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It doesn’t take much to set up a productive study space. You don’t need an entire room or even any fancy equipment. In this podcast, I’ll share tips for creating a productive study environment using the space you have. 

First, reduce distraction. 

Find a spot in your home where you will not be distracted by the TV, your roommates or family, or even by a pile of laundry or a sink full of dirty dishes. Seek out a quiet space with minimal distractions, and consider a curtain or room screen if helpful. Use a fan, white noise machine, or relaxing music to further create an audial wall between you and the noises beyond your study space. Maximize your study time by reducing distractions from notifications on your devices. Use a focus mode, silence ringers, or simply switch unneeded devices off. 

Second, create a comfortable and task-focused environment. 

Start with a small desk, table, or even an unused TV tray that you designate as your space for coursework. Avoid slouching into a couch or overstuffed chair. Choose a supportive chair that allows you to sit with your knees at a 90-degree angle with your feet flat on the floor. Aim for a desk or table height that allows your arms to rest comfortably while typing. Make sure the space is well-lit near a bright window or lighting fixture. Use a reading lamp to illuminate your workspace and avoid eye strain. Amplify your focus by using scents to establish the purpose of your space. Essential oils from both lavender and rosemary have been found to increase concentration and memory (Moss & Oliver,  2012; Filiptsova et al., 2018). Try using candles with these essential oils to set the tone for a task-focused environment. 

Next, gather your tools.

Keep the tools you need to complete your coursework in your study space. Consider supplies like a charger for your laptop, reading glasses, notebooks or paper, pens, pencils, or highlighters, notecards, a planner or calendar, and sticky page markers. If there is a tool you need to complete your coursework, make every effort to stash it in your study space. Use baskets, boxes, or bins to stay organized and certain your tools are easily accessible. At the end of every study session, take a few minutes to tidy up your area, leaving it neat and inviting for next time. 

Finally, stay motivated. 

Put reminders of why you are going to school in your study space. Use your goals to keep you motivated and inspired through even the toughest course or lowest grade. Maybe photos of your family help you remember why you are in school, or perhaps an image or an inspirational quote reminds you of the career you want. Make this motivation part of your study space by including it on a mug or pencil cup, taping pictures to the wall next to you, or personalizing a three-ring binder for your course materials with the images and words that inspire you. 

Creating a productive spot to study doesn’t need to cost a lot of money or take up a lot of space. Think creatively about where you can designate a spot in your home for successful learning starting today! 

Until next time, this is Dr. Linscott with another Learning for Success podcast. Happy Learning! 

References 

Filiptsova, O.V., Gazzavi-Rogozina, L. V., Timoshyna, I. A., Naboka, O. I., Dyomina, Ye.V., & Ochkur, A. V. (2018). The effect of the essential oils of lavender and rosemary on the human short-term memory. Alexandria Journal of Medicine, 54(1), 41-44. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajme.2017.05.004

Moss, M. & Oliver, L. (2012). Plasma 1,8-cineole correlates with cognitive performance following exposure to rosemary essential oil aroma. Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology, 2(3), 103-113. https://doi.org/10.1177/2045125312436573