Creating Your Ideal Studying Atmosphere

There’s no lack of tests in nursing school. And with a lot of tests comes a lot of studying. With so much studying, you can get overwhelmed, making it hard to concentrate. But creating your ideal studying atmosphere can make all the difference. While the perfect study environment differs from one student to another, these tips are a great start to identifying an environment where you can thrive.

Choose a place and stick with it. While it might be tempting to check out multiple coffee shops and library nooks, try to study in the same place as often as possible. It is important to train your brain to associate a place with the time to focus and study. Having one specific area will do this. Just like a smell evokes a memory, a specific study spot can put your brain in study mode (figuratively, of course). The area you choose should not be used for anything other than studying, so avoid your bedroom or living room (unless you arrange a spot without distractions where you can maintain all your study materials in one organized nook) or other places where you spend a lot of free time.

Off your study routine? Get back on track with these tips.

Turn off your phone. We all know our phones can be huge distractions. Just a few minutes spent looking at your phone can interrupt your ability to completely focus on the information you’re studying. Consider turning your phone off completely rather than just switching it to vibrate; simply being aware of notifications can divert your attention.) If you must keep your phone on, use a feature or app like the iPhone’s new “Focus” settings, which allow you to choose what notifications can come through.

Use ambient noise. Instead of listening to songs with lyrics, focus on music with only instrumentals. Lyrics can be distracting and take away from your focus. If music isn’t your preference, look into white noise or nature sounds either using a special machine, app, or website that offers a variety of selections.

Look for natural light. Being in a dark area is not conducive to productivity. Natural light has a huge positive impact on studying. If it is not possible for your study room to have natural light, make sure the area where you take breaks does.

Setting up the perfect study environment can make a huge difference in your study success. Eliminate distractions, find your ideal room, and get ready to rock your next test!

Check out these tips for retaining information beyond your exam.