10 pro tips for studying without stress
Studying at home can be difficult. All it takes is an end-of-semester exam or an assignment due tomorrow, and all of a sudden you get the urge bake cookies, clean the bathroom, or catch “just one more” episode of your favourite show.
Sound familiar? Don’t worry! There are ways to stay disciplined and motivated, such having a neat and tidy space for at-home study. Your surroundings are definitely an important part of the equation. Let’s take a look at how you can study smarter, at home.
- Create a dedicated space
Creating a study space is the best way to get motivated. A comfortable, functional, and specially adapted space that’s pleasing to the eye will boost your sense of productivity.
No separate home office? Use a different room to create a cozy little corner where you can concentrate. While it’s best to keep the bedroom for sleep, you can still create a tucked-away workspace, preferably by a window. The living room can also be part of the curriculum. To minimize distractions (TV, the couch), set up your study space near a window and use a bookshelf, screen, or curtain as a separator.
Studying at the kitchen table should be your last resort. There’s enough space for your laptop and papers, but it’s still annoying to have to move your stuff every mealtime and deal with your family or roommates coming in and out all the time.
- Decorate your space for inspiration
Take a moment to make your study space your own and decorate it to your liking. Keep to the basics and choose things that will enhance the appeal and efficiency of your setup. We’re thinking a plant, photos, a mirror, and attractive storage for your chargers. Good lighting is key, and the right lamp can make all the difference. Brightness plays an important role in motivation and morale. In short, create a space that you’re excited to settle into in the morning, even if you’re still in your PJs!
- Ergonomics that make the grade
Your furniture and accessories should be comfortable and appropriate for studying. Proper lighting will reduce the risk of eye strain, and an adjustable chair will help you maintain good posture throughout those long study sessions. Make sure your arms are perpendicular to your desk, your computer screen is at eye level, and your chair has good back support. And remember to get up and move for a few minutes every now and then.
Be clever about storage
File your course notes in clearly labelled folders and keep your computer files organized. Whatever the format of your documents, organize them regularly! Keep reference books and papers away from potential hazards such as spaghetti sauce and coffee mug rings. If you don’t have a filing cabinet or bookshelf, use a storage box. Pick one in a colour or finish that complements your surroundings. Keeping things tidy not only makes studying easier, but also makes your study space more enjoyable to spend time in.
Limit distractions
Some people can’t concentrate when there’s background noise. If you’re one of them, try noise-reducing headphones. Prefer studying with a little bit of background noise? Easy-listening instrumental music could be the solution to a successful session.
Besides background noise, there’s another constant threat to your focus—your cell phone! Whenever possible, turn it off while you’re studying or leave it in a different room and block notifications. Embrace the opportunity to improve your digital discipline!
Perseverance and motivation
It’s not easy to put all these good habits into practice overnight. The important thing is to stick with it and try a variety of tricks until you find what works for you. Simply setting aside time to study every day will help you stay on top of things and reduce the risk of a failing grade. And even if your schedule allows for flexibility, try to stick to a routine.
- Manage your time
A few simple things can make all the difference to how you study and manage your time. For example, starting early on a big research project or exam prep, or breaking a huge block of study material into smaller chunks, can work wonders for your motivation. Having a study schedule will allow you to better organize your time and focus on your priorities. Also, pinpoint the biggest drains on your time (social media, TV shows, video games) and make them a well-earned reward after you’ve hit the books.
- Switch things up
Changing up how you study will help you retain the material. Reading, taking notes, creating flash cards, rewriting key points in your own words, and repeating content aloud as if you were explaining it to a friend are all great tips for keeping your mind alert and boredom at bay and to help with memorization.
- Take short breaks
Even if you have a lot to get through and you’ve created the perfect study space at home, it’s important to take regular breaks. Have a cup of tea or a snack, listen to music, or step outside to stretch. There’s nothing like fresh air to clear your mind and hit reset! Decide how long your break will be and don’t start anything that would take too long or discourage you from getting back to studying. Beware the social media trap—it’s all too easy to lose focus and lose track of time!
- Unclutter your mind
A healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, a regular sleep schedule, and time for exercise, helps keep you in tip-top mental and physical shape to study. Write down your assignments and all the ideas that come to mind. That way, you won’t forget anything and can easily pick things up again when you have a good block of time for studying.
Tenant insurance: A smart move for peace of mind
Don’t let the unexpected ruin your beautiful new study space! Purchase tenant insurance to protect your belongings and equipment, such as your desk and computer, and for third-party liability coverage. In insurance AND in education, it’s best to plan ahead and act right away! Contact one of our damage insurance representatives today!
Good luck with your studies!
