creating your study space

One of the benefits and challenges of being a graduate student is managing your own time. With only 1-2 courses this term, and the majority of my energy focused on my thesis, I find that it isn't necessary to go to school to do work.

Last year, with such a large course load, finding time between classes to do work was advantageous. I associated certain spots at the school with working, and would make good use of 30 minutes here and there to churn out emails or recopy notes from yesterdays lecture.

Updated 4/12/2015

Being able to identify your situation when you are most productive is the first step in planning a successful work space. 

This second year, I'm managing my own time and goals and it was hard to break from my previous work habits that did so much for me!  Convenience and efficiency became increasingly more important over this second year, and so I've developed a system to work at home. When I need to get out of the house, I'll usually post up at a cafe with study buddies to change it up. 

Working home works best when I adopt 2 key approaches. 

Separate home and work. When I'm at home not doing work, I don't do work! This means not checking email. I also don't do work in bed. I get errands and chores out of the way before I sit down to work, or schedule time after. You can think about this like the decorating tips for people living in lofts or studios - divide your "space" into different living areas. 

​Take frequent breaks. I use the Pomodoro method (20 minutes work, 5 minutes break). My breaks include stretching, stepping outside for fresh air, or doing at-home exercises. These are 'rewards' I cannot have when I am out studying at a cafe or in school.
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Building off this, and perhaps more applicable to those that have office space, there are some easy methods to use your workspace to actually make you more productive. 

1. Keep the top of your desk clear. If you will be working on your computer, keep your laptop/desktop, keyboard, and mouse in the most convenient position and the rest of your desk clear. Often I'm looking at written notes or articles, and these go easily to my left while typing. On the other hand, if you're reading and taking notes by hand, close your laptop and put it away, or tuck your keyboard and mouse under your desktop. A clear desk top allows you plenty of elbow room and keeps you free of distractions. 
   
   
2. Invest in a good office chair (or exercise ball). Sitting and typing and reading puts great strain on our hips, backs, wrists, and necks. I'm a fidgeter, so the exercise ball works great for me! I can constantly move which keeps me more focused. 
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3. Have a water bottle handy. Seeing the water bottle on your (clear) desk will remind you to drink. And when it's empty, that's a good time to take a break and stretch your legs while you head to the water cooler. And you'll stay hydrated.

Think it out and make it happen.

BD