Spruce Up Your Study Space
10 Accent Pieces to Spruce Up Your Study Space
Finals are approaching quickly, and with many classes taking place online this semester, our bedrooms have become our classrooms. Working in the same place you sleep, whether that be a dorm, apartment, or your childhood room, can be challenging. It can be difficult to relax in the same environment that you also tackle your stressful assignments and tests. If you, like so many others, find it hard to focus in a non-academic learning environment, here are some small and affordable accent pieces that will make your study space a little more peaceful, and a little less boring.
These lamps are perfect for creating a calm ambience. They give off a low, pink glow when turned on and serve as a crystalline desk decoration when unplugged. Himalayan salt is believed to have many benefits, such as filtering the air around you by releasing negative ions—which can help decrease depression— as well as uplifting your mood and increasing energy. (Photo courtesy of Hello Glow)
2. Desk Planner
Online classes pose a new set of challenges for students. Often, teachers assign work at the beginning of the week with due dates at the end of the week. With so much work piled on at one time, it is helpful to space out assignments over the course of the week. A daily planner can help you organize your work for each day and make the process a little less overwhelming. (Photo courtesy of Amazon)
A little greenery in your study space can help you be more productive and achieve a more relaxed mindset. Studies have shown that plants in workspaces can increase concentration levels of workers and relieve stress. Artificial succulents don’t require any attention and last forever, which is a more manageable option for busy college students. While they do require more care, living plants can purify the air and keep you company while you’re cranking out homework. (Photo courtesy of Etsy)
One essential rule of Feng-Shui is that mirrors should only reflect objects that put off good energy. Having a small mirror near your workspace that is positioned correctly can help make your study area feel more spacious. Mirrors should not directly face you while you work, as that can create the feeling that you’re being monitored by your reflection. Instead, position the mirror slightly away from where you sit and have it reflect something that brings you comfort (this can be your bed, a window, a plant, or anything else you enjoy looking at). A mirror reflecting an open window invites nature into your space and is believed to create the feeling of openness. Bonus points if you position the mirror to reflect natural light, which can help boost your mood and lighten up the room! (Photo courtesy of Etsy)
Aromatherapy is a simple and relaxing way to destress in the midst of overwhelming schoolwork. Desktop diffusers can be placed near your workspace to help balance your mood. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, studies show that aromatherapy can aid with anxiety and depression, and calming scents like lavender are especially helpful for managing stress. (Photo courtesy of Well and Good)
The old saying that a clear desk makes way for a clear mind tends to hold true, especially during the busy testing season. Organizing your study materials with a cute desk organizer can help you keep track of your supplies and avoid clutter, which can worsen stress. A study by Princeton Neuroscience points out how clutter can overstimulate the brain, making it more difficult to focus on one task. A simple container for your pens and Post-Its can clear your desk and your mind. (Photo courtesy of Etsy)
7. Fidget toy
Breaks are necessary to avoid overwhelming yourself while working. Fidget toys have been proven to lower anxiety and stress. Everyone’s brain is unique, and we all manage stress in different ways. Fidget toys can stimulate your brain with sensory touch while you work, but they can also be used to keep your brain engaged during study breaks. Iridescent putty is a cute and affordable addition to your workspace that can also provide sensory stimulation, which can be helpful for those with anxiety. (Photo courtesy of Urban Outfitters)
It is important to remind yourself that you’re doing your very best and that you deserve to have a smooth finals season! Writing yourself little notes of affirmation and placing them around your workspace is a nice reminder that you can handle this. If you don’t feel like doing any DIY projects, there are encouraging decals for your mirror to remind you that you’re worth the world. And a reminder to all stressed students: your grades do not define you! A good reminder to give yourself is that everything will be okay in the end, but it’s okay to be stressed during these wild and unprecedented times. (Photo courtesy of Etsy)
A light in your workspace is essential for getting work done. Dark workspaces have been found in studies to reduce productivity by making you feel more sluggish. Not only does dim light affect your mindset, but it can also harm your eyes. Studying without proper light, and particularly staring at the blue light from your computer and phone screens, can put strain on your eyes and cause headaches. It is important to study with light, even if you’re up through the night. (Photo courtesy of Pottery Barn)
Spicing up your desk with a touch of your own style can make your space more comfortable to work in. Customize your study area to make it look less like a dorm room or classroom and more like your own office! A desk mat can also keep your computer from scratching up the surface of your desk and protect the bottom of your laptop. Stick with simple patterns or colorblocked prints to avoid the appearance of clutter. (Photo courtesy of Etsy)
