How To Create a Study Space To Improve Productivity In 6 Easy Steps

Studying is a crucial part of being a student. How well you study can determine your academic performance and confidence when stepping into the classroom. For many though, studying is hard. Distractions come in so many forms these days, making it important to find a study method that works best for you. 

One of the best ways to ace your study sessions is by creating an optimal study space—a dedicated area just for studying can help boost your productivity and focus and improve your mental health overall.

The best places to study are clear of clutter and distractions, eliminating the mental fatigue that simply comes with being in a messy space. Whether you’re in high school, college, or beyond, here are 6 easy steps to make the perfect study space at home. 

Why A Study Space Matters

A dedicated study area is essential for many people. Reports suggest that having a space reserved specifically for studying creates a mental tie to the space. Your brain will come to recognize that you need to concentrate on the task at hand when you sit down in your designated spot.

This psychological connection is likely to boost your overall productivity and make it easier to concentrate on what you’ve sat down to do—study. Your separate workspace may even improve your sleep since your space for work is physically, and therefore mentally, separated from the place where you go to rest.

Step 1: Choose The Right Location

When creating your study space, choosing the right location is the most important decision. Start by thinking through your home. Where do you currently study? What works about it, and what doesn’t work? Reflecting on these questions will help you choose the right location for studying.

You get bonus points if you’re able to find a study spot that has windows for natural lighting. Studies show that natural light boosts your mood and improves focus, making your study sessions even more effective. 

Find A Quiet And Distraction-Free Area

Studying requires attention and focus, so it’s important to choose an area that limits any possible distractions. It is best to avoid high-traffic areas like the living room or kitchen. 

Some excellent spots that can be converted into a productive study space at home are small corners, repurposed closets, or shared spaces that are quiet and allow you to wear headphones.

Step 2: Set Up The Essentials

Once you find your perfect study spot, it’s time to set up your workspace. Make sure to take the time to gather the furniture and study tools you need so you don’t get distracted looking for something during your study sessions!

Furniture And Tools You Need

When it comes to studying, it’s important to get a sturdy desk to support you while you work. The last thing you want is a rickety table that only distracts you from studying! Additionally, an ergonomic chair is incredibly important, especially if you expect long hours spent studying.

An ergonomic chair may be expensive upfront, but it will ultimately support your posture, improve circulation, and boost your productivity. Position your desk and ergonomic chair as close to natural light as possible to sharpen your focus even more.

Finally, make sure to have notebooks, stationery, pens and pencils, and laptop chargers easily accessible. There’s nothing worse than having to rummage through drawers to find a rogue notepad!

Here is your study space checklist:

• Sturdy desk
• Ergonomic chair
• Notebooks, paper, or other stationery for writing and notetaking
• Pens and pencils
• Desk lamp
• Laptop charger
• Wifi router (if needed)

Step 3: Cleanliness And Organization is Key

Cleaning is a research-approved way to reduce your brain’s stress levels and boost productivity. By starting work in a clean and organized space, you’re setting yourself up for academic success. Cleaning your study space may be as easy as putting your notebooks away in a designated drawer or putting any used pens away at the end of a study session. These habits, though small, can significantly impact your overall studying performance. 

One of the best ways to stay organized is by using storage solutions like shelves, desk organizers, and drawers to keep materials within reach. Additionally, find some products that you enjoy using. This is a simple way to help you stay on top of cleaning your study space regularly. This may include having your favorite scented candle nearby or freshening the air with essential oils like eucalyptus and peppermint. If you are a college student that has to study in their dorm room, also be sure to keep the surrounding laundry and bedding fresh by choosing the best laundry detergent sheets to eliminate fabric odors.

Declutter And Organize Your Space

When it comes to organizing your study area, start by decluttering. This means getting rid of any items that may cause distractions. Things like desk games, calendars, toys, pictures, and other non-study items should be cleared out. In a nutshell, less is more when it comes to organizing your study environment.

