How To Create a Distraction-Free Study Environment: 10 Tips

Learning is an integral part of every person’s life. We all find certain circumstances that allow us to do it productively and in a comfortable environment. Some people do this with ease and manage to devote only a couple of hours a day to study, but many face the problems of organizing the learning space.

Today we’ll discuss what peace is and why it’s important, along with 10 tips for creating a distraction-free learning environment.

What is flow state and why is it important?

The state of rest implies immersion in a feeling of charged energy while performing any action. It is our source of strength and productivity. When exposed to distractions, we lose this state, and it takes our body about 7 minutes to recover.

If during 1 hour of training, you will be distracted at least 3 times, you will have to renew your sense of peace within 21 minutes. That is, in total, you will study for 39 minutes. This means that you will lose almost 40% of your productivity.

This is why removing distractions is so important while learning.

10 tips for creating a distraction-free learning environment

1. Space

The sofa and bed are not efficient learning spaces, no matter how comfortable they seem. They are a recreation area, and in this case, combining business with pleasure will play a cruel joke.

The horizontal position leads to drowsiness and decreased productivity. Our brain associates this space with sleep. If you can convince him to change his mind, he will begin to think that the bed is a place for deep thought. From here, sleep problems will grow.

In addition, it is extremely difficult to find the correct anatomical position on the couch or in bed, which will lead to increased fatigue, soreness in the cervical spine, and headaches.

It is best to get an office desk and a comfortable chair. They will allow you not to be distracted by sleep and completely devote yourself to studying. The sooner you complete the tasks, the sooner you will find yourself in a warm bed.

There should be enough space on the desk for a computer, books, and other study materials. You should also be comfortable sitting and writing behind it.

2. Minimal distractions

When a home is full of pets, children, and relatives, it can be extremely difficult to find a place to retreat. It won’t be possible to isolate yourself 100%, but you can choose the optimal hours when you will not be distracted. For example, the morning when the children went to school/kindergarten or the evening when they all went to bed.

It is easier to interact with adult relatives – it is enough to simply explain that you devote two hours a day to your studies. You can also arrange with your child that when they do my math homework, you study your lessons.

Besides the human factor, there are other distractions at home. For example, the refrigerator, the noise outside the window, the TV, etc. Before starting work, make sure that all these factors are turned off and will disturb you. Also try to prepare the water, all study materials, and other study facilities in advance.

3. Take breaks

When you are preparing for an important test, the only thought is spinning in your head – to pass and forget. But do not overload your brain, it needs rest, and it does not suspect that you need all this knowledge for only 15 minutes.

If you plan to study throughout the day, divide it into several blocks, go through several topics during each of them and, after completion, take a short break. Take one big break for meals and a walk throughout the day.

It is very important to leave the study room during the break. If possible, open a window and let in some fresh air. Give yourself 10 minutes to walk, have tea, or just lie down on the couch with your eyes closed.

When you start to work again, you will be surprised by your new wave of possibilities. It will be easier for you to learn, and you will be able to remember more, which means you will be more productive.

4. White noise

White noise helps many to focus. There is a huge amount of suitable music for teaching. Try to find yours. Perhaps you love a certain style, and if it plays in the background, you will be able to better surrender to your studies.

5. Provide high-speed internet

Many people need certain software or video courses, audio recordings, and video conferences playing online for training. The moments when the materials do not load well or freeze are very distracting. Try to keep your network connection so you can learn more effectively.

6. Room climate

Room temperature, humidity, lighting, glare on the device, and more affect performance. Dim light leads to the desire to sleep, the glare of the screen leads to eye fatigue, and stuffiness does not allow you to concentrate. Organize the optimal indoor climate that will be comfortable for you.

7. Cleanliness of space

Sticky spots on the desk, rubbish, and tons of waste paper also distract from the educational process. Clean up your study space before starting work. Keep it clean, and add details that keep you organized. For example, turn on an essential oil burner or incense stick. You should be as comfortable as possible.

8. Specific training time

Learning is like sports. You must train your body to learn correctly and on time. Try to find the perfect time for your daily study. For example, sit down at it every day from 10 am to 6 pm, and take regular breaks at the same time. This will also allow the brain to be reprogrammed, as well as give it a constant task to fixate on learning and memorizing material.

9. Disconnect all other devices

Turn off all mobile devices before starting training, or put them in airplane mode. If it happens on a smartphone, delete it for a while on the social network or log out of your profile. Otherwise, every message or call will distract you, even if you don’t pick up the device.

10. Assess your strength correctly

We often leave the most difficult tasks for later. This leads to the fact that we make them of poor quality or completely forget about them. Try to do them either at the beginning of the training or at a time when you have a lot of energy to solve them.

Final Words

Create a workspace based on your convenience. Pay attention to even the smallest details, as everything that surrounds you can distract you. If the birds are singing loudly outside the window – close it, if the Internet constantly freezes during the conference – change the provider, if silence interferes with concentration – turn on white noise, etc. We hope you’ve been helped by our tips for creating a distraction-free learning environment. Use them and increase your productivity.