How to get the best out of yourself in Ramadan

Ayesha Mian, London

Ramadan started on the 2nd of April this year and will continue for a lunar month (29 or 30 days). It's an exciting time because this month is truly blessed and not least because of the discipline and simplicity it brings.

For Muslims, fasting during Ramadan is an obligation. It is also an opportunity to take time out from our very busy lives to focus more on ourselves, to increase good habits, with the aim to become better versions of ourselves.

You don't have to be a Muslim to adopt the methods and principles of observing Ramadan. It is beyond starving your body. It is the enrichment of the soul, the nourishment of ourselves without the indulgence of vanity. We look outwards to our community, our environment and ultimately it creates a balance in our lives.

How does Ramadan help to achieve this? Well ....if you do something repeatedly over time, you create a habit. The giving up of food and drink between pre-dawn and sunset is the starting foundation of the physical practice of fasting but what it does is create a vacuum of time for you. You then focus this time on removing negativity and replacing it with good thoughts, positivity, no gossiping, back-biting, or anything equally unsettling to your inner peace.

As part of a wider initiative, many organisations are participating in a fast-a-thon challenge for faith allies. So if you are taking up this challenge and are not accustomed to the practices of Ramadan, here are a few points to help you make the most of what could be an exceptional experience.

  • Take some time to reflect on yourself. What would you like to see change in your life, in your person, in your habit. Essentially, what does version 2.0 of your life look like?
  • Now make a list of habits you would like to break and habits you would like to inculcate. What are the things you would like to be doing differently?
  • Muslims will pray five times a day and during Ramadan that is enhanced to continue through the evening and night. This time allows for reflection and me-time with God. Similarly, you could employ a five-times a day routine. The key thing is, you must absolutely stick to it. This is where the magic starts to happen. This is where everything stops and you pause to breathe. Meditate. Just be. Do some accounting of your day, the habits you need to focus on, or perhaps be reminded of the wonders in your life. Always thinking positively and constructively. Failure is not frowned upon, to err is human. So use this time to regenerate and strengthen yourself towards your goals.
  • Be kind. Be generous, whether it is through charitable giving or simply a kind word or smile. Spread goodness in anyway. It does really work. I promise! The pangs of hunger and the need to satiate your desires changes how you view life. For one, you have less energy to argue over meaningless things. And when you taste that first sip of water at sunset....well....
  • You will discover that you have gained a lot of time. Not getting that mid-morning coffee or a snack or lunch saves hours and you will be suddenly discover a wealth of time! Use it wisely.
  • The whole day you are focusing on changing in a positive way...slowly. The trick is about little and often. Gradualism as opposed to sudden bursts is what will hopefully help to solidify the positive changes you are after.
  • You may feel tired and sleepy during the day. Go for a brisk walk in the fresh air. It helps. You can also exercise though only do this if you are confident fasting this way. If you are not used to it, it might prove dangerous. Preferably do this at the end of the day so that you can hydrate quickly when it’s time to break the fast.
  • When you do get to break your fast, you will want to eat everything all at the same time. Don't do it. Have soup, or something simple and light. Avoid fried foods, sugary or salty foods and unhealthy drinks. They will not make you feel good and your body will not thank you for it. This is also a good time to bring a healthier diet into practice. What you eat does impact your mind, body and soul.
  • Finally, enjoy this experience and look forward to the balance you are creating in your life.