OK, I’ve just heard the collective intake of breath as each and every one of you realizes that at one time or another you’ve settled into your nice warm bed in your PJs with your hair unbrushed to hit the books. While it’s OK occasionally to study in bed (read: when it’s cold in winter), it’s not the ideal space to get the most out of your study time. Before you bed-studiers are completely scandalized, check out the dangers of studying in bed and discover our tips for setting up a comfortable space to get those study juices flowing.
It looks comfy, doesn’t it? But this ‘ultimate’ study space isn’t actually ideal for productivity.
The dangers of studying in bed:
- Let’s be honest, studying in bed leaves you open to becoming distracted. If your laptop has internet access, you are likely to be trapped by Facebook, Pinterest, or YouTube rather than focus on your uni work. And let’s not even go there with Netflix!
- Having to wash your sheets again because they are covered in pen, highlighter marks, or crumbs (too many late-night study snacks!) is not an effective use of your time.
- One minute you’re reading your textbook and feel like you’re in the zone and the next you’re catching z’s. Those pillows are just too comfy! It can be awkward having to explain to your family, partner, or roommate why you’re still in the same clothes they saw you crawl out of bed in. Save them the worried phone call to a counselor and at least make the effort to get dressed before hitting the books.
- I’m no chiropractor, but I know that a long study sesh in bed can lead to a sore back, and that can never be a good thing.
- Your bed should be a place to switch off, relax and recharge. If it’s doubling as your study zone you might find it hard to settle in for a good night’s sleep because your body won’t know if it should be winding down for rest or gearing up to hit the books!