Be kind to your mental health this Ramadan

Get a good night’s sleep

More sleep means less cortisol. This means improved metabolism, less skin breakouts, and a less cranky you.

Since social gatherings are prohibited during lock down, there is no excuse to stay up till dawn. Keeping a schedule will boost your mood and sleep will especially help you immune system – which is more important than ever during a pandemic.

Keep moving

Exercise is important regardless of the time of the year. However, fasting and maintaining social distancing can make the couch look tempting. That’s why you should set a regular and easy schedule rather than an ambitious one that causes you to burn out. Remember, slow and steady wins the race.

We know those Zoom meetings are long. That’s why our physiotherapists prepared 10 minute exercises on our Instagram page. 

Pain can stop us from working out, but that’s what physiotherapists are for. Listen to your body when it’s asking you to stop and seek professional help from a physiotherapist (+966126770001 ext. 2110)

Take advantage of all the online workouts. Low intensity workouts are highly effective for toning and even burning fat. Try lifting light weights, walking, yoga, or even stretching before Iftar. Check out Jeddah’s Pulse Studio and Beit Nat for some online videos. 

If you miss intense cardio to get your endorphins rushing, try out Arena’s online personal trainer programs. 

Stay mindful

Take it all in

We are living through tough times, so it is important to try and find a way to cope with what’s happening. Talk to a friend about how you’re feeling, start a gratitude journal, or start a journal to document what you are feeling at the moment. 

If you feel overwhelmed, don’t be shy to reach out to a professional therapist. They’re available online and can meet you from the comfort of your home (+966126770001 ext. 2110)

Meditate- Praying is the best form of meditation in Ramadan. Studies have shown us that meditation helps manage stress and anxiety, as well as help us sleep and focus, which will assist you in trying to manage your work hours while you’re fasting.

Stay social

Sellat alrahm. You may not be able to enjoy the annual iftar at your grandmother’s, but you can still ask her to teach you how to cook your favorite recipe on a Zoom video call.

Talk to your friends, just as if you are sitting there for suhoor with a cup of tea. You may not be physically there, but seeing them will help comfort you and remind you of a traditional ramadan evening.

Pray Jama’a with the people in your house. Even if the masjid is closed, you can still have the space for Ramadan practices, and most importantly the Saudi channel is still broadcasting Taraweeh from Al Masjid Al Nabawi and Al Masjid Al Haram.

Keep a schedule

Stay organized – Hours may go by slowly but days will fly by, which will be even more challenging during lockdown. Do your best to stay organized.

Stay consistent by setting an alarm for the same time every day.

Limit your working hours: try to stay focused for your work hours, and then if possible leave the work space when the work hours are done.

Designate different areas in your space for different tasks. Try to not work in your bed, try to not eat in your bed, and try to do fun activities after the work hours are over.

Take the time to work on yourself and discover the world from your couch

It goes without saying that ramadan is the perfect time for self discovery

Museums are offering free virtual tours, check out this guide for some of the best tours

Online classes are available so take the time to learn something new:

Cambridge Muslim College is offering online courses and lectures in honor of the month as well as discounted offers for some online classes.

Duolingo is a perfect App to learn or practice a new language. 

Master Class is for online courses taught by experts in their fields, from tennis pro Serena Williams or world famous chef Gordon Ramsey.

Be kind

Lock down restrictions might prohibit us from sharing food or sending out sadaqa, but that doesn’t mean we can’t share kindness

Start in the house. Our tempers are often tested during fasting hours, but think of the people in your house and think of how patient you should be with them. Yes, we are frustrated with being trapped with our families, but remember that you are blessed to have them around you and healthy communication is key.

Be kind to those who can’t fast. Many people are unable to fast due to chronic illnesses, pregnancy, age, or other issues, be kind to them, don’t offer any unwarranted advice, and remember them in your Dua’s.

Extending the kindness even when Ramadan and the lockdown is over: there are often many reports regarding the food wastes that happen in Ramadan due to many people’s generosity, but food is welcomed year round.

Most importantly, be kind to yourself. Don’t ever feel pressured to over perform during these times. It is stressful to everyone, just do your best and that is good enough.

Take care of your physical health and eat right

You really are what you eat. Since food has such a large impact on your mental health and well being, we’ve dedicated our next blog for food. Look for next week’s advice on how to eat right from our nutritionists, recipes, and more.

Surrender to God

Even after you do your best, remember that in the end if the day there are powers greater than us and all we can do is to trust and surrender to God. Remember that you are part of something bigger than yourself and you will be one step further from your struggle.