While fasting during Ramadan can impact energy levels, it’s possible to navigate your workday productively. Here are some tips to stay focused and thrive throughout this holy month.
Ramadan is a holy month widely celebrated by Muslims around the world. It’s the month where Muslims are fasting and abstaining from things that are considered unclean for body and mind from dawn until dusk. This year, Ramadan started earlier this March and ended on April 10th.
For most regions in Southeast Asia, fasting lasts for an average of 15 hours. With no water and food intake during the day, doing your responsibility at work can be more physically exhausting than normal days. However, don’t let Ramadan prevent you from doing your responsibilities. Here are some tips to maintain your energy during this holy month.
Don’t Skip Suhoor
Suhoor is the pre-meal taken before dawn. During this time, it’s important to eat nutritious food to prepare your body for the fast for the day. Foods with high-fiber, like whole grain bread or oatmeal, are good for suhoor. This is because our body takes a longer time to digest them, so you won’t be quick to feel hungry throughout the day. Don’t forget to stay hydrated by consuming plenty of fluids from water, fresh fruits, and fresh vegetables.
Plan and Organize Your Tasks
It’s understandable that you will feel less energized during the fasting month. Thus, try to sort your tasks into a priority list. Finish the most urgent tasks in the morning while you are still full of energy, and put the less-pressing tasks in the afternoon. If necessary, tell your team members in advance, so they can adjust their schedules accordingly.
Take a Power Nap
Since you don’t take lunch during Ramadan, you will have some free time at noon. It’s tempting to just continue working and finishing your tasks. However, if there’s no urgency, it’s okay to take a power nap for half an hour. According to headspace, power nap can reset our systems, replenish the energy levels, and improve our performance.
Do Light Exercise
Staying at your desk for hours can make you drowsy, especially when you are fasting. Aside from taking a short nap, you can do light exercises to keep your head fresh. Take a short walk around your office area, or do simple stretching that you can do from your desk. However, don’t push yourself too hard. It’s okay to take frequent breaks between your tasks if you feel tired.
Communicate Openly
Lastly, don’t be shy to discuss Ramadan with your manager and colleagues. You can even tell them before Ramadan starts to adjust the workload. Working without foods or drinks throughout the day will inevitably exhaust you more than normal days. Additionally, when the fasting month starts, reach out to your colleague if you need to pray or take a short break.
Final Thoughts
Essentially, Ramadan isn’t only about fasting—it’s also about self-perseverance and self-reflection. While working during this holy month might need extra mental and physical preparation, it isn’t impossible to do so. By planning your tasks and maintaining a positive mindset, it’ll be easy to manage Ramadan with focus and energy.
Next Read: How to Stay Productive on a Slow Day at Work
