Brain boosting bedrooms
Thousands of students across the UK are taking to their bedrooms to spend hours revising for GCSEs, A-levels and Degrees.
New research shows that the right kind of learning environment can be just as essential to exam success as a solid revision timetable and hours of swatting. From applying the right colour schemes, clearing out the clutter and atmospheric room ambience, stimulating the brain and affecting moods has never been so simple. Here is our expert, Megan Baker’s, advice:
De-clutter and opt for minimalist, white furniture
“According to Feng Shui experts clutter creates a low, stagnant and confusing environment that constantly drains energy.
Whether it is cluttered cabinet tops or clothes shoved on shelves, excess things in your surroundings can have a negative impact on your ability to focus and process information. Physical clutter overloads your senses, making you feel stressed, and impairs your ability to think creatively.
Clearing the clutter to give kids the ‘mind space’ to take in essential information needed for cramming could see teenage brains take in the essential facts that could mean the difference between a B and an A grade!”
Choose green and blue in the bedroom
“Shades of green and blue in the bedroom can help concentration, memory and emotional tranquillity. Strong blues help to stimulate clear thought and light soft blues will calm the mind. Blue is motivational which boosts creativity. Green is the colour of balance and harmony and can, therefore, be helpful in times of stress.”
Sleep your way to success – Get smart bedding
“Sleep is imperative to revision and exam success according to mental health charity Mind. Worries can be blown out of proportion if a student is tired.
“Winding down before bed is key to a rejuvenating sleep and, after a day studying, the one thing that will help the brain recover fully is having a good night’s sleep. Teens in particular need at least eight and a half hours of uninterrupted sleep to leave their bodies and minds rejuvenated for the next day says the Sleep Foundation.
“Plus research from Neuroscientists in Edinburgh shows that a brief rest after learning something new, or having a nap during the day, helps the brain consolidate information.
“A quality pillow and duvet can make a huge impact on sleep quality. If sleep is cut short the body doesn’t have time to complete all of the phases it needs for muscle repair, memory consolidation and release of hormones regulating growth and appetite. This results in reduced concentration and less motivation to learn throughout the day, so it makes sense to take sleep seriously.”
Let there be light
“Sunlight lifts the mood and improves energy levels, helping you to feel more focused and motivated.
“Light directly influences our emotions because it reaches the brain through the eyes, and is transmitted to the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is connected to almost every other part of the brain, and involved with the regulation of hormones involved in motivation and reward. As a consequence, light has an effect on our basic drives and biological functions.
“Try introducing mirrored furniture into the bedroom to reflect natural light.”
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