Whether it is one place you always return to or a collection of features you recreate wherever you go. When you knuckle down for a session of sustained study, what you surround yourself with matters.
Everyone is unique. Preferred approaches, access to materials, available locations and other variables all impact how we engage with learning outside of the classroom. To develop a baseline, letâs outline some core outcomes a learning space could (should?) achieve.
Comfort - Youâll spend a good chunk of time here, letâs avoid aches and pains.
Equipment access - Keep your resources, materials and equipment organised and close by.
Appropriate stimulation - Try not to overcrowd your space. Clean, minimal, with a dash of inspiration.
Minimal distraction - Separate yourself from the everyday noise, turn off notifications and focus UP!
UP! your focus
Get in a position where you feel good. No, this doesnât mean lounging on the couch or laying in bed. If possible, separate your study space from where you eat, play or relax. You are about to focus. Associate the two for motivation.
Avoid cluttering up your area. Organisation is key. Consider a visual prompt; your calendar or schedule, a to do list, your goals, maybe a photo of a destination you inspire to visit, maybe add a plant. But keep it simple.
Technology can help. Headphones cut outside noise (even without music). Put the phone away. Need it? Then activate âDo not disturbâ! Use timers (Pomodoro is popular). Donât slog for hours on end, take breaks to move, stretch and reset.
Find a chair that doesnât dig into the back of your thigh after 20 minutes (so, probably not a dining chair). Make sure your feet can rest flat on the ground. If the chair is too high, get a footrest. You might like a pillow behind your back.
Make sure your desk isnât too tall. Your elbow should make a slightly obtuse angle (more than 90 degrees - maths). Try not to lean on your desk. Engage your core and sit as straight as you can. Your future back will thank your now self.
Lighting is important. Natural light is the best. But the moon isnât quite good enough at night. Consider some passive lighting behind a computer screen and above your study space so youâre not huddled in the dark.
Fresh air or some form of temperature control goes a long way to sustain your focus. Water and food are also pretty crucial. Top up your bottle before sitting down and grab some healthy food. Grapes are good mess-free brain fuel.
Avoid unnecessary interruptions. Let others know you are locking down to study. Have a visual cue to say you are in focus mode, hang a sign on the door. Set boundaries to maximise your opportunity for brain nourishment.
Study space checklist
Lighting - not too bright
Airflow - temperature control
Chair - feet on the ground
Desk height - obtuse elbows
Book / laptop / monitor position
Drink - H2O for the win
Food - avoid a sugar crash
Notify others you are studying
Disable your phone
Headphones - buffer noise
Timer - tackle content in chunks
Remove clutter
Keep things in reach
Notepad
Pen/pencil
Resources / materials
Schedule / goals
Inspirational kitten poster