Once you figured out the planning part of the process, it’s time to set up an office at home. Before the pandemic, you could’ve gone to a cafe or a library to study. Now, it might not be the option you’re looking for. Creating a study space at home can be safer and better.
Here is how:
1. Do not study in your bed. Your bed is the most comfortable place for you. It’s great for resting and getting your energy levels back. However, it is one of the worst places to study. Why? According to the studies, there are two reasons for that:
- Studying in bed limits your focus. A comfortable environment will make you want to sleep. This way your efforts are doomed from the beginning.
- Studying in bed will damage your sleep. Your body and mind associate your bed with rest. When you decide to go to sleep, your brain will continue thinking.
Besides, studying in bed can considerably harm your back. You should look for a desk or table to sit straight.
2. Find a place at home where you’ll study. The first thing you have to do is find a suitable chair and a desk. Place it in the quietest and most isolated corner of the house. Throw away all the unneeded stuff and make it neat and pleasant. Arrange all the study supplies and set up a laptop station.
Once you go into your study room, there will be no need to procrastinate. Choose what works best for you. Some people study better when they change places. If that’s the case with you, think about investing in a pair of noise-canceling headphones.
3. Decorate it and make it comfy. The first step is to remove all the unnecessary objects. Please keep what you need or arrange to have easy access to it. Things that you might need:
- Textbooks;
- Healthy snacks, tea, or coffee;
- Writing supplies;
- A comfy chair;
- A good lamp.
You can try to experiment with different lights. The best type is daylight, of course. If you prefer to study in the evening, then get yourself a good lamp.
Don’t be afraid to add some festive touches to your study area. It can be a funny mug, thinking pad, or a small decoration on your desk. The goal is to make your study area as comfortable as possible for you.
4. Have easy access to everything you need. As mentioned earlier, it is crucial to have everything you need nearby. First of all, you will not waste any of your time looking for it. Second of all, it will help you to focus longer on your goals.
Studying during holidays is not an easy task in itself. There are many distractions during the holiday season. Having things you need at the reach of your hand can help you accomplish more.
5. Remove all the distractions. When you set aside time for studying, try to be as focused as possible. Removing distractions can benefit you. Start by closing all the useless laptop tabs. Then hide your phone and other electronic devices. Don’t forget to switch off the TV if it’s playing in the background. For better focus, kindly ask people to leave the study space. [Related article: Balancing Healthy Screen Time and Distance Learning]
Keeping your study space neat and clean is essential as well. An unclean environment can hurt your inspiration.