1. Organize Your Tasks
Having a clear, structured plan is far more effective, so consider keeping a notebook to organize your study schedule and tasks. This not only serves as a reminder but also helps you clearly define what needs to be done. During exam season, it's easy to forget tasks like submitting your thesis or preparing reports, which you may leave on your desk as a reminder. However, seeing a pile of tasks can make you feel overwhelmed and unsure where to start.
To avoid this, use the wall next to your desk to stick reminder notes. This neat and systematic approach will allow you to break down tasks step by step, without waiting until the last minute. Prioritizing tasks is an effective way to stay on track, ensure nothing is overlooked, and monitor your progress.


2. Decorate Your Study Desk
Your study desk is a companion throughout many years, from elementary school to high school, university, and possibly beyond. It’s important not to overlook this essential part of your life. Fresh ideas and creative inspiration often arise from the environment where you study daily. A neat and pleasant desk helps you focus better and achieve the best results possible, bringing you closer to your goals. Therefore, don’t hesitate to decorate your study space effectively.
It’s a mistake to think that you can't get to work because your materials are scattered or you’re overwhelmed by unfinished tasks. Have you noticed how much pressure you feel when sitting at a desk that looks dull and uninviting? Instead of continuing with this, why not refresh it by adding a small plant, a few personal photos, or motivational quotes? Create a unique style and atmosphere that inspires you to study with more energy, rather than feeling burdened. Decorating your desk won’t take much time and can actually serve as a form of relaxation.


3. Adjusting Your Feng Shui
Changing your feng shui isn’t about superstition. When you choose a new study corner or rearrange your desk, it can refresh your mindset and increase your motivation to study. Try moving your desk to a different position or rearranging your items—it can spark curiosity and encourage you to explore more. This is a psychological trick many students still apply.
For an ideal study setup according to feng shui, place your study area in a spot that benefits from the 'Wen Xiong' energy to enhance learning. Each individual’s Wen Xiong position varies based on their birth year or birthdate:
- People born in the year or day of Jia (Wood): Southeast (Tí)
- People born in the year or day of Yi (Wood): South (Ngọ)
- People born in the year or day of Bing (Fire): Southwest (Thân)
- People born in the year or day of Ding (Fire): West (Dậu)
- People born in the year or day of Wu (Earth): Southwest (Thân)
- People born in the year or day of Ji (Earth): West (Dậu)
- People born in the year or day of Geng (Metal): Northwest (Hợi)
- People born in the year or day of Xin (Metal): North (Tý)
- People born in the year or day of Ren (Water): Northeast (Dần)
- People born in the year or day of Gui (Water): East (Mão)


4. Keep Your Phone and Laptop Off Your Study Desk
Avoid placing your phone and laptop on your study desk, especially when you're preparing for exams or focused on studying. Electronic devices can easily steal your attention, drawing you into distractions with new apps and notifications. While we can't deny the usefulness of these gadgets for research and study discussions with friends, if you’re not confident that you can resist their temptations, it’s best to keep them out of reach when you need to concentrate.
People with positive energy know how to use smart devices effectively. Instead of wasting time scrolling through Facebook, chasing likes, or reading irrelevant gossip, use your device to read blogs or magazines that are related to your studies. Save useful pages and make the most out of them for productive learning.


5. Have Relaxing Toys on Your Desk
One effective way to refresh your study desk and boost motivation is by adding relaxing toys that help reduce stress during breaks. Instead of distracting yourself with your phone, browsing the web or listening to music—activities that can lead to lost focus and wasted time—consider placing simple toys on your desk, such as a wobbling toy, a fishing game, or an hourglass.
When you’ve been working for too long, it’s important to take a short break to rest your eyes. You can relax right at your desk by engaging with these simple toys. This type of relaxation helps rejuvenate your brain, enhancing your ability to think and focus better. These toys don’t take up much time, but they can provide a quick mental refresh, so you’re ready to dive back into your studies.


6. Decorate with Greenery and Suitable Plants
Your workspace will look even more wonderful with the addition of small potted plants. The soft green hues and vibrant colors of flowers can stimulate the senses and bring positive energy into the room.
Students often need most of their desk space for books and study materials, leaving little room for decorations. However, it's still important to add a touch of greenery. When choosing plants for your study desk, consider the following:
- Health and Safety: Students are energetic and curious, so any item they interact with should be safe. Choose plants that are non-toxic and harmless, especially since they spend long hours at their desk, often in the evening.
- Small Size: Opt for small, compact plants that won’t take up too much space and will still look beautiful without being obstructive while studying.
- Low Maintenance: Choose plants that are easy to care for and thrive in an indoor environment. This is important since students might forget to water or care for the plants regularly.


7. Keep Your Essential Items Within Reach
If you find yourself frequently using certain items, like pens, paper clips, or documents, make sure they are placed in easily accessible spots on your desk. Also, consider how often you use certain items and organize them in order of importance. This method will streamline the search process and ensure your desk is arranged to suit your needs.
- Items like writing tools, laptops, communication devices, and tech accessories should be placed somewhere easily accessible, even if they are not on the desk itself.
- Keep pens and rulers in a cup to keep them together and easy to grab without taking up too much space.
- Place paper clips and staplers near the printer or wherever you most often use them.


8. Organize Your Books and Clear the Clutter
A tidy space starts with organizing your items neatly. Keep frequently used tools on the desk, while books, pens, and pencil boxes can be placed farther away. When your study area is organized, you'll feel less distracted and more focused as you prepare for your upcoming exam.
Clearing your books and trash is a must if you want to create an inspiring study environment. You won't be able to concentrate or feel comfortable learning with piles of paper scattered everywhere. A disorganized space can lead to procrastination and hinder your progress. No one wants to work at a desk cluttered with papers crammed into every corner. So, get rid of unnecessary items and create a clean, open workspace that gives you the freedom to focus on your assignments and revision.


9. Add a Desk Calendar
One effective way to regain inspiration while studying is to add a desk calendar. Regardless of the month or season, a calendar can bring joy to your workspace. Choose a calendar that fits your personal style so that whenever you glance at it, you can maintain motivation throughout the year.
As the exam date approaches, time seems to slip away faster. Be sure to have a desk calendar and a clock to manage your time wisely, balancing study and relaxation without creating unnecessary stress. Mastering time management is key to success. A desk calendar can help you schedule study sessions, note important tasks, and stay on track with deadlines during this critical period.


10. Use colorful sticky notes
Colors and visuals tend to leave a more lasting impression on our minds than words alone. Brightly colored sticky notes can liven up your workspace, making it more dynamic and personal. At the same time, these notes can be an effective study aid, a method widely recommended and used in many study areas.
Taking advantage of this, students should write down long mathematical formulas, tricky definitions, or even poems on colorful sticky notes and stick them on the wall. This way, you can review gradually every day without cramming. This method helps improve memory retention and comprehension, as you are constantly interacting with the material.


