The holy month of Ramadan is currently underway and almost half of the month is gone. Around the world people are happily fasting to be more blessed on this auspicious occasion. It is a difficult spiritual journey as people have to perform fasting for the entire day. They are allowed to eat only before sunrise and after sunset and have to maintain the fast without eating or drinking anything in between. In this hot months of summer, fasting for a whole month during the entire day is a challenging task in itself but it is the faith that keeps the people going. Apart from being physically fit, mental fitness is also necessary to undertake this rigorous religious practice.
If you are one of the individuals who is fasting for the first time in this holy month of Ramadan, this blog is a great help for you. It offers crucial tips that can keep you in good spirit and health. Check out these tips and make this difficult spiritual journey a bit easier.
Monitor your Food Consumption- You need to understand the fact that your body is going through a transformation phase during Ramadan. As you are fasting for the entire day, you need to have a close look at your food consumption. Don’t gorge on food items greedily during Iftaar after sunset and consume food in moderate quantities. It will help in maintaining the proper body balance and will decrease the food cravings also.
Don’t Skip the First Meal- At this time where mercury is soaring around 40-50 degree Celsius, fasting for the whole day can be a bit dangerous. It can lead to quick weight loss, dehydration and loss of fluids in the body. To avoid this, don’t forget the early morning breakfast known as “Suhoor” which is consumed during pre-dawn. It can give you the energy to keep going for the whole day. Take lots of fluids, fruits and other energy giving food items like dates, nuts etc. to beat dehydration and to keep feeling full for a longer duration.
Minimise your Coffee Intake- For all the coffee lovers, it is an important tip for you. Caffeine based drinks like tea, coffee and health drinks should be ditched altogether. This is because they increase thirst, appetite and changes the pH level of your body. All this can provide hindrance during fasting.
Quit Smoking if Possible- Ramadan is not just about fasting but a spiritual way to connect with Allah. You need to be mentally prepared for the occasion by quitting bad habits. If you smoke a lot, it would be good to take a break from smoking during Ramadan for an ideal preparation. In case, you want to make a fresh start, quit smoking completely and engage yourself in the service of Allah.
Take Steps to Regulate Sleep- Apart from the food, sleep regulation is equally important during the holy month. You need to avoid the habit of sleeping late during Ramadan so that you can wake up early for Suhoor. A short afternoon nap and early sleeping during the night can be a good preparation for the holy month.
Decide the Menu for your Meals- The key to a healthy living during Ramadan is eating right meals and in proper quantities. You need to use a combination of fruits, carbohydrates, fluids, dry fruits and other food items for a smart Ramadan preparation.
So, take the first spiritual step towards Allah by performing fasts with complete religious dedication. It is a small part of your spiritual journey towards the “Almighty Allah” to receive the blessings graciously during this holy. Ramadan is not just about observing fasts and staying hungry. It is about doing good deeds, helping others, reciting Quran and imbibing what the Holy Book teaches. So make sure to keep yourself fit and healthy during the month of Ramadan so that you can celebrate Eid with much joy and pleasure.
