Whether you’re young or old, studying can be challenging. Even if you really like the subject, it’s hard to focus and learn effectively. It can be distracting because of the different factors at home. The great news is that there are several ways that you can study more efficiently and productively at home.
No matter how small or large your home is, you can make your house more suitable for your needs. With just a few tweaks and projects, you can get higher grades or help your kids do better at school.
Here are three ways your house can help you study better:
1. Improve Air Quality
It may not seem like the most important factor when it comes to studying. But air quality affects how people function and learn, especially for young children. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, one in 13 school-age kids has asthma. While it may be manageable, it can be a hindrance. Asthmatic people can experience shortness of breath and chest pain. This is why it’s important to purify the air.
One of the best ways to start is by cleaning the air ducts. When it’s left untouched for too long, the dirt can pile up and contaminate the air. Instead of providing cool or warm air for a comfortable home, the HVAC could be making it worse. While it may not be visible, the air duct may be spreading pollen and other allergens around the house. Your HVAC system could be inadvertently making your allergies and asthma worse.
Contrary to popular belief, plants aren’t always helpful in purifying the air. Harvard Medical School’s Dr. Nicholas BuSaba says that plants attract mold and can also trigger allergies. If you have severe allergies, it might be best for you to avoid them altogether.
You can also improve the air quality indoors by simply opening your windows. It promotes better air circulation and even reduces energy bills. Just don’t forget to close the windows when you leave the house to avoid any thefts or forced entries.
2. Regulate the Temperature
When it comes to comfort, the primary concern is usually the physical set-up. People think of seat cushions, chair height, and armrest. But comfort doesn’t just concern the tangible factors. Temperature is also a big part of being comfortable to be productive. When it’s too hot in a room, it’s difficult to focus on a certain task. You’ll be forced to find ways to be comfortable by drinking water and removing layers. When it’s too cool, it’s the same way. You can’t write or read anything when you’re constantly shivering.
Studies have shown that the ideal temperature to foster learning is around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Thanks to technology, it’s never been easier to control the temperature at home. You can upgrade your thermostat with a smart device. In turn, you can raise or lower the temperature in any room using your phone. It may be pricey in the beginning but it will pay off in the long run, especially considering that the majority of Americans’ energy consumption is due to cooling and heating.
3. Remove the Distractions
It can be difficult to concentrate on a complicated reading when there are so many distractions around. When the TV is in your line of sight, it can be tempting to watch a show rather than study. It’s not just what your eyes are seeing. Distractions can also come in the form of sound. Perhaps it’s the constant notification sound of your phone. Or maybe it’s the loud noise coming from the next-door neighbor’s house.
The best way to start is by establishing a fixed area where you can focus on studying. Pick a place where there’s enough space for you to be comfortable for an extended period. It also has the added benefit of setting boundaries. That way your body is used to being productive when it’s in the room as opposed to areas like the bedroom or living room, which are associated with relaxation.
The next thing to do is to keep necessities nearby. They don’t have to be right in front of you. You can just keep snacks, drinks, and stationery material within reach. This is so you don’t have to leave the room each time you need something. You would manage your time better and improve your efficiency.
It can be difficult to find the motivation to study. It’s especially challenging when you have to do it in a place that doesn’t foster learning. To help improve your kid’s performance at school, why not start at home?
