Muslims worldwide observe fasting from sunrise until sunset during the Holy Month of Ramadan. Among the Five Pillars of Islam is fasting throughout the month of Ramadan. It indicates that faith believers abstain from eating and drinking from sunup to sundown. Ideally, they should use this time for prayer and charitable endeavors. Celebrate by spending time with loved ones and friends.
Although it’s a significant month, Muslims who work in corporate settings and as business leaders face difficulties during this time. Our bodies will begin to lose energy if we go without meals and liquids for an extended time. As the day goes on, fatigue and distraction are frequently the result of low energy. Not only does it make you exhausted, but it also lowers your motivation and productivity.
But with a few astute modifications and calculated shifts in our goals, actions, and work schedule. We still have a lot of good work ahead of us before we get too exhausted.
In order to make the most of our workdays while fasting during Ramadan, we look at several techniques and strategies in this article that might assist all of us in staying motivated and productive.
1. Set priorities for your tasks.
During Ramadan, it might be challenging to stay focused, particularly in the evening when hunger pangs can be highly bothersome. Mornings are when most people feel most energized. Although this is generally true, it becomes especially pertinent during fasting since it can be utilized as a tool for prioritizing and planning.
Prioritizing your most essential or challenging chores will help you during your fast. List the most crucial things you need to get done, rank them from highest to lowest priority, and concentrate on completing each one first thing in the morning while you’re still alert.
In a similar vein, plan for every important meeting to help you get ready for the day. Be sure to explain to your coworkers and team members why you are holding the meetings early to give them enough time to adjust their personal schedules.
It is possible to arrange less important meetings and less demanding, less urgent tasks for the afternoon when people lose focus and energy. This will help you manage your time better and meet your deadlines.
It’s important to get enough good sleep at night throughout Ramadan. This is easier said than done since many people alter their regular sleep and wake schedules and stay up later during this period. While sleeping schedules may need to be adjusted, getting 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night is crucial to feeling rested and energized all day.
Even with the greatest intentions, it might be tough to work energetically during the afternoon and early evening fasting. Don’t be afraid to take a power nap to refuel. According to the National Sleep Foundation, a 30-minute break can improve performance, reduce mental tiredness, and increase memory retention by fivefold.
This will be especially useful if you remain up after breakfast. You’ll wake up with a quick energy boost from a midday or early afternoon sleep, which can also counteract the productivity-damaging consequences of a restless night.
3. Consume nutritious food and wake up for suhoor.
Eat well-balanced, nutrient-dense food high in fruits, vegetables, fiber, protein, and carbs throughout the non-fasting hours. This will help maintain energy levels throughout the day. Refrain from overindulging in suhoor and iftar, as this may cause stomach troubles, disrupt your sleep, and leave you dizzy or sluggish. Meals heavy in fat and sugar have similar consequences.
Additionally, never skip your suhoor. Instead, choose foods that will give you energy for the day and eat wholesome, modest servings in the morning. Quinoa, eggs, avocados, and oats are among the nutritious foods that are wonderful to eat. Foods high in fiber will help you feel full and satisfied for longer while gradually releasing energy.
Since iftar is the meal that replenishes your energy and helps you get ready for the following fasting day, it is equally vital to have a healthy dinner. Thus, you must make an extra effort to eat the right foods and nutrients your body needs. Establishing healthy eating habits you can maintain after Ramadan can be beneficial.
A word on hydration: to avoid dehydration, consume lots of fluids, such as milk, fresh juices, and water. Your best option should be water; have one or two glasses before meals (not during). Although sugary and caffeinated drinks are a standard option for a short energy boost, they should be avoided over time as they can cause dehydration and eventually disrupt digestion and sleep.
Workers who observe a fast will typically report to work as usual. Sometimes, it’s acceptable to feel tired and a little extra low, but fasting should never be an excuse for subpar work performance.
The body does suffer from such a prolonged fast. It’s critical to communicate openly and honestly with your team when you’re having trouble finishing work or need a little assistance getting things done. In addition to helping you get through the day, an open communication strategy will enhance cooperation and teamwork, which is always advantageous.
A positive outlook and a determined mindset are crucial during this time. We may choose how we approach each day. We might dwell on our fatigue or see each day as worthwhile. Overcoming obstacles increases our strength and self-assurance. It is simpler to start each day with enthusiasm and drive if you choose to concentrate on the advantages of fasting, such as enhanced spirituality, self-control, and empathy for others.
Make sensible decisions about how to use your lunch and other breaks while fasting. Since you won’t be eating or drinking, you have a ton of options for what to do during your lunch break. Depending on how strong or weak you feel that day, you can choose how to spend that time.
You should continue to take regular breaks for some things, but you can designate other times to remain active or rest. You may stretch, take a little stroll, work at the office, practice meditation, converse, or play games with coworkers. Anything that sustains your interest, energy, and motivation for the day.
As an alternative, you may use the extra hour to complete some assignments while still feeling rested. When you’re exhausted, you can take a brief nap to refresh yourself.