If you’re skeptical about whether cleaning your space will really make a difference, research proves that cleaning significantly impacts your mental health and studying performance. A 2011 study showed that having too many items in your field of vision makes it harder for the brain to concentrate on the task you’re trying to focus on. Another study from 2017 reported that clutter was closely tied to higher rates of procrastination, feeling overwhelmed, and a lower quality of life.

So, when it comes time to create a study space of your own, it’s essential to take the time to keep it clutter-free and organized to help you make the most out of each study session.

Step 4: Lighting And Ambiance

Studying takes up a lot of time! Because of this, it’s important to enjoy your study space. One easy way to make your space more enjoyable is by opting for warm lighting and an inviting ambiance. This may not be an option for some people, depending on their living environment. But if you have the option to change up the room’s lighting or ambiance, go for it!

The best lighting source for studying is natural light because it provides your body with vitamin D, an essential vitamin for boosting your mood, focus, and overall brain function. If natural lighting is not an option, choose soft LED lamps to create a calming environment.

What’s most important in any study setting is that you have proper lighting to avoid eye strain. So, you may need a combination of natural and LED lighting to ensure you can properly see the study materials in front of you.

Create A Focus-Driven Atmosphere

As described above, clutter distracts your brain and makes it harder to focus on studying. To create a focus-driven atmosphere, spend time adding personal touches to the room, like motivational posters. However, don’t go overboard when it comes to decoration; keep the decor minimal to avoid brain overload, but add just enough personal touches so you feel motivated and comfortable.

Other considerations when making an effective study space are to prioritize your comfort and limit distractions. Adjust the room’s thermostat before getting started so you’re not distracted by the temperature mid-studying. Also, ensure the space has adequate lighting so you don’t strain your eyes trying to read the materials in front of you.

Ultimately, minimize the distractions around you and set yourself up for success.

Step 5: Minimize Distractions

There are so many distractions in our daily lives that it can be hard to focus on just one thing at a time. For young adults, the average attention span is just 76.24 seconds and declines with age. This alone shows that minimizing distractions is hugely important in trying to extend this attention span to bring as much focus as possible to studying.

How To Create A Distraction-Free Zone

To create a study space with no distractions, try following these steps:

• Remove electronics not necessary for studying from your study space
• Set boundaries with family members or roommates to minimize interruptions
• Use research-approved focus techniques and apps designed to help you stay concentrated, like the Pomodoro app 
• Use noise-canceling headphones or classical music to stay on track

At the end of the day, there is no single correct way that works for everyone, without fail. Try one, two, or all of these ways to create a distraction-free zone. Some tips may work for you and others won’t. If you find alternate ways to help you stay focused, that’s great too!

Step 6: Maintain And Refresh Your Study Space

Part of maintaining your new study area is keeping it clean and refreshed. Putting notebooks on the shelf, placing pens in their holders, and closing your laptop are easy ways to keep your desk tidy. That way, when you sit down for your next study session, your space is ready to go!

Keeping The Space Tidy And Fresh

When it comes to tidying your study space, try to make doing so part of your daily study routine. But it goes beyond that too—regularly refresh the materials you have in your study space to keep it functional and comfortable. Maybe get some new notebooks and restock your pencils as you wear them down.

Another way to keep your space feeling fresh is by reorganizing every now and then. Doing so makes you take a closer look at what’s on your shelves, what clutter can be tossed, and what needs replacing. Reorganizing your space is also a great way to keep the environment stimulating so your brain remains alert and focused throughout each study session.

Be sure to also maintain a regular laundry schedule if you have to study in a bedroom area to prevent clothing clutter and odors from building up. Try one of the best non-toxic laundry detergents for a fresh, clean smell that won’t distract your nose during study time.

Conclusion

Study spaces are an amazing way to get the most out of your study sessions. Whether you’re struggling to stay focused, overwhelmed with noise, or simply feel stressed by studying, setting up a designated space for this tedious task is one of the easiest ways to make studying more enjoyable.

All you need for an effective study space is a sturdy desk, an ergonomic chair, and a tidy space. Remember to make your study space your own so that you feel comfortable and look forward to returning to it! 

Have you made a study space you love? Share a picture of your new study space and any additional tips that helped you find studying success!