Being able to study from the comfort of your own home is one of the biggest advantages to studying online. And you might be tempted to curl up on the sofa or hijack the kitchen table.
But having a dedicated distraction-free space to work from can make your study sessions much more productive and effective.
So we’re sharing these five tips to help you create the perfect study space – whether you’re doing a master’s degree, an undergraduate degree, or you’re still in high school.
1) Keep it free from clutter
Keeping your study space organized and free from clutter can help you study more productively and efficiently.
And we’re not just making up facts to get you to keep your room tidy: there’s scientific evidence to back this up.
So keep your desk clear of scrap paper and empty coffee mugs, and use drawers and desk organizers to keep your space tidy. It’ll help you concentrate better!
2) Try to find a spot with natural light
Natural light can make us humans feel happier, more alert and more productive – so try and pick a spot for your study space with plenty of natural light!
If that’s not possible, then make sure your study space is well lit with artificial lights. Even if you have to buy a desk lamp (or two), it’ll be worth it to avoid straining your eyes by studying in the dark.
And pay attention to how your lamps are located. Make sure the light isn’t shining straight into your eyes (which is painful) or causing distracting reflections on your computer screen.
3) Make it positive and personal
Decorating your study space can help you stay motivated and make studying feel less stressful.
Try adding a small houseplant to your desk – there are studies showing having indoor plants in your work are can help you concentrate better and stay focused for longer.
Or put up a pinboard next to your desk and fill it with inspiring quotes and photos of friends or family. It’ll help you de-stress if deadlines have you feeling under pressure.
And consider adding a few pops of color to your desk! According to one study, red helps you feel more alert while blue can make you more creative. So choose wisely…
4) Make sure it’s comfortable
If your chair is uncomfortable and your desk is the wrong height, you’re not going to want to use your study space. No matter how cute it looks!
Plus, setting up your study space incorrectly is also bad for your body – it can lead to poor posture which causes aches and pains in your neck, shoulders and back.
So make sure that when you sit at your chair and put your hands on your desk, your wrists are in line with your elbows. And if you have a computer monitor on your table, make sure it’s at least an arms-length away from you.
That’ll stop you from feeling as stiff and sore as an 80 year old grandma every time you finish a study session!
5) Only sit there when you’re studying
Your study space is comfortable, clutter-free, full of natural light and cute decorations. You’re going to want to sit there all the time.
Don’t do it. Making your study space an area where you only go when you’re studying will teach your brain to associate it with learning. And that will make it easier for you to “get in the zone” and concentrate during your study sessions.
So unless you’re studying, stay out of your study space!
Thinking about studying online?
If you’d like to learn more about what studying at NAU Canada Online involves, you’ll find plenty of articles on our blog and information on our website.
And if you have any questions, schedule a consultation or give us a call on 855.210.5641 We’re always happy to help!