You may have a home office, or work on a flex schedule at home, but consider establishing a dedicated study space separate from your professional work space. If you have the option to create a study space, you may find it easier to focus and concentrate on your classes and school work.
Completing class assignments in a home office where you spend your workdays could be challenging - for some, part of their awareness and attention may be diverted to professional projects and tasks. If you spend eight hours a day in your home office, then a few more on classwork, you won’t get the change of scenery that signals your brain to shift gears to study and class time.
Many of us work outside the home, but have a place for bill-paying and household administrative work. This area may lend itself to a home study space, but be sure to put the bills and records away and out of sight. This will help minimize the distractions of the day-to-day demands of life.
The ideal solution, if space allows, is creating a dedicated home study room. You don’t have to spend a lot of money - you can repurpose your office chair during study time, or invest in an inexpensive but comfortable chair.
- Make a list of your most important needs. Is this a quiet area, away from the sounds of TVs and family activities? Is the area free of distractions?
- Once you have identified your space, keep it clean and organized. This will allow you to move into the space and segue directly into classwork without having to tidy up. It’s a good idea to put things away when you finish - your space will be ready for your next study or class session.
- Do you have a good light source? You can repurpose a lamp or lighting, or purchase one. Inexpensive, energy-efficient study desk lamps with multiple brightness levels and adjustable necks are available.
- Be comfortable, but not TOO comfortable! This is not your nap space. You need to stay alert and attentive.
- Make sure your space is prepared with textbooks, writing supplies, water, snacks, etc.
- Add personal touches if you like.
- Consider surrounding yourself with colors that enhance your activity - see the infographic for more on optimal colors for study spaces.
All these efforts for establishing a home study space will pay off - you’ll quickly habituate yourself into class mode in your space, and work at maximum efficiency with minimal distractions and noise.
By putting some effort into accommodating your need for focus on classwork, you can increase your chances of success. Combined with a defined schedule and a little discipline, you can proactively drive your success in reaching your educational and professional goals.
Be sure to read our 10 study tips for online students to further improve your focus when it comes to online classes and schoolwork.
