September is quickly arriving, which means for many of us it’s back to school time for either ourselves or our children. Unfortunately that also means plenty of time will be spent at home studying and completing homework. That’s why it’s important to create a space that helps encourage focus, creativity and productivity. Here are a few tips and tricks you can use to get the most out of your study space.

Get The Right Furniture

First things first, you don’t want to be sitting on your comfy couch in front of the TV or laying down in bed when you are trying to study. You’ll probably end up falling asleep or being distracted by something else. What you need is an ergonomic desk and office chair that offer comfort and adjustability. Ideally the desk should come between your waist and ribcage when you sit at it. Your feet should rest on the floor, and you shouldn’t hunch your shoulders as you type on your computer either.  By having something that is adjustable others will be able to use it as well.

Have Enough Light

Have you ever wondered why classrooms and offices are always so bright? It’s because study and work spaces that aren’t lit properly can put you to sleep. Furthermore, it can cause eye strain. If the light in your room can’t be adjusted, or you can’t buy a stronger bulb, buy a lamp for your desk. A floor lamp can do wonders as well. Many people like setting their desk up by a window to let the natural light in, but it can cause distractions too. Another thing you should do is adjust your screen contrast on your computer so that it is comfortable to look at.

Utilize Storage Containers

If you aren’t organized, your desk is probably littered with stuff. If your desk is littered with stuff, you aren’t being efficient. Make sure everything has a place, and that everything is labelled properly so they can easily be found. The best thing you can do is buy a utility cart to hold your extra stuff, or desk organizers so you can find your pens, pencils and paper easier.

Buy A Wall Calendar

A nice wall calendar can help you stay on track with just a glance. Some people swear by large ones they can put a lot of stuff on, but small ones can be just as effective if you don’t have a lot of information to remember. A dry erase and cork board can work just as well too, and is a great place to capture thoughts and ideas and to hang important information. You can also use it to hang a couple of photos to add a personal touch.

Keep Your Computer Organized

A disorganized computer desktop can be more distracting then you think, and you can waste a lot of time trying to find what you need. Try to arrange things in folders that are properly titled so you can find what you are looking for quicker. This goes for bookmarks you’ve saved on your browser as well. If your computer is getting slow you might want to look into replacing it, or getting professional help to clean it up for you.

Have A Clock Visible

There’s a reason why schools and offices have clocks hung up on walls and clearly visible; they help us manage our time better. By having a clock hung on the wall or sitting next to you on your desk you can improve your time management skills and avoid wasting time. Clock are a great tool for motivation and helping you stay focused.

Personalize Your Space

In the end it comes down to making sure you have what you need to make your space as efficient as you can. One thing that can help is by adding a few personal items to your area. Whether it’s pictures of loved ones, a favourite piece of art, a stuffed animal, or even a plant, it doesn’t matter. What matters is that it’s a place that is conducive to working that makes you comfortable to be in. By personalizing your study space you can stay focused and look forward to studying.