We’re at the very beginning of the holy month of Ramadan, the month of spirituality and healing for the mind, body, and soul. This month is just not about fasting and praying, but it is a great opportunity to slow down and reflect on habits you want to change, new habits you want to build, and to get yourself in check. While there are several habits associated with the month that we need to stop doing, there are others that we need to build and keep doing all year round.
1. Spending so much time in front of the TV
With all the series that come out during Ramadan, it is very tempting to just keep sitting in front of the TV all day long switching from one series to another. Sooner than you think, you will realize that the day has slipped and you have done nothing other than being sluggish on a couch watching TV. Pick two or three max instead of watching everything that is on TV – we know it’s tempting but you shouldn’t yield. That way you will have more time in your day for other activities.
2. Eating excessively for Iftar
There’s a healthy way to break your fast, and that is never about eating excessively. Fasting for long hours gives us a magnified feeling of hunger so we tend to eat more than our body needs. Break your fast with dates, give a couple of minutes for your stomach to start meanwhile you can go for Maghrib prayers. Start eating slowly with soup to warm up your stomach and salad to ease digestion. Avoid fried food for Iftar, and try to include healthier options. Also, watch out for desserts. It is better to cut down sugar altogether, but if you are really craving it, have only a few bites 3 hours after your Iftar.
3. Bad sleeping habits
We want the day to pass quickly so we tend to sleep longer than usual, but as a result, we end up feeling more tired and lazier due to oversleeping. Think of other activities to kill time such as a short walk, reading Quran, journaling, or catching up on things you need to get done. Also, while the nights are longer in Ramadan with its gatherings and Suhour tents, we sleep late and wake up tired for work the next day. So make sure your body is getting an adequate amount of sleep.
4. Skipping Suhoor
Both skipping and eating unhealthy Suhoor are bad for your health. Some people are too lazy to prepare Suhoor, have had too much for Iftar that they can’t eat anymore, or take it as an opportunity to eat less and lose weight. In fact, skipping Suhoor will make you feel tired and hungry the next day, but also watch it for your choices. Opt for dairy products, protein, and slow-digesting food like bread, and avoid salty as well as spicy food so you don’t end up thirsty.
5. Having no control over our words
If your word is harsh and not gentle, don’t say it. If your words make someone feel hurt, embarrassed, or ashamed, don’t say them. If you gossip or badmouth people, then you need to control your words and stop immediately. This bad habit is not one that we need to stop only in Ramadan, but it should be a way of living where gossip and negative talks have no room in our lives.
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