Ramadan is a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. An integral part of faith, fasting allows you to devote yourself and become closer to Allah.
There’s a greater sense of community during Ramadan, family gatherings, visiting loved ones, helping your neighbours, Iftar initiatives whether governmental or between friends; it’s a special month that brings out the absolute best in people. We all feel the pressure of fasting and might even experience fatigue, but the overwhelming good that happens definitely overshadows it.
Experiencing Ramadan during COVID presented us with new challenges. The sense of community was somewhat lost with global lockdowns, separations and social distancing, however the people of Saudi preserved. There was a beautiful trend of people adapting, COVID couldn’t get in the way of what the Holy Month of Ramadan brings out in people. Safer ways to do charity were implemented, Iftars were cautiously distributed to the needy and measures were taken to allow everyone to practice their faith and increase productivity and activity during the month.
With increased religious practices, charitable activities, communal work and gatherings and new sleeping patterns, this article looks at the benefits of fasting, along with top tips to boost your productivity which will help you achieve your work goals throughout the Holy Month.
Fasting is expected to be a challenge, but the benefits outweigh the difficulties, and when done correctly, there are many health benefits as you cleanse your body and arguably mind and soul of toxins.
Fasting puts the body under mild stress, which enhances your ability to cope and become strong, according to Boulder Medical Centre. Aside from the religious benefits, fasting can help improve weight management, increase your metabolism, decrease blood pressure and even improve your brain-cognitive functions.
As you enter the Holy Month, look closely at your health, and take time to understand your body's needs. Your body still requires the same amount of nutrition, hydration, and sleep, albeit at different hours of the day. Recognize what times of the day you’ll be most alert, and consider using your free time for charity, self development, connecting with family and loved ones, doing good in the community, stocking up local centers and mosques with water and snacks for Iftar time and soul-enriching religious practices like reading the Quran or learning more about the Holy Month. .
A well-rested body results in a sharp mind, and maintaining a regular sleep pattern is integral to keeping your mind focused. Your body clock will need to adjust to Taraweeh and Qiyam Al Lail but you should still aim for eight hours of sleep a day. International SOS, which gives expert health advice for fasting during the month of Ramadan suggests that while it’s tempting to stay up late for Suhoor, or only sleep after Imsak, you should aim to accumulate 8 hours of sleep through separate periods of rest throughout the day.
Working hours for the public sector in Saudi are reduced to five hours during Holy Month, while the private sectors are reduced to six. It’s good to remind non-fasting colleagues that your schedule is changing and if you deal with any external or international companies, send a short message to explain these changes.
You might even mark ‘rest’ or ‘sleeping hours’ into your calendar, having free hours for rest will allow you to switch off and rest properly, ensuring you’re refreshed when you return to tasks.
Morning is a key time to get your high-energy tasks out of the way. Later, your concentration levels will likely dip so if you have important meetings, arrange them in the mornings. Plan your days in advance to ensure your key tasks are taken care of in the morning and communicate with your colleagues that you are fasting to help relieve any work-related stress.
The tried and tested method of sticking to a schedule from day one takes discipline. Much like setting up a regular work from home routine, you must adopt new habits for The Holy Month of Ramadan. The Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi recommends finding the sweet spot between resting, eating well-balanced meals with a focus on foods that slowly release energy over time, avoiding processed foods, and staying active by incorporating some physical activity into your daily routine. A disciplined routine that focuses your attention on the task at hand and ensures your workday doesn’t encroach on your rest time.
The basics for a healthy and productive Ramadan include sticking to healthy balanced meals, being active, and mapping out your days in advance, but one final way to boost your productivity and up your energy levels is to give back.
Instead of using your reduced working hours to rest, consider Sadaqah, and give back to those in your community who might need help. The first weeks of Ramadan are the most challenging, but rather than focus on the difficulties, channel your energy into giving to others, whether it’s by organizing Iftars in communal spaces, give out meals and water close to the Maghreb Athan for commuters, or even by dropping some crates of water and snacks at your local mosque and any community spaces.
Use the same energy for your work to stay energized and make the most of every day.
