Published: 7th August 2018.
Written by Melinda Irvine
One of the best things about online courses is that you can take care of business just about anywhere. But sometimes the best way to study online is at home. Here are a few tips for establishing the ultimate area for online study at home.
Be comfortable…
Being comfortable can make it easier to absorb the material for your online design and multimedia course, learn the ins and out of real estate online or otherwise excel in whichever field in which you’re interested. A comfortable chair or the right pillow provides the physical platform you need to get started. Proper desk height, whether sitting or standing, is also key. If you don’t have a suitable spot in which to study, chances are it’s going to be harder for you to dig in.
…but not too comfortable
Lounging around in your trackies can be glorious. But being too relaxed can make it tough to take in the valuable information in your online study course. Try to resist studying in a reclined position, no matter how inviting your comfy couch or bed looks! Sort out a proper desk or seating/standing area in your place.
Make a space for what you need
We’re all guilty of avoidance behaviour, in which we find other small tasks to avoid taking care of the things that actually need doing. Keep a few muesli bars or other snacks near your study spot as well as a jumper in case you get cold. This can keep you from disrupting your study and running around your home.
Distraction free
Speaking of excuses, your phone and its array of apps or Netflix and your video games can look quite enticing when it comes time to study. Don’t put your will to the test; just remove these devilish items from the equation all together. Set up you study space away from the TV, and maybe even consider leaving your phone out of arm’s reach if necessary.
Get the light right
Too dull and you might fall asleep or strain your eyes; too bright and you’ll feel like you’re in a hospital waiting room. Try a few light bulbs and find what works best for you. And don’t feel like you have to rely on artificial light. Setting up your online study area near some windows can be one of the smartest moves you can make. Natural light and a view of the outdoors can keep you from going stir crazy. Opening the windows on a nice day for some fresh air is a bonus, too.
Get those green thumbs going
You don’t have to study horticulture online or want to learn about agriculture to benefit from plants. Studies have shown that having plants in working environments improve attendance, mood and air quality. Scoring highly in those three facets can make your working space a much more enjoyable location in which to spend time, which in turn helps you get down to business.
One of the best things about taking online courses is the flexibility that comes with it. Since you have the power to work at home on your own terms, keep these tips in mind when it comes to establishing a supreme study spot.