Students and academics at Birmingham City University have shared their six top tips to help students observing the month of Ramadan to make sure they eat right and look after their systems during exam season.
When fasting, it can make it hard to do things normally. This year Ramadan runs during exam season, so here’s some tips for students that can help you feel a bit more energised during the day when you’re trying to revise or get through an exam:
1. Plan your meals
It’s important to plan what you’re going to be eating in Suhur and Iftaar. What you eat has an impact on your energy levels and it’s important to consume the right amount of carbs, protein, fruits, vegetables and plenty of water. Planning what you will eat each day will have an impact on how alert you feel during the daytime
2. Be productive
Make your lunch breaks productive. You know you have a lunch break but you can’t eat or drink anything. Avoid working through your lunch and do things like go out for a walk and get a fresh air, take prayer breaks, or take a nap. Make a daily to-do list and write down what you’re finding challenging, and plan what to do to combat them efficiently.
3. Take a break
There’s nothing wrong with planning a few breaks in your day. Taking regular breaks increases productivity at Ramadan or any other time of the year. Plan your day and add a few breaks into your working day which will help you reduce stress, refresh your attention, and reduce the risk of on-job accidents, and keep you focused and on schedule. In turn, this will increase productivity as well as keeping you fresh throughout the day.
4. Vitamins can help
You can also try multivitamins, which are great for giving your body all the necessary nutrients. You can take multivitamins during Iftaar or Suhur, but just make sure it contains 1,000 IU of vitamin D and at least 500mg of omega-3s.
5. Every meal counts
Do not skip the Suhur meal. Some people do this to keep up with sleep but you will need the energy from this meal to help you throughout the day
6. Take it slow
Eat your food slowly during the times that you can eat and drink. This makes the energy of the food release a bit slower in your system so you’re energised for longer.
Want to know more?
You can read our full guide about keeping well during Ramadan.
The guide was put together by Dr Huda Al-Kateb, Dr Matt Cole and Ayaz Safi from the Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences.