Festivals bring joy, colour, and a break from our routine lives. Whether it’s Diwali, Christmas, Eid, or New Year, celebrations offer a much-needed time to connect with loved ones and rejuvenate. But for students, this festive season often coincides with exams, project deadlines, or important academic milestones. So, how can one enjoy the festive spirit without compromising on studies?
Let’s explore the right way to study during festivals—a balanced approach that allows you to excel in academics while still enjoying the celebrations.
1. Understand the Importance of Balance
The key to studying during festivals lies in balance. It’s neither ideal to study non-stop and miss out on celebrations, nor to celebrate to the point of ignoring studies. A balanced routine ensures academic progress without burnout.
Psychologists suggest that moderate social interaction, like celebrating festivals, reduces stress and improves brain function (Harvard Health Publishing, 2021). So, it’s not just okay to celebrate—it’s healthy, provided you manage your time wisely.
2. Create a Realistic Study Plan
A study plan is your best friend during the festive season. However, this plan must be realistic and flexible. Instead of trying to follow your regular 6-8 hour study routine, aim for shorter, focused sessions.
Break your day into chunks:
- Morning sessions (1-2 hours): Utilise this time for revision or problem-solving when your mind is fresh.
- Afternoon/evening: Allocate this for celebrations or family gatherings.
- Late evenings (if needed): Use for light reading or reviewing notes.
Tools like Google Calendar or study planner apps like MyStudyLife or Todoist can help you stay organised during such times.
3. Prioritise Tasks Smartly
With limited time, prioritisation becomes crucial. Focus on high-yield subjects or chapters. For instance, if you have five subjects but only a few hours, tackle the ones with upcoming tests or difficult concepts first.
Use the Eisenhower Matrix technique:
- Urgent & Important – Study these first.
- Not Urgent but Important – Schedule these next.
- Urgent but Not Important – Delegate if possible (e.g., helping with decor).
- Neither – Minimise or avoid.
This method helps you focus your limited study time on what truly matters.
4. Practice Active Learning
Instead of long, passive reading sessions, switch to active learning techniques during festivals. These include:
- Flashcards for quick reviews (use tools like Anki or Quizlet)
- Teaching someone else (Feynman Technique)
- Solving practice questions instead of reading theory
- Summarising chapters into mind maps or bullet points
These methods help retain information better in less time, which is especially helpful when your study hours are limited.
5. Use Technology to Your Advantage
Digital tools can help you study smarter, not harder. With the distractions of a festival atmosphere, traditional studying may not work. Instead, use:
- Audiobooks or YouTube explanations to study while doing chores
- Pomodoro timers to stay focused for short bursts (try 25 minutes of study followed by a 5-minute break)
- Online classes or recorded lectures to watch at your own pace
Apps like Forest help avoid phone distractions by encouraging focused study sessions.
6. Communicate with Family
Sometimes, the biggest challenge during festivals is family expectations. Relatives might not understand why you’re studying during celebrations. Have an open conversation with them. Explain your academic goals and request for uninterrupted time during your study hours.
Most families, once they see your sincerity, will support your schedule. You might also ask for help in reducing your chores or limiting noise during your study blocks.
7. Make Use of Early Mornings
Festive days tend to get noisy and hectic as the day progresses. One effective way to ensure uninterrupted study is to wake up early. The early hours offer peace, better focus, and a sense of accomplishment before the day begins.
If you’re not a morning person, try adjusting your sleep schedule a few days in advance. Going to bed an hour earlier and waking up just 1-2 hours before others can make a significant difference.
8. Set Small, Achievable Goals
Festivals are not the time for overambitious goals. Keep your study objectives small and achievable. Instead of trying to finish an entire textbook, aim to complete one or two chapters or solve a few sample questions daily.
This not only keeps your motivation up but also gives you a sense of progress. Use a reward system: for example, allow yourself to enjoy sweets or social media after hitting a study milestone.
9. Avoid Guilt and Overthinking
Many students feel guilty about not studying enough during festivals. But guilt is counterproductive. As long as you stick to a reasonable plan and avoid procrastination, it’s perfectly fine to take breaks.
Remember, taking time to celebrate improves mental health, which indirectly supports learning and memory (American Psychological Association, 2019). So enjoy the celebrations without regret—just keep your academic priorities in mind.
10. Involve Others in Your Study Plan
Studying doesn’t have to be lonely during festivals. If your cousins or friends are also preparing for exams, consider forming a short study group. You can review chapters together in the morning and enjoy the festivities in the evening.
Shared goals and accountability make studying less stressful and more effective. It also builds a healthy sense of competition and support.
Final Thoughts
Studying during festivals may sound tough, but it’s possible—and even rewarding—when done right. The secret lies in planning, discipline, and flexibility. You don’t have to give up the joys of celebration, nor should you sacrifice your academic goals.
By being mindful of your schedule, communicating with family, and using smart study techniques, you can enjoy the best of both worlds.
So light those lamps, wear your festive clothes, and keep your books handy—you’ve got this!
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References
- Harvard Health Publishing. (2021). The importance of social connections. https://www.health.harvard.edu
- American Psychological Association. (2019). Taking breaks improves productivity. https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress
- MyStudyLife. (n.d.). Free planner for students. https://www.mystudylife.com
- Todoist. (n.d.). Productivity app for tasks and goals. https://todoist.com
- Quizlet. (n.d.). Flashcards for learning. https://quizlet.com
- Forest App. (n.d.). Stay focused. https://www.forestapp.cc
- Pomodoro Technique®. (n.d.). Time management method. https://francescocirillo.com