If you’re studying for a qualification or exams during Ramadan, you might be fasting and revising at the same time. This can be challenging, but it is possible to plan your studies and revision around your religious duties. These five tips should help.
1. Adapt your schedule for the month ahead
Ramadan in the UAE begins on evening of Saturday 2 April and will end in the evening of Monday 2 May. You may find it useful to adapt your routine during Ramadan.
Start by thinking about the month ahead and consider which time of day suit you best for studying. Do you study better when you’ve eaten? If so, do the bulk of your revision after Suhoor and Iftar – after breaking your fast.
2. Make sure you’re well rested
If you’re taking part in Ramadan, you’ll be waking up at sunrise for Suhoor – the meal before people begin fasting. If you’re not used to waking up at this time, it can disrupt your sleep schedule and leave you feeling tired.
It’s important to make sure you get enough rest while you’re fasting, so you have the energy to study to your maximum potential.
3. Take longer, regular breaks
If you are working on an empty stomach, it may be difficult to revise for long, endless hours in a row. So when you do revise, make sure you take regular breaks.
If you find you’re getting tired when you study, take a break and go back to your studies when you’re ready.
Even when you’re fasting, you should still take a break for breakfast and lunch. Use the time when you’d usually eat to do something that gives your mind a rest and leaves you feeling more energised. For example, you might sit somewhere tranquil, go for a walk to get a change of scenery, watch television or catch up on sleep.
4. Eat healthy food
During Ramadan it is especially important to make sure you’re eating good food to give your body the essential fuel it needs.
At Suhoor and Iftar, eat healthy and filling ‘brain foods’ that will give you the energy boost you need, particularly fish, fruit, vegetables and slow-burning carbohydrates.
Make sure you drink lots of water and stay hydrated too.
5. Join a study group
If there are others on your course who are also fasting, you might find it useful to set up a study group with them – either in person, online or on a chat app, such as WhatsApp or Telegram.
Sharing experience, learning and supporting each other through Ramadan can prove invaluable.
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