Find a Study Spot to Stay Focused

By  Layton Funk

Published on  July 9, 2020

There are a myriad of factors that contribute to a productive study session such as materials, resources, location, motivation, mental & physical health, and determination. All of these things feed into each other, but I would like to discuss how one factor affects the others: location. Where someone studies is as important as anything else involved with learning. It affects one’s state of mind in that they might feel distracted, unmotivated, or even too comfortable if the study spot is wrong.

Why Does My Study Spot Matter?

To determine the best place to study, you must consider what your study habits are and if they need fixing as well as your current state of mind. It is quite hard to feel motivated to do work, especially studying, but the place where you study actually affects this a lot. Having a set place that is pretty much only for studying will subconsciously make that study spot better. “This is where I study, so that’s what I’m going to do”. Always try to study in the same location, too. This designated study spot will be a consistent part of your studying schedule, further encouraging you to keep at it.

Where is Right for Me?

When choosing where to study, DO NOT be in a place surrounded by comfort or distractions. It may seem counter-intuitive to not study in your room, but, since that is the place where you sleep, you will be naturally inclined to be more relaxed there. Additionally, keep as many distractions away or off as possible. Turn your phone off, don’t open any social media websites, stay away from entertainment such as video games and television. Think about all of this before choosing your study location. It must be somewhere accessible to you your chosen time, be devoid of distractions, and be comfortable enough without being relaxing. Somewhere well-lit that you don’t frequent too often for any other reason.

Suggestions!

I often will offer a study spot to students based on their habits. I won’t say to study in their bedroom, but will suggest the dining room as a great place to study. Many people don’t even eat at the dining table anymore, but it won’t matter much regardless. You’ll be sitting in a firm chair, it’s well-lit, and isn’t somewhere you will go to relax. Other options include an office, if your house has one, the living room if nobody is in there and you don’t spend a lot of time there, or even outside at something like a patio table if the weather is nice. These are all places in the home. This is not to say that you can’t go to a library or coffee shop to study. Keeping it close to home will make it easier to keep a schedule going.

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