Sacred Study Space: How to Create a Workspace That Supports Focus
At the beginning of the school year, some students want things to feel different.
Less stress.
More organization.
Assignments turned in on time.
Staying on top of tasks instead of constantly playing catch-up.
If that sounds like a September version of a New Year’s resolution, it’s a good one.
As an Executive Function coach, I share many tools and strategies to support these goals. We could easily spend hours talking about binders, planners, organization systems, and tracking assignments.
All of those matter.
But if I had to name one place to start at the beginning of the school year, it would be this:
Your workspace matters more than you think.
What Is a Sacred Study Space (SSS)?
Executive Function expert Seth Perler calls it the Sacred Study Space (SSS)—a dedicated place where you (or your child) can truly focus.
Creating a supportive work environment at home isn’t a luxury. It’s a foundational Executive Function strategy.
Think about it. Adults have spaces that are dedicated to focusing on certain tasks. The kitchen, for example, has all the things needed for cooking. The garage might have tools for woodworking or working on cars. Most also have an office (or at least a desk or a flat surface) where they can use their computers and focus on their work.
Students need the same thing.
Why Many Study Spaces Don’t Work
Many of my student clients have study habits that make focusing much harder than it needs to be:
Doing homework on the bed or couch
Working near video games or the TV
Studying with YouTube, music, and multiple tabs open
When this happens, work time stretches on and on. Something that should take 30 minutes can easily turn into hours. Not ideal.
I don’t want students working for hours. I want them to do their work—and then get on with their lives.
How to Create a Sacred Study Space (SSS)
1. Plan With the Brain in Mind
Talk through what an optimal study space looks like.
What helps you focus?
What distracts you visually or auditorily?
How do noise, lighting, temperature, or clutter affect you?
2. Choose the Best Location (Not the Most Convenient)
The best place to study is not always the bedroom.
Be honest and realistic about where real focus happens.
3. Start With a Clean Slate
Clear everything off the workspace:
Papers
Books
Trash
Random supplies
Start fresh. A clean slate matters.
4. Set It Up Intentionally
Now add back only what you truly need.
Keep supplies within reach
Make sure everything is comfortable
Give every item a “home”
Don’t forget recycling and trash bins
Take your time here. This step is important.
5. Keep a Running List
As ideas come up for the SSS, write them down instead of interrupting the setup.
Possible tools to consider:
A supportive chair, exercise ball, or standing desk
Calendar or planner
Whiteboard or bulletin board
Good lighting
Headphones or earplugs
Chargers and reference materials
Inspirational quotes or photos
Analog clock, timers, fidgets, sticky notes
Choose tools that support your brain.
6. Take a Break—Then Gather Supplies
Once your list is complete, step away. Then go get what you need. Shop, if necessary, but also look around your home for items to use.
7. Finish and Set Boundaries
Once the space is ready:
Set clear ground rules with others in the house
Make sure your focus time is respected
If the dining room table or kitchen counter is the best option, that can still work. Just keep a basket or bin nearby with all necessary supplies.
A Note for Parents
Setting up a Sacred Study Space takes time—but it’s time well spent.
Parents, you can absolutely support your child in this process. Just try not to do it for them. The goal is for them to learn how to create a functional workspace so they can do it again in the future.
Their input matters.
It’s their space.
Keep It Functional
Once the SSS is established, plan a weekly or biweekly tidy-up. A study space only works if it’s always ready to be used.
Start Small
Good luck—and remember: Little by little, change happens.
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Carrie Bonnett is a veteran teacher and Executive Function coach based in Bend, OR. Carrie works with students and families (and adults, too). Her coaching empowers students to thrive in life and in school, helps parents and teachers to better support their children, and guides adult to get on top of all that life requires. In addition to coaching, she is also an adjunct instructor for early-career teachers at University of Portland in Oregon. For more information, visit www.carriebonnett.com.
