Extracted from Productive Muslim
Every year, the Holy month of
Ramadan provides us with the opportunity to eliminate unhealthy eating
patterns and gives our overburdened digestive systems a much needed
break. During this sacred month, the rituals of fasting, night prayer
and reading the Holy Qur’an on a daily basis can have a transformational
effect on our overall sense of well-being and contentment.
However, now that the blessed month of
Ramadan has passed and the Eid ul-Fitr festivities are over, here are 10
tips for maintaining the incredible health benefits and habits that you
worked so hard to gain in Ramadan.
1. Fast Twice a Week
Also, try fasting the 6 days of Shawwal. There are enormous spiritual benefits to fasting in Shawwal.
2. Have 2-3 Meals a Day
Make a habit of eating 2-3 regular meals a day (similar to Ramadan), rather than 6 small ones.The feeling of hunger can also have spiritual benefits too.
3. Eat Dried Fruits
Keep eating those dried fruits that you made a habit of eating during Ramadan.
4. The 80/20 Rule
Practise the 80/20 rule and eat only until you are 80% full. Beware of overeating!
5. Use the Rule of Thirds
After Ramadan,
use the rule of thirds to keep your daily energy levels up and prevent
the sense of heavy-headedness that often follows a heavy meal.
6. Take a Probiotic Supplement to Maintain Digestive Health
The excessive consumption of sweets that
followed the long days of fasting in Ramadan and that were a big part
of Eid celebrations, may have taken its toll on your digestive system.
Try adding a probiotic supplement to your daily regimen to replenish the
levels of good bacterial flora in your intestines.
7. Nurture Your Emotional Health
Do not neglect your emotional health;
rather, look to continually strengthen it.
One way to rekindle the feeling
of spiritual well-being is to wake up 20-30 minutes before Fajr for
night prayer and dua (supplication).Also, do not forget to make the practice of reading the Qur’an and performing dhikr an intrinsic part of your day.
8. Keep the Sadaqah Flowing
Keep the sadaqah flowing and reap the
mental health rewards of giving.
9. Be a Good Role Model
Remember that you are a role model for others in your life, whether they are your friend, sibling or children.
And if you are a parent, remember that
your eating habits and behaviour will shape your child’s attitude
towards food for the rest of their life. Be a good role model and
demonstrate a healthy approach towards making food choices and performing regular exercise.
10. Abstain From Smoking and Make Exercise a Priority
For smokers intending to quit, Ramadan
was an ideal time to gradually stop smoking and eventually curb the
harmful habit altogether. Once Ramadan is over, if you are a smoker, do
not give in to the temptation of having a cigarette after meals.
Continue to replace this addictive and toxic habit with healthier ones
such as exercise.
Finally, always remember that great
health maximizes productivity in all areas of your life. Make your
health a priority, treat it as a blessing and you will begin to see
amazing benefits, Insha Allah.
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