How to Balance Study During Dashain and Tihar Festival: Tips for Nepali Students
Dashain and Tihar, Nepal’s most celebrated festivals, bring with them joy, family gatherings, and a break from the usual routine. However, for students, especially those preparing for important exams like the IELTS, TOEFL, SAT, or university entrance tests, balancing the festive atmosphere with study commitments can be quite challenging. Managing both is possible with the right approach, ensuring that students make the most of the celebrations without compromising their academic goals.
Why Study During Festivals?
Festivals are an important part of life, offering relaxation and a chance to reconnect with loved ones. But for students with exams on the horizon, these periods are also an opportunity to reinforce learning and make progress. Here’s why continuing your study routine during Dashain and Tihar is essential:
- Consistent Progress: Taking long breaks during the festive season can disrupt your study flow. Short but consistent study sessions help retain knowledge and ensure that no momentum is lost.
- Exam Timelines: Many standardized tests like IELTS or SATs are conducted year-round. If your exam date falls shortly after the festive period, staying on track is crucial for success.
Tips to Balance Study and Festivities
Here are some practical tips Nepali students can follow to effectively balance their studies and enjoy the festivals:
1. Create a Flexible Study Schedule
The festive period often involves spontaneous plans and events, making it difficult to stick to a rigid timetable. However, you can create a flexible study schedule that adjusts to the activities of the day. Dedicate time in the early morning or late evening for study sessions when the house is quieter and you can focus better.
2. Prioritize Key Subjects or Topics
Since time is limited during festivals, focus on your most important subjects or topics. Break down your syllabus and choose the areas that require more attention. By studying key sections, you can continue to make meaningful progress even if the total study time is reduced.
3. Use Short Study Sessions
Rather than attempting long, drawn-out study periods, opt for shorter, more frequent sessions. The Pomodoro techniqueis a useful method that involves 25 minutes of focused study followed by a 5-minute break. This way, you can study effectively without feeling like you’re missing out on the festive excitement.
4. Study While Traveling
Dashain and Tihar often involve visits to relatives and travel to different locations. Use this travel time wisely by carrying light study materials, such as flashcards, ebooks, or even educational podcasts that you can listen to. This is a great way to stay productive while on the move.
5. Avoid Distractions During Study Hours
While it’s tempting to check your phone for updates on Dashain and Tihar celebrations or spend hours chatting with friends and family, it’s important to keep distractions at bay during your study time. Communicate your study plans with your family so they can support you by reducing noise or avoiding interruptions during your study sessions.
6. Reward Yourself
Incorporating rewards into your study schedule can increase motivation. For example, after a productive study session, allow yourself to participate fully in a festival activity, like playing cards or flying kites. These small breaks will help you stay energized and motivated.
7. Use Technology to Stay on Track
There are several study apps that can help you stay organized during festivals. Apps like Trello, Google Calendar, or Forest can be useful for managing your time effectively. You can also watch educational videos or participate in online study forums to continue learning without needing traditional books.
Importance of Mental Rest During Festivals
Festivals are not just a time for celebrations but also for mental relaxation. Use the Dashain and Tihar holidays to recharge your energy. A well-rested mind is better equipped to retain information and solve problems effectively. Just ensure that this mental rest doesn’t turn into a long break from study, leading to lost momentum.
Conclusion: Celebrate and Study
Balancing study with festive celebrations can be tricky, but with the right approach, Nepali students can manage both. By creating a flexible schedule, using travel time productively, and staying focused during short study sessions, you can enjoy the Dashain and Tihar festivities while also progressing academically. Remember, balance is the key—celebrate these beautiful festivals with your family while staying committed to your goals.
Happy Dashain and Tihar, and best of luck with your studies from Asian Education
