How to Study Outside

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When the weather is warm, studying outdoors can be a nice change of pace. Some research has linked outdoor study with more creative thinking, less stress, and even better recall of information. For people with ADHD and other problems with focus, these effects may be even more powerful. [1] So grab your books and head for the great outdoors. You'll be glad you did.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Getting Settled Outside

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  1. Before you head out into the sun, grab everything you need for a study session of decent length. You don't want to have to head back inside because you forgot something.
    • If you'll be reading, it's a good idea to load several e-books onto the same device. This makes your homework more portable, and ensures you don't run out of things to do.
    • Bring a snack and a water bottle. Hunger and thirst can be distracting and will eventually send you off in search of sustenance.
  2. Choose a place to study where you feel safe and comfortable. There are lots of good places to study outdoors, each of which can have advantages and drawbacks.
    • A park or common area of your school can be a great choice because it's free. The downsides here are that there can sometimes be too much activity going on around you, and you often end up sitting on the ground, which can get uncomfortable after a while.
    • A cafe with outdoor seating is a good option because you get to work at a table, and if you start to get hungry or thirsty, you can order something to eat. The downside here is that you usually MUST order something, so this option costs a bit more. Some cafes also won't want you to stay for a long time unless you keep ordering things.
    • Your own backyard, patio, deck, or balcony can be a good choice because you have more control over your environment than in a public place. However, if you're looking to get out of your house or make this a social experience, working just outside your own back door may not satisfy those wishes.
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  3. Bring a blanket to sit on and spread your study materials out, if you want. Make sure you support your back so you aren’t in pain or stiff after your study session. You can even bring a lawn chair or a cushion to sit on.
    • Sitting on the ground can get uncomfortable after a while, and that can make it hard to focus on your studies. So, make sure you find a spot where that won't be a problem. [2]
    • Don't get too comfortable, however, or you may fall asleep. You may not want to stretch out on your back with a blanket and pillow.
  4. Natural light can be great for studying. It can help you stay focused and calm, and can even decrease the likelihood of headaches. [3] This is a real perk of outdoor studying.
    • Pick a place where you'll get plenty of light, but where you won't be blinded. The sun on the white paper of your textbook pages can be a bit much, and can also make screens hard to read. Pick a spot that works for you, and bring your sunglasses!
    • If you are going to study in direct sunlight, make sure to put on some sunscreen first. Partial shade is often your best option.
  5. While studying outside can help you avoid certain distractions you might find indoors (like your video game system or a pile of dirty dishes), it can come with its own set of distracting problems. In choosing a spot, try to avoid any obvious distractions.
    • The park can be a great place to study, but setting up right next to a playground full of screaming children or an off-leash dog area can it make a lot harder to keep your focus.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Dealing with Outdoor Distractions

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  1. If you are someone who can study with music on, bring some noise-canceling headphones. [4] Music can help many people tune out distracting sounds in their environment, and there can be a lot of these outside.
    • Some people can study just fine in noisy environments, but for others, the sound of a barking dog or people talking as they pass by can really hinder their study efforts. [5] Music can help you block these sounds out.
    • Music that you've heard before and that isn't too loud is often easier to tune out than noises in your environment. [6]
    • Listen to music without lyrics if you need to read so you won’t be distracted.
    • If the situation allows, bring speakers to use instead of headphones. Some research shows that listening to music on headphones can make it harder to retain information.
    • Studying with some light distraction in the background can help you get used to the noise of taking an exam in class with other students. [7]
  2. Unless you need the internet for the work you're doing, consider disconnecting from the internet while you study.If you have your laptop with you, switch it to airplane mode.
    • If you get a lot of text messages or calls, you may wish to consider putting your phone in silent mode or even just turning it off for a little while to minimize distractions. Keep your phone in a backpack or away from you to avoid temptation.
    • Many people find it easier to go without technology when working outdoors. In your bedroom, it's easy to fall into the routine of checking Facebook "just for a few minutes," but you probably do this less when you are in outdoor settings. [8]
  3. If you can, try doing several different types of study activities while studying outdoors. Variety can help you stay focused. [9]
    • Read a chapter of a novel for English class, then switch to some math problems or go through some foreign language flashcards. Changing things up keeps it interesting and makes it less likely that you'll be distracted by what's going on around you.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Getting the Most from Outdoor Studying

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  1. One great thing about studying outside is that it feels more like a social experience than studying alone in your room. Bring a friend or study group with you, and you'll finish up feeling like you've had some social time even if you don't talk much. [10]
    • Just being out with other people can produce this feeling of social connection, even if you don't bring anyone with you.
  2. Research shows that changing locations can help you retain information better. This is easier to do outside than in your house because there are usually a lot more locations to choose from! [11]
    • Scientists believe studying in multiple settings enriches the information with more contextual stimulation, and this, in turn, makes the brain less likely to forget it. [12]
  3. As with studying inside, you'll focus better and get more out of studying outside if you take breaks. Since you're outside, make the most of these breaks by getting a little exercise. [13]
    • Take a short walk or throw a Frisbee around for a few minutes instead of logging on to social media. You'll feel invigorated by some exercise, and that can give you renewed focus when you return to your studies.
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Supercharge Your Studying with this Expert Series

Do you want to make your studying more efficient, learn more quickly, and remember more information? Check out these expert articles.
1
Study For Exams
2
Study So You Can Remember Everything
3
Make a Study Space
4
Create Good Study Habits for Exams
5
Learn Without Forgetting
6
Retain Information when You Study for a Test

Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I prevent getting distracted if I'm studying outside?
    Josh Jones
    CEO, Test Prep Unlimited
    Josh Jones is the CEO and Founder of Test Prep Unlimited, a GMAT prep tutoring service. Josh built the world's first and only score guarantee program for private GMAT tutoring. He has presented at the QS World MBA Tour and designed math curricula for Chicago Public Schools. He has over 15 years of private tutoring and classroom teaching experience and a BA in Math from the University of Chicago.
    Josh Jones
    CEO, Test Prep Unlimited
    Expert Answer
    If you keep getting distracted by other people being noisy, try wearing headphones to help keep you focused.
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      Tips

      • Be aware that some people have a lot of trouble studying outside. If you are someone who needs silence and a complete lack of distraction to study, outdoor academics may not be for you.
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      • If you're studying outside on a sunny day, make sure to put on sunscreen before you go out, especially if you'll be studying for a long time.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1448497/
      2. ↑ https://www.educationcorner.com/study-location.html
      3. ↑ https://www.wgu.edu/blogpost/improve-online-study-environment#
      4. ↑ Josh Jones. Academic Tutor. Expert Interview. 15 November 2019.
      5. ↑ https://www.educationcorner.com/study-location.html
      6. ↑ https://www.wgu.edu/blogpost/improve-online-study-environment#
      7. ↑ Josh Jones. Academic Tutor. Expert Interview. 15 November 2019.
      8. ↑ https://www.hercampus.com/school/washington/why-outdoor-studying-key-staying-focused-spring-quarter
      9. ↑ https://www.studygs.net/concent.htm
      1. ↑ https://www.hercampus.com/school/washington/why-outdoor-studying-key-staying-focused-spring-quarter
      2. ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/07/health/views/07mind.html?_r=0
      3. ↑ https://www.apa.org/gradpsych/2011/11/study-smart.aspx
      4. ↑ https://www.studygs.net/concent.htm

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