Creating the perfect study space drastically impacts how effective your studying time will be. In fact, it can make all the difference between acing that exam or flunking it. To ensure that you stay focused and in the zone, here are some tips to help you create the ideal study environment in your apartment.
Choose a Spot Near a Window
If you have a corner nook near a window, this could be an ideal spot to set up your study space. We, humans love natural light, and being exposed to even a little sunshine helps us stay focused. It’s also healthier for the eyes and skin than artificial light. If you don’t have access to a window, place a mirror or two nearby to reflect and disperse the light to brighten up your space.
Avoid Distractions
The number one detriment to studying is, of course, distractions. Make sure your study space is somewhere secluded and away from roommates, family, or chaotic noise. Also, leave your phone in another room or use an app to help you avoid the temptation to check messages or social media during study time.
Make it Comfortable
If you’re sitting for hours curled over a desk in an uncomfortable chair, you’ll likely be more focused on your pain and discomfort than your study material. Give your body and mind the best treatment to retain all the necessary information by making your space comfortable. Invest in a comfortable chair, ideally a business-grade chair with proper ergonomics. Additionally, use a desk that’s at the right height for you; an adjustable standing desk is a great option, and add a lamp with adjustable light warmth. The latter ensures that, even on rainy days or in darker rooms, you’ll have enough light to properly see what you’re reading without straining your eyes. The key is to make the space comfy and conducive to strain-free work, but not so comfy that you’ll be tempted to doze off.
Eliminate Clutter
Clutter can weigh you down mentally and physically. Try to clear away any excess clutter so you’ll enjoy spending time in your study space rather than dreading it. Decluttering includes everything from reducing the number of colours in a space, not filling your home office area with knick-knacks, and not cramming a bunch of furniture closer together. The latter is very important as you need the space to breathe and feel welcoming, not cramped.
High-Quality Equipment
Low-resolution computer monitors and laptop screens can make studying or working from home exhausting for your eyes and mind. Invest in high-quality, higher-resolution screens that get brighter and sharper, and your vision will be less strained. Also, what about your keyboard? Are you using something tactile and conducive for fast typing, or do you prefer an ergonomic design with low travel to minimize wrist strain? In addition, going back to monitors, it’s important to set them at a height so that your eyes line up with the centre of the screen. This may require swapping out your desk, chair, or screens, but it’s well worth it. A cheap monitor stand from Amazon may also do the trick!
Reduce Unwanted Noise
Even the sounds of traffic rushing by can be enough to pull your attention away from your material. For those who struggle with ambient noise, consider adding a rug to your space to dampen the sounds. You could also try using noise-cancelling headphones, wireless earbuds, or even a white noise machine to muffle out any sounds.
Add Plants
Plants not only look great, but they help to decrease anxiety, promote calmness, and they can even increase memory, concentration and attentiveness. Add a few of your favourite plants to your study nook to take advantage of the health, wellness, and décor benefits. Popular types include monstera, snake plants, cacti, succulents, ferns, and trailing plants that can be hung from baskets.
