Environment and Mindset: Making Your Space Work For You
By Hailey Cernuto
One of the most frustrating things as a student is sitting down to study or complete an assignment and having to battle unrelated and unwarranted thoughts in your head. This is a crazy time, and we all have a lot more going on than usual. From fears and worries to upcoming exams and things we’re looking forward to over break, it is now harder than ever to focus our minds on what’s in front of us. Mindset and headspace shape so much of how we approach daily tasks. While we sometimes cannot completely put away some of the thoughts going through our heads, we can do small things to get there.
One of the biggest things I like to do to focus is to cultivate a productive environment. As a sophomore, the Reading Room in Falvey was my safe haven from all the distractions I’m constantly surrounded by. The Reading Room was always quiet, well air-conditioned, and so convenient. Now as a junior living off campus, it’s harder for me (and many others) to go to campus to study or do homework. I have a car and have a few classes on campus, but I find this year I’d rather be in the comfort of my own home. There are a few conditions that need to be met for my apartment space to work for me.
First, I need plenty of natural light. All the shades have to be up, and I like to open a window or two. Even on a rainy day, I prefer natural light. I like to let a bit of the outside in so I don’t feel cooped up and trapped inside.
Second, I find that I work best when the apartment is clean and organized. I do live with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) with a compulsion to clean and organize, but I think there’s something about having an orderly environment that allows your mind to more directly approach tasks. I believe that one’s environment is a reflection of mindset. Taking a moment to tidy your study space can help you feel organized and ready to be productive.
Third, I always make a list that I can readily see when I have to lock in and accomplish tasks. Being able to see what’s in front of me better directs my mind towards what needs to get done. I, like many others, believe in starting with the easy stuff. I admit that when I’m faced with a lot of assignments, I default to getting overwhelmed even when I don’t know how long each assignment is going to take. I’ve found that the majority of the time, most of the things I’ve dreaded doing were a lot easier and quicker than I originally thought. Starting with the easy stuff is like a mental warm-up. It gears your mind up for more complex tasks down the line, and acts as a reminder that you’re totally capable. Also, there’s nothing more satisfying than checking items off your to-do list.
These are three small things I do every day to get myself into a productive mindset. When I find that I can’t control the things that are stressing me out, it’s comforting to know that I can control my environment and the study space I create for myself.
