How to Optimize Your Workplace for Learning

You sit at the table, getting ready for an efficient learning session of productive work. You expect to complete all the tasks, prepare for that terrifying upcoming test, and (finally!) conduct the research for your essay due next week.

You crack your knuckles, stretch your arms and back, get all the learning materials nearby, put your hand to the keyboard, and…

Nothing.

You feel stuck. Delegating tasks isn’t such an unnecessary thing anymore, do you agree? Who knows, maybe you shouldn’t have turned down that professional help from the custom dissertation writing service at CW, huh?

Or you just need to organize your learning area like a boss.

Below are the actionable tactics for optimizing your work environment for maximum focus, productivity, and motivation to study.

Create a Dedicated Learning Space

How long can you focus on one task? According to Stanford professor and neuroscientist Andrew Huberman, we can only concentrate for around 90 minutes. If you try to pass this time, you’ll experience the dreaded brain fog and struggle to pay attention.

A dedicated learning area cultivates focus and signals to the brain that it’s time to work.

What can you do to create such an area?

Zoning

First, split your room into areas—one for study and another for relaxation. Put an adjustable desk and an ergonomic chair in the working zone to minimize fatigue; design the relaxing zone to ensure comfort.

Furniture

A desk you can adjust for standing or sitting work is a must-have for more productive work or study:

Go from sitting to standing throughout your working day. Why is it helpful?

Norepinephrine and epinephrine become more active when we’re standing and less active when we’re sitting. Standing puts us in an action-oriented state. Plus, do your best to keep the screen around eye level or above to prevent nid-nodding while working.

Switch between sitting and standing work every 45 minutes or so.

Lighting

Then, incorporate natural lighting or cold artificial light into the working zone:

Daylight helps us remain more focused and active, and cold white light colors stimulate the brain to work. (A lamp with warm color temperatures is better to place in your relaxation area.)

Plants

Put a green plant nearby. Studies say that green plants reduce stress and improve concentration and productivity. Equip the space with fast internet, power outlets, and essential learning tools like whiteboards or digital screens. Keep it tidy and clean:

As they say, “mess in the room means mess in the head.”

Resources

Provide yourself with quick access to learning materials and resources so that nothing distracts you from the thought flow during your learning session:

Add a bookcase or bookshelf to your study space, and put all the necessary study tools there: textbooks, maps, encyclopedias, dictionaries, manuals, etc. Once required, you’ll have them within easy reach—the same works for digital resources. Get access to research papers, webinars, industry whitepapers, and any other content you require for efficient and productive learning. Get access to research papers, webinars, industry whitepapers, and any other content you require for efficient and productive learning.

Promote a Distraction-Free Environment

Make your workplace accessible and separate it from high-traffic areas to avoid distractions.

In the ideal world, it would be a quiet room, free from people traffic, and with minimum noise and interruptions. If you don’t have it, think of the corresponding corner in your house or apartment.

Noise Control

Where is the place with minimum traffic and noise? Consider it for creating a learning area, as background noise disrupts focus and depresses productivity.

Try on noise-canceling headphones while learning. They’ll minimize distractions and may signal your family or roommates not to disturb you while you’re in them. If you’re okay with calm background music, turn it on when studying. Soothing and melodic compositions or nature sounds help focus.

Digital Minimalism

Use software to block non-essential apps or websites during learning periods. Notifications distract, tempting you to quit your learning session and check messengers or the news on social media instead.

Turn off unnecessary notifications (or your smartphone) during your study sessions. Put the phone in another room to resist the temptation to reach for it and start scrolling.

A Pinch of Inspiration

Your learning area doesn’t have to be boring and office-like. Make it a happy place that inspires you and motivates you to work. For that, decorate it with elements that spark your creativity: candles, flowers, garlands on the walls, posters with your favorite motivational quotes, you name it!

Final Words

Optimize your learning area for better functionality and comfort. Proper lighting, ergonomic furniture, handy resources, and tiny beautiful elements for aesthetics will help you focus and boost your academic performance.