Learn about staying productive in school during Ramadan, including what you can do, the best techniques for studying, and how to avoid burnout.
Staying productive in school during Ramadan can be incredibly challenging when you are fasting from sunrise to sunset. As fasting can impact your brain, it is crucial to have resources that you can turn to in order to keep yourself productive when in school, like eating the right foods, managing your sleep schedule, and more.
Here at The Brain Workshop, we know that during Ramadan, millions will be fasting around the world – but we do not all have the freedom to make it easy for ourselves. For people working, or those in school, there are obligations that can make the holy month incredibly challenging, and productivity can quickly diminish when the wrong practices are followed.
What Are the Challenges of Studying While Fasting During Ramadan?
As fasting impacts brain function, staying productive in school during Ramadan is a challenge in itself. Hunger and thirst make focusing difficult, and can also result in slower thinking, mood swings, and more, which should all be accounted for in the holy month.
Fasting can cause the following effects on brain function:
- Triggers brain-derived neurotrophic factor (which improves brain health)
- May help to prevent neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Huntington’s
- Can cause difficulty with concentration
- Can cause slower thinking
- Can cause forgetfulness
How Do You Manage Your Energy During Ramadan? Sleep, Nutrition, and Hydration Are Key
For staying productive in school during Ramadan, prioritize hydration at Suhoor, manage sleep effectively, and use focused study techniques to maintain energy levels throughout the day.
You need to take care of your body and mind when fasting, and make the most of Suhoor and Iftar. There are a variety of foods and drinks that can make fasting more difficult for you, and other than will make it easier thanks to keeping you hydrated and slowly releasing energy. It is crucial that you plan meals properly.
Be Mindful of What You Eat and Drink During Suhoor and Iftar
Suhoor must especially be made up of foods that will keep you sated for many hours until sunset. Foods that slowly release energy and are low in sugar and high in protein can be beneficial for this, and making meals ahead of time will ensure that you do not spend unnecessary time preparing and cooking for Suhoor and Iftar.
Here are some tips to help you eat the right kinds of food during Ramadan:
- Focus on slow-energy releasing foods such as complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and lean proteins
- Make sure you get enough fibre in your diet through seeds, grains, potatoes, and more
- Avoid heavily processed foods and refined carbohydrates
- Avoid fatty foods like biscuits and cakes
- Avoid caffeinated drinks like coffee and tea
- Avoid deep-fried foods like fried dumplings, samosas, and pakoras
- Avoid foods high in sugar
Similarly, you need to drink appropriately to make sure that you can stay hydrated throughout the day. Dehydration is dangerous, and productivity can drop when you get thirsty.
Below are some tips to help you stay hydrated during Ramadan, when you are not drinking any water from sunrise to sunset:
- Avoid salty foods that will dehydrate you
- Avoid spicy food that will make you more thirsty
- Avoid going outside if the weather is warm
- Avoid sugary, fizzy, and caffeinated drinks when you break fast
- Eat more fresh fruit and vegetables when you break fast
- Eat enough fibre in your meals when you break fast
- Eat dates when you break fast (these are incredible for sustaining you)
Your Day-to-Day Life Will Look a Bit Different During Ramadan
To manage energy levels and help you stay productive at school during Ramadan, you need to be prepared to make day-to-day changes for the holy month. While you are at school, this could be difficult, but exceptions may be made for school activities such as PE, or any other physical classes that may be dangerous or lead to you breaking your fast.
Changes that you may need to make for Ramadan could include:
- Waking up very early for Suhoor
- Planning ahead to avoid dinner halls and food spaces at school
- Avoiding strenuous activities that can make fasting difficult or dangerous (when you are in school, this will mean being excused from classes like P.E.)
- Avoiding going outside when it is warm (in school, this could mean that you are excused from participating in classes that take you outside when it is warm)
- Performing Qailulah to help with fasting and brain function (this may be difficult at school due to the strict lessons and timetable)
- Preparing Iftar and Suhoor meals ahead of time for ease and saving time
- Altering your diet to incorporate more beneficial meals to help you through fasting (e.g. slow-energy releasing foods)
What Are the Best Study Techniques for Ramadan Productivity?
The best study techniques to help with productivity during Ramadan will include doing the difficult studying early in the morning when your brain is functioning its best thanks to good sleep and Suhoor, and later in the evening after Iftar. It is crucial to create a timetable that is realistic that you can follow, and prioritise tasks while giving yourself grace.
During Ramadan, you must make time for getting up early for Suhoor, your daily activities like going to school, prayer, study sessions, and more, but you also need to take study breaks to help your brain. You will need to minimise distractions as much as possible so that you can stay on-task, and participate in lighter studies in the afternoon when your energy levels start to dip.
How Can You Stay Focused in Class While Fasting?
Part of staying productive in school during Ramadan is being able to remain focused in class during the holy month. If you attend a public school where Ramadan is not widely practiced, this can raise additional struggles for students who might struggle, but planning ahead and nourishing your body at Suhoor can lessen the struggle.
Top 5 tips to stay focused in school while fasting:
- Drink enough water at Suhoor
- Eat slow-energy releasing foods at Suhoor
- Get enough sleep
- Minimise distractions as best you can
- Actively participate in class as much as possible
If you need to speak to your teachers for support, please do not hesitate to do so. Ramadan can be challenging, especially for students, and it is okay to ask for accommodations if you are having a difficult time.
How Do You Create a Balanced Schedule for Studying and Rest During Ramadan?
For a balanced study and rest schedule during Ramadan, it is important to take advantage of morning hours before Suhoor, when you should be able to focus well. These sessions can be broken down into smaller chunks to help with effectiveness and ensure that you are still learning during the holy month.
Because of prayers, extra studies, and going to bed early to get up before sunrise, it can be difficult to find balance. However, we recommend speaking to your parents or others for tips on what could work for you and your household.
What Are Some Tips for Staying Motivated and Avoiding Burnout During Ramadan?
Determination plays a key role in staying motivated and avoiding burnout during Ramadan, but you also need to make sensible changes to your life to make Ramadan work for you. This will mean getting up earlier for Suhoor, altering your diet, getting enough sleep, altering your activities to keep you motivated (such as having a nap during breaks), and observing worship rituals.
Ramadan is not a burden, and it is not a punishment. While it can be challenging, it is something to be excited about and look forward to as a way of strengthening your faith and improving self-discipline, while also encouraging compassion and charity. Passion and love for Allah is often the most powerful tool to remain motivated.
How The Brain Workshop Can Support Cognitive Performance
Staying productive in school during Ramadan can be difficult, and we understand that. This is why knowing how to set yourself up for success during Ramadan is crucial, as is understanding learning strategies that ensure that you do not fall behind.
Want to boost your focus and productivity during Ramadan? Explore expert learning strategies with The Brain Workshop – helping students stay sharp all year round!
If you would like to learn more, please don’t hesitate to contact us at the Brain Workshop and find out more about us, our team, events, or even read our FAQ.
