Eid with exams?

It's Eid. Aren't you excited?

Unless, your exams are also around the corner. Then the thought of Eid probably fills you with dread.

Is it possible to enjoy any holiday when your exams are near? Somehow your family members telling you, "It's okay, it's just one Eid, you will have many others!" does not console you. After all, Eid is the time for family, friends, and fun.

When exams approach students are encouraged to "give up everything" and study. But what about when their exams are near Eid? Should they really do nothing but study?

Should you study? Should you enjoy yourself and spend time with friends and family? Do you even have a choice?

In this case, you really need to learn to gear up, hyperfocus, and compartmentalise your time.

Studying on Eid day or chaand raat is… not advisable. For starters, you can't control how other people behave. Some people will play loud music, your friends are going to want to meet you, or call, neighbours or relatives are bound to invite you or come visit. Secondly, it's almost impossible to concentrate on Maths when everyone else is having fun, or you feel like everyone else is. In this case, you really have to switch off your brain to studying, and relax.

To allow yourself the headspace to relax, you have to double down on preparation during Ramadan. Of course, no one likes studying Chemistry or Economics while fasting. Reading those incomprehensible books is hard enough on a full belly, and excruciating on an empty one. You could utilise the time on and after Eid, when your tummy is full and happy, to solve those never-ending question banks. 

Between your study breaks, it's also a good idea to mediate and help out with chores. Meditation helps reset and sharpen your focus. Doing chores allows your brain to be in diffuse mode and process the information you took in, and find creative ways to solve problems that you couldn't yet. While these don't directly add to the number of hours you study, it enhances the productivity of the time you do study.

Unfortunately, exams do coincide with religious festivals or holidays more times than we'd like them to. We can't control these dates, but we can definitely prepare ourselves for them to maximise both events. 

To those who have to face exam stress through Eid… my deepest condolences. But you'll get through this. Here's to many great Eids and exams ahead!

Zaheen thinks binging productivity videos will make her productive. Send help at instagram.com/tasfiazuhair/