focus more and retain more information. In this blog article from Northcentral University, the recommended playlist includes classic, spa, nature, or meditation sounds. There should be no lyrics as much as possible.
6) Maintain a clean area -- An organized desk will lessen the time of finding files or supplies on the table. If you have a clean desk, you can directly study and not spend time decluttering. In this case, a great storage system will help you to stay on track. Try installing an under desk drawer so you can segregate your files and supplies properly.
7) Keep the gadgets for the time being -- Okay, you need the Internet to study. But don’t cheat: You can limit your Internet usage so you can finish your tasks. Keep a tab of what distracts you like your tablet or phone and hide them if necessary. If friends keep sending messages, turn the phone to silent mode first. You can also try to explore installing apps to further boost your focus. Get to know some apps from this list compiled by Zapier.
8) Reward yourself -- Studying need not be such a chore. You can also make it fun by giving yourself incentives. For example, create a game with yourself where you study for an hour straight. After that, you can give yourself a treat while on a 30-minute break. Then do the same thing for the rest of the day so you can have a solid studying pattern.
You can do it!
You are more than capable of doing things that are not your liking. Stay away from procrastination so you can have a more productive study session. It’s worth it especially if you ace your exams and pass a subject or two with flying colors.
