Where to study

You may think that the physical condition of work such as the room furniture, lighting and ventilation are relatively unimportant. They do help you to concentrate better and work effectively. Research shows that students who habitually work in libraries do better than those who do not. The sight of others working simultaneously gives encouragement to work harder. Your behavior is disciplined and distraction from other sources is minimal. Keep following things in mind while planning where to study.

•Does your study area receive adequate light? Incorrect placement of the light source, excessive and insufficient light can cause eye strain. 

•  Does your study area receive adequate ventilation? Lack of circulating air can make you sleepy. In a room where there is inadequate circulation, the concentration of carbon dioxide increases. As a result, the brain does not receive a sufficient supply of oxygen and one tends to feel sleepy. Inadequate oxygen also causes poor concentration.

•  Does your study area offer space and comfort? You need a clear desk for writing and a comfortable chair for reading. Don’t get too comfortable. While studying, sit in an upright position. Do not slouch over your books while  reading or writing. It would be ideal to have a small shelf within arm’s reach, from your study table. 

•    Is there a lot of clutter on your study table? Keep your workspace neat. In addition, keep relevant stationary, such as paper and pen, at hand so that you don’t have to get up every five minutes to look for something. Ensure that you have sufficient space while writing. 

•    Are there too many distractions? Loud music, the blaring TV and people talking loudly can distract you. Control the noise level around your study area. Do friends distract you easily? Learn to say ‘no’ to your friends. However, if you cannot say ‘no’ easily, you can try hiding from them. 

Remember, hiding is not a permanent solution and is not recommended as a normal practice. Don’t answer phone calls while studying, most calls can wait.