A spring clean for your studies

Freshen up your studies with a wealth of energising tactics, maintains Leon Hood

(Rex Features)

Ready to freshen things up? Step away from the duster for now: an effective spring clean for your studies begins with your body, as good diet and exercise will give you more energy and improve your concentration. “Ensuring you’re fit and well is key, whether this involves eating healthily or fitting in a morning run,” says Harry West, final year BSc (Hons) geography and environmental management student at the University of the West of England.

It's also handy to get a grip on your timetable – study planning apps can be helpful here. Don't become a reclusive slave to the schedule, though, as group study is often beneficial and downtime is critical too. “Making sure you take time out can make all the difference in refocusing your mind on the tasks ahead,” says West.

Once you're well-fed and well-organised, don't be afraid to embrace your own rituals. Megan Sharratt is studying for a BA (Hons) in marketing and advertising at the University of Derby and can only put fingers to keyboard after a complete de-clutter of bedroom and car, for example. “Some may say it’s procrastination,” she says. “I say it’s getting in the zone as it helps me concentrate and perform at my best.”

An agreeable, de-cluttered study location does matter according to Dr Fiona Cownie, Senior Principal Academic at Bournemouth University's Faculty of Media and Communication. “Space is so important for learning - the right space kicks you off into a productive day.”

Finding “the right space” might mean a traditional spring clean of your room (buy a sturdy houseplant to oxygenate the place and offer a sympathetic leaf when times are tough), or hunting down your study sweet spot on campus. You might need silence, or background hubbub; or perhaps shifting locations throughout the day will work. “Campuses provide a variety of environments,” says Cownie. “Find what works for you.”

Finally, consider a mental de-clutter. Pippa Richards, final year BSc (Hons) psychology student at UWE Bristol, uses mindfulness techniques to help her work. “I try to accept all my thoughts, from positivity to stress, and relax my body and mind,” she says. “This is done though meditation and general focus on the present. After which I feel much more able to study.”

Universities are increasingly offering mindfulness meditation and activities – Richards runs workshops at UWE - so see what's available at your union. Like the best cleaning and de-cluttering activities, it might even have far-reaching benefits. “Mindfulness isn't only for studying,” says Richards. “It's a useful life skill as it means you can really appreciate the present.”

Look after mind, body, spirit and space and you'll be in great shape to study. And a spot of dusting probably won't hurt either.