More and more students across the globe are embracing home study. In the US, around 40% of students are enrolled in at least one online program, and around 48% of K-12 students have available online classes. Whether you attend class in person or you have embraced a distance learning program, you probably spend hours a week revising and/or preparing for exams at home. It is therefore important to create an ideal study environment; one that will help you focus, relax, and appeal to your senses. If you are thinking of redesigning your home study space, the following tips may help.
Making the Most of a Small Space
The first thing you have to do when setting up a home office is to find the perfect spot. Prioritize natural lighting, since sunlight helps you focus and increases your productivity. If you live in a small apartment or studio, be creative. You may have a closet by a window that can serve as a desk and storage space or a spot under the stairs that is warm and well-lit. Tiny home offices can be comfortable if you invest in an ergonomic chair (make sure it is adjustable and has a headrest that can tilt back if needed. Also, ensure that the armrests are at the right width and height to reduce strain while you are typing. You will need little else; a good Internet connection, optimal tidiness and organization, and an extra study lamp for nighttime should do the trick.
Bringing Nature Inside
Your study space should be tidy and on the minimalistic side to enhance focus. However, it needn’t be boring. Bring a little life into your space by embracing biophilic design principles. The biophilic design concept involves bringing plants into indoor spaces, using natural materials, and decorating your spaces with nature-inspired themes. By blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor leaving, you can feel at one with nature despite being indoors for most of your day. If you are studying in a shared zone, you can use natural elements (such as a vertical living garden) to separate your personal space from common ones.
Harness the Power of Color
If you’ve ever felt anxious in a yellow room and calm and cool in a blue room, chances are, you are already well-versed in the psychological effects of color. Currently, colors are used in therapeutic settings to energize, soothe illness and pain, and even boost circulation. For a calming space, blue, lilac, green, and lavender will do the trick. If you wish to study in an energizing space, opt for warmer colors like yellow or orange. You can add color to your space via decorative pieces, wall paint, or wallpaper. Lampshades and cushions, meanwhile, are excellent for adding unexpected pops of color to your space.
When you are studying, the main requirements are usually peace, quiet, and good lighting. When choosing your home study space, prioritize natural light over furnishings, since sunlight helps you concentrate on your study material. Bring a few plants and natural features indoors to induce a state of calm and focus. Finally, take advantage of the power of color to relax and open your mind to the information you are feeding your mind.