Want to boost your productivity and academic success? Research shows that the environment plays a significant role in student success. Several factors can affect a person’s cognitive performance, learning ability, and focus, including lighting, seating arrangement, noise, and even color.
A good study environment can be the difference between having a productive day and one that is filled with distractions. Here are some simple tips and tricks to create the perfect learning environment so you can be both comfortable and productive.
Choose a Quiet and Dedicated Workspace
Choosing a quiet workspace is the first step to creating the ideal studying environment. This can be your bedroom, a corner of your living room, or your kitchen desk – anything as long as it is a dedicated distraction-free zone for studying.
A calm, quiet space allows you to focus better and more deeply, which is key to learning more efficiently. You should also make sure your workspace is spacious enough to accommodate all your studying equipment and allow you to move around freely.
Additionally, you should ensure your workspace is clean and organized, at least while you’re studying. A clean, neat study space helps reduce stress and improve focus.
Get Good Lighting
Poor lighting can negatively affect your ability to concentrate on a task, while bright lighting has the opposite effect. Natural light is the best, but if and when not available, consider investing in a bright desk or floor lamp that doesn’t cast many shadows. But not fluorescent – it can cause glare and make you feel tired quicker.
One study of 21,000 elementary students showed that kids in the sunniest classrooms displayed 26% higher reading outcomes and 20% higher match outcomes than kids with the least daylight in their classrooms. The same goes for adults. So if you can, sit next to a window to take advantage of natural light as much as possible.
Ensure Comfortable Seating
Being uncomfortable is distracting, so make sure you have a comfy, supportive, and ideally adjustable chair or stool to sit on. When you’re comfortable, you can concentrate on your task for longer and absorb more information.
In addition to this, a comfortable, adjustable chair (and desk) will help you maintain good posture throughout your study sessions. If you can, invest in a comfortable, ergonomic, and adjustable chair that allows you to sit with your feet flat on the floor and your knees at 90-degree angles.
Eliminate Distractions
Try to eliminate or at least minimize distractions in your study area. This means no TV, smartphones, tablets, or anything with a bright screen and notifications. Either put your electronics in another room while you’re studying or put them on “Do Not Disturb” mode.
If your study area is in a room with a TV and you cannot turn it off, sit with your back facing the TV and use noise-canceling headphones. However, if at all possible, it’s best to study in a room that does not have a TV.
Add Inspiration
Different colors and images can have a variety of effects on our mood and feelings. For example, seeing art that resonates with you can uplift your mood and stimulate your creativity, allowing you to approach tasks with a positive mindset.
Also, staring at textbooks and screens for hours on end can cause not only eye fatigue but brain fatigue, too. Looking at art can provide a much-needed mental break and help recharge your brain. If you’re looking for an online art gallery, check out Singulart, as it offers a diverse selection of artwork in various styles and techniques that are sure to boost your creativity.
Final Thoughts
Many factors can affect your ability to focus, learn, and absorb information. Creating the ideal learning environment does take some time, effort, and investment, but it’s well worth it. These simple tips will help you stay motivated, concentrated, and make the most of your study sessions.
