Table of contents
- Introduction
- Colour Power
- Motivation@Max
- The Right ‘Note’
- Destress Den
- No-Pause Clause
- Final Decision
Introduction
The schools have reopened after the summer holidays, and its study time, once again! Along with buying new uniforms, bags, and books, how about creating a new study space for your child — a cosy corner free from distractions. A perfect study environment is much more than just comfortable furniture, good lighting, and ample stationery. In this blog, we bring you some unique and lesser-known ways to create a study environmentthat will not only boost your child’s concentration but also keep them motivated and excited. Read on.
A colour-full advantage
Adding a splash of colours to your child’s study corner is much more than aesthetics. According to research, it can unleash their potential in numerous ways, from enhancing creativity to increasing concentration. However, as with everything else, balance is the key.
- Colours such as yellow and orange are ideal for stimulating mental activity and energising the mind. It’s perfect for the space where your child does their project work or brainstorming.
- Blue, a serene colour, induces a feeling of calm and increases concentration. Paint the wall facing their desk in this hue, and it will make them more focused.
- Green reduces eye strain and creates a sense of balance and harmony. It also gives the space a refreshing feel. Keeping potted plants in the study space is a good idea.
- You can also go neutral with shades such as light grey and beige. They cause minimal distractions — a must when studying. Opt for a desk in this shade.
- Help your child explore their creative side by incorporating purple colour in their study environment.You can use this shade, which is said to stimulate creativity, in curtains, stationery, or floor rugs.
- Then, of course, there is white, a colour that symbolises purity and simplicity. It opens up spaces, amplifying natural light. Use white as the base colour and add pops of other shades to give the space an inviting feel.
Inspire and ignite
The one that keeps everyone going — whether it’s work, workouts, or studies — is motivation. Therefore, ensure that you include elements that will inspire your child to learn and grow. Motivational symbols serve as reminders of your goal, encouraging you, improving focus, and creating positive vibes.
- You can place motivational quotes in the study space, put up wall posters of their role models or even opt for artwork that resonates with their dreams and ambitions.
- If your child has symbols signifying their achievements — such as trophies, medals, or certificates — display them in the study area. This will constantly remind your child of their potential and inspire them to strive for even greater achievements. You can place at least some of these items on the wall facing your child’s study table so that they are clearly visible.
- Place a whiteboard in the study space and write a motivational quote daily. You can also ask your child to share quotes that inspire them. This will also break the monotony of looking at the exact quote.
- Ask your child to create a vision board detailing their aspirations and ambitions. This, too, can motivate them to do their best.
A ‘sound’ choice
Loud sounds can disrupt a calm study environment, but ambient sounds are said to have precisely the opposite effect. According to research, certain sounds can aid effective learning by stimulating our brains. For example, gentle sounds in nature, such as rainfall and ocean waves, help improve information retention and focus. Such sounds can also help you relax, allowing you to stay calm and focused.
Some of the best white noises that can enhance the learning experience include the hum of the fan, the soft murmur of a neighbourhood coffee shop, the sound of rustling leaves, and the babble of a gentle waterfall. The soothing tinkle of a windchime also creates a peaceful environment.
To create these sounds, you can use AI-powered sound creators like SAAR, ambient sound apps such as Coffivity and Raining FM, and free websites that provide ambient sounds.
Rest = Reset
Studies show that taking purposeful breaks from studies, lasting from 5 minutes to an hour, can refresh you, thus increasing your energy levels, focus, and productivity. So, create a spot for quick rejuvenation in their study room. There are different ways to do this.
You can create a relaxation corner by placing a bean bag, a comfortable chair, or a mat where your child can unwind for a few minutes without needing to leave the room. Also, try carving out a soothing space within the study room set-up where your child can practise deep breathing and mini-meditation for one to two minutes.
Identify a cosy corner in the room for this purpose. You can add elements such as soothing colours and warm lighting to create a Zen-like aura. Place a rug on the floor to define the space and create the feeling of a separate enclosure.
It’s also a good idea to keep some objects that can help your child destress. For example, stress balls can be an effective outlet for nervous energy. The repetitive action of squeezing and relaxing induces relaxation and a sense of calm. They are also known to aid better concentration and divert the mind away from anxiety-triggering thoughts. Fidget spinners are also good when it comes to distracting your child from the stress caused by academic pressure. They improve focus and also fine motor skills, such as writing and drawing, that require hand-eye coordination.
Movement matters
Being sedentary is not suitable for anyone, including kids. Studies have shown that prolonged sitting among students impacts their vestibular system, which supports eye muscle control, learning, and emotional regulation, among other things. It also increases the risk of obesity while reducing concentration.
So, make sure there’s plenty of scope for movement within the study area. Placing items such as wobble stools and rocking floor cushions is a good idea. You can also install a standing desk, which allows your child to alternate between standing and sitting, thus ensuring more physical movement. You can also opt for items such as balance ball chairs and kneeling chairs.
Value their choice
It’s essential to consider your child’s views and preferences while setting up their study space. This will make studying an enjoyable, comfortable experience for them. However, what matters more than the physical environment is the emotional one — not overburdening children with exceeding expectations and stress will also go a long way in bringing out the best in them.
FAQ
- According to Vastu, what is the perfect direction for a study room/space? According to Vastu, a study room should be located on the East, North, or Northeast side of a house. Ideally, the student’s chair should be facing North or East, as these directions are believed to enhance focus.
- What kind of lighting is best in a study room? Getting the lighting right in a study room is very important. According to studies, dim lighting causes eye strain and increases anxiety, making it more difficult to retain information. On the other hand, extremely bright lighting can also hinder your focus, as it reflects off your book or computer screen, causing glare.
- What kind of design is best for a study room? It’s always advisable to choose a minimalist design for a study room, as it reduces distractions. With less clutter, ample storage space, and functional furniture, minimalist designs create a clean and inviting look, fostering a sense of calm and serenity that helps your child focus better.
- Will keeping plants in the study area cause a distraction? Plants won’t cause distractions. According to research, their green colour enhances creativity and productivity. They also purify the air, thereby reducing fatigue and improving concentration.
