7 Tips to Build the Perfect Study Spot

Image via Flickr by Jeremy Levine
Image via Flickr by Jeremy Levine

When you’d rather stay in the comfort of your own apartment to study for school, you can enhance your effectiveness by creating an area dedicated to studying your course material. Start with these quick tips to help you build the perfect study spot.

1. Seclude Yourself

Since more people are taking classes online, the demand for a home office is more important than ever. When taking online classes for nursing or other majors, it’s important to eliminate distractions so that you can focus on your schoolwork the same way you would in a regular lecture hall or in your university’s library.

Keep distractions at a minimum by setting up your study space in a quiet part of the house instead of in high traffic areas like the living apartment. Start with these ideas:

  • Convert an extra bedroom into a study spot.

  • Find a quiet corner in the basement or attic.

  • Set up your study spot on the porch.

2. Choose Your Color Scheme Wisely

A University of British Columbia study found that your chosen color scheme for a room affects your emotions when in it. A red color scheme will help enhance your attention to detail and is best for detail-oriented tasks. A blue theme will deliver a calming effect and enhance productivity, making it best for creative tasks. Choose your color scheme to reflect your typical study tasks within your major.

3. Skip the Entertainment Options

It may seem logical to add entertainment options like a TV to your study space so that you can easily take a break, but this can be more detrimental to your productivity than you might think. One survey found television to be one of the top distractions for people who live from home.

When the television is put in your study area, it’s easy to leave it on as background noise only to get distracted by the show you’re watching. If you’re going to take an entertainment break, take it in another room at scheduled times so you don’t get so distracted by what’s going on in your study space.

4. Ensure Adequate Lighting

When setting up your study space, choose a lamp or light fixture with full spectrum lighting. These types of lights are said to imitate natural lighting and improve your mood and performance. This is also great lighting for studying because it reduces eye strain from reading compared to other types of lighting. If you can, try to set up your study area near a window or area that lets in natural light.

5. Get Cozy

Get creative with your study spot! You don’t have to stick with the old desk and chair to make your study area an effective one. Instead, choose a piece of furniture that’s comfortable to you. If you’re most comfortable with good posture, invest in a nice office chair with great lumbar support and flexible settings. If you’re more laid back, put a comfy couch in your study space, where you can stretch out or snuggle in.

Whatever type of furniture you choose, make sure it’s comfortable enough that it gets you “in the zone.’ You shouldn’t be fretting about aches and pains when trying to focus on your course material. Start by looking at these cozy reading nooks for inspiration.

6. Keep it Clean

It can be tough to study when you’re worried about the clutter surrounding you. Keep your study area clean by investing in good storage solutions, like a study desk or a book shelf. Keep only your study materials in the space with you. Don’t let your kids’ toys or your work projects make their way into your study space as this will only cause distractions and keep you from performing at your best.

7. Add Air Fresheners

To top off your study environment, add an air freshener like a diffuser or candle. Start with a lemon or cinnamon scent to promote concentration. Use a peppermint scent when brainstorming ideas as it promotes clear thinking.

Where will you put your study spot, and how will you decorate it? Let us know in the comment section.

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