As the summer months slowly come around and we also reach exam season, it’s tempting to study outdoors so you can get away from being cooped up inside. Fresh air and vitamin D is good for the soul, so we definitely recommend studying outside if you can! Here are some tips for making it totally productive…
Take some noise cancelling headphones
Outdoors is generally a much more noisier place than indoors; if you have some noise cancelling headphones, you’ll be able to block out the sounds of traffic, chatter, sirens, birds and all of the other noises you’re likely to experience while studying outdoors. Normal headphones work too, especially if you listen to some low-fi music or brown noise rather than songs or a podcast…
Opt for off-screen work
If possible, study from a textbook or get some handwritten work done like notecards and so on. Studying from a screen like your laptop or tablet can be tricky in the sunshine, with the glare making it difficult to see, and you don’t want to damage your electronics by giving them the chance to overheat. Nobody wants an expensive repair bill as a student, and you likely need your device! If you do need to use your screen, choose a shaded area if possible or buy a laptop sun shade to keep the sun off your electronics.
Stay hydrated
This is important year-round, of course, but as the weather gets warmer and the sun comes out a bit more, you’ll want to make sure you’ve got a bottle of water to hand. Invest in a reusable one, as it’ll be cheaper in the long run AND it’s better for the environment. And if you don’t like water, consider adding a little bit of squash to sweeten the deal.
Remember your SPF
Again, this should be a year-round staple but it has enhanced importance during the spring and summer months. While the sun does wonders for our mental health, injecting some much-needed vitamin D into our lives, it can also be really damaging for the skin. Make sure you wear some SPF while studying outdoors, on your face and any other exposed skin! And don’t stay out for too long…
Take regular breaks
As with any study session, taking a break while studying outdoors is really important. When you’re in the sun and the heat for too long it can make you feel sick, so definitely head into the shade (or indoors) every so often – and be sure to get up and stretch your legs, move your body, chat to people and so on. You’ll be much more productive this way!
Hopefully the sun and warm weather is here to stay, and you can enjoy some fresh air while studying outdoors this spring. It’s what we all deserve, at least…
