Whether at home or at work, the majority of your study time will be in addition to your normal working hours. Every evening, over 400 CIPFA students are logging on to the Student Learning Centre, we appreciate this makes it a long day for many of you.

Poor posture, poor lighting, and prolonged periods without a break can be sources of discomfort with any form of study, whether you study on line or print out the study sessions.

The websites below provide advice on preventing and reducing potential discomfort

What is good posture?

Advice on RSI prevention and reduction of symptoms

Using VDU Screens

A bit of planning before you start studying can help. At home you probably won’t have access to the ergonomically designed furniture most organisations provide.  Strategic use of cushions to raise and support you or books to elevate the screen can help.

In your study timetable include space for regular short breaks. Sounds like a waste of precious time? Breaks can simply mean changing what you are doing or how you do it, e.g changing mouse clicks to writing or sitting at a desk. Try these tips:

• Do some neck and shoulder stretches while reading
• Take a few minutes away from the screen and test yourself on what you have just been reading
• Read a topic in the online study guide, then move away from the computer and write up some brief notes. This is also a more effective way to learn than simply reading or cutting and pasting notes.
• Take a real break! The brain and eyes get tired like any other part of the body, after a while (and this will vary from person to person) performance will temporarily deteriorate. A few minutes of stretching, a quick chat with the family or simply stroking the cat will give you a much needed boost for the study period ahead.

Even if you are well into your studies, plan now for your next study session.

The CIPFA Education and Training Team
Student Learning Centre