How to Create a Distraction-Free Study Environment

Studying is hard at the best of times. Especially if GCSE’s or A-levels are looming, or if you’re an older student studying for a degree. Creating a distraction-free study environment is hard, too. In an age when more of us are working and studying from home than ever before, finding a space where we can study in peace is becoming a real challenge.

Read on for our top tips on creating a distraction-free study environment. We might be able to save you before it’s too late.

Choose the Right Place to Study

Now, it doesn’t matter if your sofa has reclining seats or if your bed is big enough for your paperwork, it’s not an effective place to study. Working in these places ruins your posture and confuses your brain.

Simply put, your brain associates the sofa with chilling out, and your bed is where you go to sleep and recharge. When it comes to studying, the last thing you need is your brain switching off because it thinks it’s bedtime. That’s why it’s so important to choose the right place to study.

How can we fix this? By investing in a decent desk or study carrel.

What is a Study Carrel?

Simply put, a study carrel is a small, private working environment that allows students to focus on their work while minimising visual distractions. Carrel desks are built with walls on the back and sides and are often used as library furniture for schools.

A study carrel is vital for any productive, distraction-free working environment. If you’re sitting comfortably, positioned upright, and free from distractions, then you’re already well on your way to smashing that coursework.

Study carrels also help increase concentration in students who may struggle with group desk work. This can be an absolute game-changer in today’s world, where students are so easily distracted by other people and the environment around them.

Consider Every Distraction

It’s all well and good having a comfortable working environment, but let’s talk about distractions for a second. If you’re studying at home, you may have to consider the people you live with and their schedules. The best thing to do is start a discussion and determine when the house will be quiet and distraction-free.

Even on a quiet day, distractions can appear in many forms, and they’re just dying to get your attention. Focus! If your study zone is right next to a window or a door, the chances of you not getting distracted are slim.

Before you sit down, make sure you have everything that you need. Pens, folders, books, secret love letters; any excuse to leave your study environment is just another chance at getting distracted.

There Are Such Things as Healthy Distractions

We’ve talked about the different types of distractions and how to conquer them, but what about healthy distractions? Is there such a thing? Yes, there is.

Music can be an excellent way to increase your focus and overall productivity. Classical music, ambient music, and lo-fi hip hop are great examples of music that can help us concentrate.

It’s also not against the rules to stop working for a few minutes to declutter your workstation. In fact, a good decluttering reduces the likelihood of those pesky distractions, and you’ll be more focused on your work than the clutter around you.

Oh, and don’t forget to stay hydrated and take regular screen breaks. It’s best to take a small 5–10 minute break every hour or so to ensure you’re not overloading your brain.

Now you should have everything you need for a successful, distraction-free study session.