To create a healthy study space for your child start by identify spaces which can provide an extra peaceful atmosphere – ideal for doing homework and studying. Any space in your home which is large enough for your child to comfortably sit and study and which is free from distractions can be a great way to help your child focus on their homework and revision.

Follow these tips to create a great study space for your student which encourages learning:

1. Dedicated space, dedicated student

Apart for combatting stress, having a dedicated study space can make all the difference when it comes to productivity. Setting up a functional, comfortable and healthy space to work in is an easy way to increase creativity and performance. Try to think about the space more creatively. If your garden has a quiet spot without any outdoor distractions, setting up a table and a chair on the back porch or even in the backyard in some shade might be just what the doctor ordered.

A study place, if possible, should have a desk, comfortable chair and good lighting and heating when required. Make sure your choice of seating supports the student’s back and the correct posture. Adjust the sitting position regularly to avoid fatiguing the back muscles and schedule regular breaks, ideally every 45 minutes, to avoid headaches and keep concentration levels at a peak.

2. Remove distractions

A TV, friends and the internet are the biggest distractions. Ideally, they should put their phone in another room and look forward to “reward themselves with screen-time during breaks.

Also be aware of the following noisy distractions which are often present, while your child is completing their homework:

• Noises from the kitchen when you are cooking and preparing dinner
• The vacuum cleaner
• Neighbours or children playing in the yard or the street
• Any garden or yard work being completed outside their window
• Dogs barking
• The sound of the television you or other family members are watching as TVs in the living room are the ultimate noise pollution
  
  

TOP TIP: Definitely get the TV out of the bedroom – watching TV in bed can interfere with your sleep patterns and cause you to develop sleep-related problems.

It might help them to play soft music in the background or with headphones. It’s quite calming and can act as “white noise” to neutralise distracting noises in the environment.

3. Re-Arrange stress and create calm

Consider rearranging the study desk so that the student face towards a window and/or away from the line of sight especially if the study space is in a shared room. Schedule mental breaks to look out the window. Focusing the eyes at a distant view will cause the eye muscle to relax. Looking at nature also has a proven calming effect.

Colour is known to affect our emotions and, in turn, can have an impact om how productive we are. Pale or muted pastel shades are said to provide a peaceful ambiance, relieve tension and alleviate migraine headaches. Blue and green are conducive to generating new ideas, while white and beige can have a calming effect and assist with keeping stress levels to a minimum.

4. Clutter control

You are sure to feel overwhelmed and stressed if your surroundings are cluttered. While studying or doing homework, keep only the current project materials, books and stationary on hand. A clutter-free, organised study space (a clear desk) helps us to keep a clear head and avoid distraction and frustration.

5. Everything on hand – no reason to leave

Be sure that your student has everything they need in their learning space to complete their study task. This could include: pens, exam pads, coloured markers and highlighters, calculator, a glass or bottle water, healthy snacks etc.

6. Let there be light!

Natural light is known to increase happiness, alertness and levels of productivity. If the lighting is too bright then it can make it difficult to focus on the text. If the lighting is too dim then it can cause eye strain and headaches. Something as simple as moving a desk lamp to the study space temporarily can help.

7. Stay healthy

It is important to be and stay healthy during exams. You need to safeguard your child from getting sick or overly stressed and anxious during exams times. Being healthy and able to keep their stress levels under control, will allow them to relax and focus.

Make an online booking with your Intercare doctor if you suspect your child is succumbing to an illness (having a fever) or is struggling to manage his or her stress levels (aches or nausea) – all of which can negatively impact on their preparation for and writing of tests or exams.

Once you have created an effective and suitable study area, and made sure your child is in good health, your student is ready to start studying!