The month of Ramadan is a time of self-reflection, prayers, and fasting. It's also the time of the year when everything goes retrograde: our days become our nights, and our evenings become our mornings.
So, how do we stay focused and patient in the face of so many distractions?
It can be a challenging month to stay on target with goals and to-dos between planning Iftar, festive gatherings, and other seasonal chores, but here are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure that you are productive while you are fasting.
Okay, we know that waking up early for Suhoor can be a feat for most of us, especially if you live alone and don't have your family to force you to have some food. The added chore of making yourself something to eat might make you feel like you should head back to bed and skip eating altogether.
But to ensure that you are energized throughout the day, you must have a meal because Suhoor is your breakfast and lunch wrapped into one. To avoid feeling weak and lethargic, make sure you consume food with a higher nutritional value as it will make you feel fuller for longer as this will make you more productive throughout the day. And don't forget to have lots of water so that you don't get dehydrated. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Take Shaur, for in Sahur there is blessing."'
During Ramadan, our sleep patterns always go haywire; and we don't get enough sleep. Sleep deprivation can make you hungrier (due to the drop in your leptin, the appetite hormone). It’s also linked to poorer decision-making and becoming accident-prone.
Different sleep techniques can work for different people during Ramadan. It doesn’t necessarily have to mean flipping your day to night and vice versa:
On workdays, have your Iftar and other Ramadan activities until 9 to10 pm, sleep till Suhoor, and do your high-level tasks after fajr for 3 to 4 hours.
Fun Fact: Apple CEO Tim Cook maintains a 10 pm to 3:45 am sleeping routine every day.
You could also take 15-20 minute power naps between 1 pm and 3 pm. These are the most optimal length and timings according to Harvard Heath.
Fasting can be the ultimate test of patience. Hunger pangs and thirst can leave you on edge. You don’t have the usual energy to spend, so don’t!
Don't use up your energy on tasks and concerns that are at the bottom of your priority list and outside of your circle of control. Whether you’re studying or working in the day, identify tasks that might require more or less energy so you can focus your mental energy on the things that matter.
One of the things we’ve discovered in recent months is the power of technology and remote tools like Zoom, Slack, Discord and more. Use them. Reduce prep time, eliminate driving or commuting time and physical effort by having virtual study groups or meetings instead.
Participate in local and global conversations by surrounding yourself with productive people who inspire you to follow through with your agenda for the day. If you’re looking for a platform to meet more people and harness creativity, join Misk Community programs to stay productive.
It might sound counterintuitive, but exercise will give you that much needed boost in your day. It also releases endorphins in the body, which lift your mood and make you feel motivated. Try incorporating easy workouts just before iftar, like a light walk. You can also exercise after breaking your fast but before your main iftar meal or just before Suhoor if you’re someone who doesn't mind waking up early.
A few days into Ramadan, you’ll know your high-performance timings. The hours that you feel most energized and mentally focused. Block these off for your most important tasks. For the hours when you dip, take a nap or do a low-intensity activity. Plot an exercise or walk an hour before that gathering or standing meeting to get that extra energy boost just on time.
Again, less is more. Knowing exactly what you’re tackling in the day frees your mind and conserves your body’s energy.
Take a breather. It’s easy to feel weak when you are fasting. And by the way, thinking about pushing yourself harder on its own can up your stress hormones and make you hungrier and more fatigue. So ease up, read a book, pray or do something that helps you unwind between tasks.
Ramadan is a season of introspection, spirituality, and self-renewal. Approaching your fast and the days to come positively goes a long way. The hacks and rituals you employ this month can turn to habits that make you a better version of yourself in the years to come. Embrace it!
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