Everyone needs special conditions to study. Sometimes it’s the place, sometimes the sounds or the lack of them, and sometimes we just want to be comfortable and undisturbed. Whatever the preferred manner of studying, the fact remains that in order to do it successfully we need the perfect space for it.
But sometimes we are too tired and nervous and have a hard time figuring out how to achieve this, and that’s where the following advice comes in handy.
Evaluate yourself
You’ve certainly studied before, but have you noticed what makes it easier to learn and what turns it into torture? Well, besides the matter you’re studying, of course, think about all the circumstances where you had trouble concentrating on the material. Knowing what interfered with your studying will determine the conditions you need, and subsequently how to obtain them. Prepare all the necessary tools like pens, post-its, and paper, for example, before starting to study so you don’t interrupt yourself with looking for them later.
Remember, you are your own best study buddy so make sure you know everything there is to know in order to feel comfortable and ready to hit the books.
Set the conditions
Some people like to go to the library and study surrounded by other people there doing their tasks in quiet. Some like to do it alone, far away from others and noise. There are those who are bothered by the complete silence, so they have to have the TV or radio on. And others study more easily with a partner. Whatever the preference, make sure you know exactly what atmosphere is best for you and how to obtain the best results. If you’re in imperfect conditions, then either try to adapt your surroundings or yourself.
Remember, you are the one who can change the environment so don’t use it as an excuse but just see it as another obstacle to overcome.
Choose the place
The next step is to determine where you feel comfortable to get in a studying mood. Most would choose their bedrooms since it’s the place they call their own and it feels logical. But actually, that can prove to be wrong. Because of the bed, many will subconsciously connect their bedrooms with rest, so the mind will be drawn to rest more than staying awake and memorize the study material. If you have a desk, the best thing would be to place it so your back is to the bed. It would be preferable if you didn’t share your bedroom with anyone or their presence might break your concentration.
Remember, just because you have a desk in your room it doesn’t mean it’s the perfect location for studying. If there’s any other place in your house, ask for help to adapt it for studying, for example, the attic or basement can easily be turned into your new studying spot with minimum effort and maximum results.
Be comfortable
Now that you’ve chosen the location, try to make yourself comfortable, but not too much. For example, even though you are at home, change from your pajamas to sweatpants or whatever you feel comfortable in because you want to change the setting from resting to studying. If you are using the computer, make sure you are sitting properly and that your hands are positioned right. This may seem insignificant, but after a while, you will develop pain and possible injury to your joints and nerves which can cause lifelong difficulties.
Remember, place everything you need close to you, but in a way that it doesn’t get in your way or disturb you while studying. Make sure that the light is not too bright or too dim, so you avoid eye problems, headache, and sleepiness. You can always use super cheap self-storage solutions in Central Coast or anywhere else for that matter to store anything that might get in your way during studying, and thus declutter your space and make it more comfortable.
Determine the rules
Be sure to tell all the others you live with, or the people you are regularly in touch with that you’re starting to study so that they understand why you are unavailable or indisposed. This also means that you should abide by those same rules too, meaning that the studying must come first and socialize second. Don’t think your behavior is rude or uncaring, but rather rational, logical and beneficial for your progress.
Remember, studying all the time is also not good for you. Make a deal with yourself, for example, that after you finish a certain segment of your study, you can go out with friends or hang out with loved ones. This will ease up the tension and help you stay focused.
Finally
In the end, it’s all up to you and how well you know your habits and moods when it comes to studying. What worked for you in high school, might not work now, so in a way, it might be interesting to get to know this new student. But, remember, no matter how hard or even impossible it may seem, you can get through it just with some good organization, planning and not being afraid to ask for help.
Helen Bradford is a literature and business enthusiast who constantly seeks new ideas to write about. She spends her spare time doing fitness and traveling.
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