Sports, learning, cleaning, work are just some of the things we can do in the comfort of our own home. All of these details of one’s life are quite important and often have to be completed within a specific time frame. Still, people sometimes forget about their responsibilities, filling their days with computer games and binge watching all the seasons of The Walking Dead, which never leads to reaching goals or done homework.
There are many habits and rituals that can help shape a productive day. But there are also many small things that will aid you in creating the ambiance that will motivate you to be more effective in your tasks.
Here are some of the little things that make studying more productive:
- Dress like you're actually going somewhere
Use the same cologne, the same style and don’t forget about the evening ritual of choosing an outfit. This way, you can trick your own mind into thinking that time for studying has come, which will automatically make you more motivated.
- Open the curtains and the windows
Working in a well-lit room (especially with natural light) is a good mood booster. Fresh air is another big plus. It's not comparable to a walk outdoors, but it's still much better than the air in your house (no offense). Fresh air helps our body get more oxygen, gives us extra energy and clears the mind.
As for natural lighting, it gives us a feeling of cheerfulness that artificial light cannot bring. In addition, the sunlight makes the mind feel relaxed, which has a beneficial effect on our endurance. It also helps lower blood pressure and levels of cortisol, the stress hormone.
- Plan ahead
You can plan literally everything: shopping, meals, breaks between studying sessions. This will help you stay focused and organized and keep you productive. Make studying your first and foremost plan for the day. It is best if you can start it in the morning (this minimizes procrastination).
- Just get started
Seriously, stop thinking about results or past mistakes. Don't think that it’s too late to start or that yesterday’s bad marks will lead to a new failure today. Just go for it and you’ll see what this new day brings you!
- Listen to music
It is well known that music can give you a good boost of energy for training or cleaning, as well as create a pleasant background while studying, without distracting you from your main activities. Listening to music at an average volume level develops creativity through the processes that take place in the human brain. According to research, music also motivates us to work faster and more efficiently.
- Light scented candles or use incense
Certain scents have been shown to lower blood pressure and stress levels, increase mental clarity, improve concentration, and elevate mood. In both the US and Japan, companies use a variety of incense to increase the productivity of employees, which promote focus, relaxation, receptivity, and create an overall tonic effect.
The most productivity inducing aromas are apple, lemon, roses, cypress, mint, lavender, jasmine, rosemary and cinnamon. In fact, any smell you like can create a more comfortable atmosphere, which in turn favors a good mood and a productive studying process. So, if you hate mint, but love the scent of orange, use the one you love - even if there is no science-backed benefit.
- Don't forget about proper posture and ergonomic furniture
If you're exercising outside of the home, get yourself a good yoga mat. If you're cleaning, wear something comfortable that won't restrict your movement or get in the way of your work. If you study or work, make your workplace comfortable.
You can sit at a table, wrap yourself in blankets on a sofa, or sit on the floor among the pillows. If you expect to be uncomfortable while studying, you are unlikely to concentrate at all.
When you're about to study, make sure your posture doesn't put too much strain on any part of your body, especially your back and neck. If, due to an incorrect posture during work, something feels not alright, you will get distracted all the time. As a last resort, at least try to change positions often to reduce tension in certain areas of your body.
Set timers for study sessions and breaks. The pomodoro technique and the forest application work great here.
- What to do instead of hanging out on social media
In breaks from studying, it is better to plan mini-habits for taking care of yourself - go for walks, play a musical instrument, do art, take a nap, play with your pet.
If you feel the need to update the feed on your Instagram, or you just really need to go to social networks - do it while eating or taking a bath. (Most importantly, don't drop your phone!). It won't make you feel guilty for wasting your time.
- Change of scenery
Living room, bedroom and kitchen - you can move around depending on the type of activity you are doing at the moment. For example, start in the living room. After a few chapters, go to the bedroom and sit at the table. There, you can draw some diagrams and do written assignments. Finally, on your bed, you can watch videos and listen to podcasts for your studies.
We hope you find these tips helpful! If you know of any other quick and easy ways to create an atmosphere conducive to effective learning, feel free to share them in the comments!
