Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’d know that we’re smack dab in the middle of the holy month of Ramadan. It’s a time when Muslims worldwide abstain from a variety of things, including food and water, from sun up to sundown. Although fasting has many health advantages, it’s important to do it properly to prevent harming your body and ensuring you stay fit.
Do we have your attention? In that case, here are 6 ways to ensure that you remain healthy, energetic and sanguine while you fast:
Wake Up Early For Sahur
Although getting up early for Sahur may seem tedious, it’s well worthwhile. Sahur not only provides your body and brain with the nutrients they need to fight fatigue during the day, but also helps you maintain your wellbeing so that you can perform at your best even when you’re fasting. Look for foods like bananas, oats, eggs, yoghurt and peanut butter that make quick, simple meals, but are packed with energy for the day. Go for grilled chicken or fish and baked sweet potatoes if you need a little additional protein in the morning.
Also, try not to have Sahur late at night before bedtime to prevent having to get up early. You’ll gradually become more hungry because of this. And it’s usually a good idea to start with at least two glasses of water before you break your fast or get ready to fast. To keep your digestive system in good shape for the remainder of the day, it’s recommended to avoid oily and spicy foods in the morning.
Don’t Over Indulge
Due to not eating or drinking throughout the day, the urge to overeat while breaking fast is common. But doing so will only force your digestive system to work harder and puts pressure on it, which results in indigestion, heartburn, and stomach cramps. Stick to meals that will fill you up without making you bloated and try to steer clear of items that are very salty and sweet. Another important thing is to eat slowly. Take your time to eat. Start with light food such as dates and fruits and slowly work your way to the main items and finish off with some dessert if you want.
Stay Hydrated
When you skip water during the day and keep doing that continuously, it not only impacts hydration internally but externally too. Using moisturiser, skin serums, face oils, and sunblock as needed will keep your skin smooth and supple, especially given how hot it is right now. Before going to bed, treat yourself to some cooling facial masks and massage some nourishing lotion into your skin. To encourage healthy, glowing skin, try eating more fruits and vegetables that are high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatories. Also, you should consume a lot of water and less caffeine overall.
Sleep Is Important
Ramadan has a major impact on sleep, since Sahur forces us to rise considerably earlier than usual. For those who tend to sleep later than usual, a sudden shift in schedule can disrupt your sleep cycle and lead to daytime headaches and sleep deprivation. Make an effort to maintain a regular sleep schedule each day, going to bed and waking up at the same time. Eating the correct foods will be quite helpful in this situation. Make it a habit to avoid eating anything substantial, overly spicy, or consuming caffeine between one and two hours before going to bed.
If you feel like you need a quick nap, you can also take one at midday or during your lunch break. However, avoid taking lengthy naps throughout the day because this will keep you awake at night and make it harder to fall asleep early.
Light Exercises
Since you already feel exhausted from fasting, it may seem silly to exercise during Ramadan. Even so, it’s not a good idea to sleep or lounge around all day. Following a straightforward exercise routine keeps your body and mind active and alert, preventing lunchtime weariness. Do whatever feels comfortable for your body; some people prefer to exercise before breaking fast, while others prefer it after. Simple motions for even 10 minutes will improve blood flow, give you energy, and uplift your mood. You also get better sleep at night thanks to it, so you wake up feeling rested.
Get Outdoors
Even though it’s the month of fasting, that doesn’t mean you have to stay put at home to conserve your energy. It’s recommended that you go outside and breathe some fresh air every day. Plus, going outside deliberately during the fasting month has a significant positive impact on your wellbeing. To improve your sleep-wake cycle, get some of that early morning sun on your face and breathe some fresh air. This helps to reset your mind and give you a sense of relief.
You can do this even while working. Just step out of your office for some fresh air but avoid standing under the hot sun during the peak heat of the day. Staying healthy doesn’t only mean watching what you eat – it’s about taking care of your mind, body and soul overall.
