Think About Where You Learn
Whatever your preferred learning style, the truth is that you're unlikely to get the best results if you try to do your studying slumped on the living room couch in front of the TV. Instead, you're going to need a quiet space - ideally somewhere with a work surface, plus room for all your books and materials.
It needn't be a whole room, just somewhere you can claim as your 'study zone'. A place you can set aside for productive effort - and which other people in the household come to respect. That way, when they see you working there, they know to leave you alone.
Here are some things to think about to make your 'study zone' comfortable and welcoming. Somewhere you can be happy and enjoy spending time:
- Do you have a comfortable chair?
- Is the lighting bright enough for reading, but warm enough to create a welcoming atmosphere?
- Consider the temperature - if it's too hot you may find yourself nodding off, yet if it's too cold you won't be able to concentrate
- Think about displaying a picture or object that reminds you, every time you look at it, of your final study goal
You might be tempted to dismiss such things as unnecessary or even trivial. But don't. It's exactly these kinds of touches that turn an adequate study environment into a perfect study environment. So be kind to yourself and create a place where you want to spend 'quality' time. You deserve it, and you'll find it pays dividends.