How to create an effective study space in your home

School’s been in session for a few weeks now, and it’s probably safe to say that either you or your children are already facing some tough assignments, and likely have an idea of which class is going to give you the most trouble. That’s why it’s important to have an effective study environment at home.

Before we jump into our tips, the most important thing is to find the right space in your home. If your home has a den, that’s a no brainer. A section of your bedroom or the basement also makes sense. Basically, you need privacy if you’re going to focus. Once you do pick a spot in your home, follow these tips!

Get comfortable

First and foremost, you need to be comfortable while studying. Make sure your chair is soft but firm, and keeping your posture in check. A chair can actually be a big investment in your physical and mental health. Don’t just grab a spare chair from your dining room. You can spend hundreds to thousands of dollars on a desk chair. Some people even swear by the exercise ball chair.

Limit distractions

Create a set of rules that prevents you from getting distracted. For example, rule number one can be “no cell phones.” It may be difficult at first, but believe in yourself. Once you’re disconnected for an hour or two, you won’t even notice. If the purpose of your study space is to focus on math, then get an actual calculator so you don’t have to rely on your phone. You could even invest in a Chromebook or new laptop that is for school work only, meaning it doesn’t have Netflix or any other games or apps on it.

Identify the purpose

If there’s one area in particular in which you’re struggling, then make your study space all about that subject. For example, if English is giving you a hard time, then make sure your study space has bookshelves, a dictionary, and a thesaurus. Yes, the latter two can be found online, but having tangible copies makes it feel more real and accessible. Always seeing the dictionary and thesaurus will remind you that they are available tools.

Get organized

A cluttered space can equal a cluttered mind. Some desks don’t have drawers, we say get one with some. Then inside those drawers, further divide your studying and academic tools. Shelving is essential as well. This way of compartmentalizing everything translates to your digital space, too. The folders on your computer should be clearly identified, with no loose files floating around or crowding your desktop.

Make sure it’s pleasant

After you’ve picked a space, found the right chair, created a set of study area rules, identified the purpose of your study space, and organized everything, you need to make sure that this is a spot in your home that you actually enjoy being in. A few items like art and photos will personalize the space, warming it up a bit so you don’t feel like you’re in some sort of isolated academic nightmare.

We hope these tips help you or your children ace their next test!