Have you ever thought about how your surroundings can have an impact on your study sessions? Believe it or not; the setting in which you study can have a significant influence over how well you’re able to concentrate.
Environmental factors like lighting, comfort, and distractions should all be considered when finding a place to settle down and hit the books.
Lighting
Always make sure you have adequate lighting when you are studying. Reading in dim light puts a lot of strain on your eyes, which causes them to become tired. This can have a negative impact on your study session, because if your eyes are tired, your ability to keep reading will quickly diminish, thus cutting your studying short.
Studying late at night in your dorm room while your roommate sleeps probably isn’t the best place to hit the books. Try studying outside, under the sun for some of the best lighting.
Comfort
Common sense says that if you are going to be sitting for a long period of time, then it is best to find a comfortable place to sit. A typical place to study is at a desk which is the perfect choice as you have an ergonomic chair.
As tempting as it is to sprawl your materials over your bed and study there, I’m not sure it’s the best option. This might just be me, but every time I do this, I end up with an aching lower back mid-study session. Sitting in an upright position with a supportive surface behind you can cure this problem, as well as make for more enjoyable study session.
Distraction
This is probably the most important factor when finding your perfect place to study. It’s nearly impossible to concentrate when your are constantly being interrupted. From cellphones and Facebook, to the music blasting down the hall, distractions are everywhere. To combat other distractions, it’s best to find a place to study that is quiet and secluded.
If the dorm room is your only option, invest in some earplugs or noise canceling headphones. Both work wonders for immersing yourself in complete mental clarity in even the most chaotically loud situations.
Other Things to Consider
While lighting, comfort, and eliminating distractions are all important factor to consider when studying, there are other things you should bear in mind as well.
For example, the time of day you study can affect how productive your study session is. It has been said that people are more productive during the day, opposed to the night. I’m not sure how true this is, but the important thing is finding the time when you are most efficient, and studying then. For me, this time is right after I’m done with class.
Another key ingredient for a good study session is the physical place you are studying. Many people swear the library is the best place to study, while others find solace outdoors. It doesn’t matter where you study, as long as it works for you. Heck, Sean form HackCollege.com claims the laundry room is his favorite place to study.
Also, don’t forget to eat something before embarking on a long study session. I don’t know about you, but when I’m hungry, food if the only thing on my mind. Try some of these brain-boosting foods before you hit the books.
What is the recipe for your perfect study session?