While practicing intermittent fasting may be a relatively modern concept offering a wide range of benefits, many religions have been practicing it for centuries. Muslims worldwide engage in month-long fasting from dawn to sunset during the Holy Month of Ramadan – A month that isn’t just limited to abstaining from food and water but is also a time for reflection, tolerance, resilience, and practicing gratitude.
As crucial as this month is, it can also be quite challenging to stay focused at work at times. If not managed effectively, staying up late into the night and waking up early for suhoor, followed by a day-long fasting period, can easily cause fatigue, leading our bodies to lose energy and focus and even reduce productivity.
To help you function at your best, below are a few strategic tips for staying energized during Ramadan without compromising your focus or productivity.
Plan ahead of time
Planning and scheduling your work ahead of time can be especially effective during this holy month. Since our bodies are programmed to be most productive and energized during the early morning hours thus, scheduling the most challenging tasks during the early morning is your best bet. As the day proceeds and you start to feel fatigued or drowsy, try stepping away from the screen. Get up from your desk and take a short walk to refresh yourself.
Follow a balanced diet
Another tip for staying energized during Ramadan is maintaining a healthy and balanced diet. So, begin your fast with a well-balanced suhoor to prepare your body for the day ahead. Ensure to include moderate portions of proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates to sustain your body throughout the day. Opt for fiber-rich foods like eggs, bananas, quinoa, oats, and avocados. These will keep you satiated and release energy slowly throughout the day.
A balanced meal during iftar is equally crucial since it restocks your energy level and prepares your body for the next day. While indulging in fried food may seem tempting, putting in the extra effort to consume healthier options can help you maintain a balanced diet during this holy month and cultivate good eating habits that can continue even after Ramadan.
Focus on staying hydrated
Staying hydrated during Ramadan can be quite challenging, especially when you have a long day at work ahead of you with soaring temperatures. The human body is designed to lose water throughout the day and If this water is not replaced adequately, it can lead to severe dehydration.
Experts suggest drinking plenty of water in frequent sips during the non-fasting hours. Avoid drinking a gallon of water in just one go since your body won’t be able to absorb it. Similarly, steer clear from fizzy drinks, juices, and caffeine as much as possible since they barely contribute towards helping you stay energized during Ramadan.
In addition to this, you can also opt for water-rich foods during suhoor and iftar. Foods like spinach, apples, watermelon, and blueberries help maintain energy and hydration levels throughout the day. Another effective hack that can help you stay energized during Ramadan is washing your face frequently throughout the day. Doing so enables you to replenish the water lost due to sweating throughout the day.
Foster teamwork
The blessed month of Ramadan reminds Muslims worldwide to practice endurance and help one another in times of need. Since fasting can take a toll on the body, it is normal to feel exhausted or low at times, and it is essential to let your team or co-workers know when you are struggling. Cultivating strong teamwork and maintaining an open communication policy will not only help you in getting things done but also allow you to motivate one another to strive harder. Just remember to keep a positive and determined mindset to improve cooperation and stay focused at work.
Remember, while fasting may impact your energy levels during Ramadan, overcoming challenges and focusing on the benefits of this blessed month is the only way to cultivate empathy, self-discipline, motivation, and spirituality within yourself.
So, what do you do to stay focused and productive during Ramadan? Let us know in the comments below!
