Fasting and studying in Ramadan

In this blog post Fahima takes us through her top tips for balancing study and rest whilst observing the holy month.

Ramadan has arrived at a particularly stressful time of the year for many of you, leaving you with the dilemma of balancing study and rest while completing your prayers and worship. However, the good news is that it is possible to do it all with some effort. Even though you may have heard this advice before, it's worth repeating as there are strategies that can help you balance your commitments effectively. So, read on till the end, as there may be a useful tool that can help you.

1.     Organisation: While you may have heard this advice many times, it's because it's important. Being organised means setting out what you will do and when, whether it is studying, praying, eating or resting. Download a weekly timetable and plan your time hour-by-hour, making sure to give each subject equal attention. This will help you focus on creating a routine and avoid overwhelming yourself.

2.     Best time to study: The best time to study varies based on personal preference. However, research suggests that the brain's cognitive abilities are at their peak during the morning hours, known as the "window of enhanced neural efficiency." If you are a night owl, consider revising after Tarawee prayers until suhoor, then sleeping after Fajr prayers until the afternoon. If you are an early bird, consider sleeping after Tarawee prayers, waking up for suhoor, and staying up after your Fajr prayers. Consistency is key here – stick to a routine.

3.     Use the Pomodoro Technique: Research has shown that students who focus on studying for short periods (around 20-25 minutes) and then take a 5-minute break, during which they engage in an activity that stimulates a different part of their brain, retain more information than students who study continuously without breaks or those who multitask by being distracted with other activities. The objective is to avoid distractions and focus solely on the matter for 20-25 minutes, followed by a short break. At the end of the study session (1-2 hours), you will find that you have retained more information. You can download apps on your phone that implement the Pomodoro Technique. Just search for Pomodoro and voila!

4.     Take care of your body: With a limited window for eating and drinking, what you consume during Ramadan can have a significant impact on how you feel the next day. Research has shown that even mild dehydration can impair cognitive function, affecting memory, attention, and concentration. This doesn't mean you should avoid fasting, but rather highlights the importance of staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water between sunset and dawn. It's also important to make sure you're eating nutrient-rich foods during suhoor. Some examples of beneficial foods include protein-rich sources like eggs and nuts, as well as carbohydrates such as overnight oats or porridge. Don't forget to incorporate sources of iron in your oats, such as chia seeds, flax seeds, and nuts, to help keep your body energised throughout the day.

Ramadan Mubarak and happy revising!

Fahima

(Fahima tutors AQA Psychology to students studying for both A level and AS exams).