Managing Stress & Anxiety in Ramadan

In this Holy month, however, a person's mental health, anxiety, and emotional stability are sometimes overlooked. Usually during Ramadan, stress management and mental health maintenance are crucial but frequently overlooked topics. We need to understand the importance of stress management as well as the importance of self-care in this month.

Here are some ways we can try to manage our stress in this Holy month.

Taking Care of Our Diet

Mental and physical well-being are related. Just like taking care of your body can benefit your mind, taking care of your body can benefit your mind.

Drink plenty of water. Even if you don't feel particularly thirsty, try to drink fluid multiple times during the night because thirst is a symptom that your body is already dehydrated. 

The size of the portion matters. About 20 minutes pass before the body realizes it has eaten enough. Therefore, avoid over-eating during iftar. Your body will experience less stress and have more energy if you eat consciously and pay attention to when your hunger is truly satisfied.

Although fasting might be physically exhausting, avoid being inactive. Try to make time for exercise whenever the schedule suits you. If you usually work out in the morning, try going out in the evening after breaking your fast to observe how your body reacts. It's not a good idea to engage in strenuous activity throughout the day because you risk rapidly becoming dehydrated. Keep your energy levels up throughout the day by taking short, simple walks or stretching a few times.

Taking Care of Our Sleep 

Make sure you get enough sleep and rest so that you have energy all day. For your body to heal and get ready for the next day, it needs enough sleep. Lack of sleep will have a direct impact on your ability to focus and increase anxiety levels. But since it's a balance, don't oversleep, as this can also make you sluggish and make you feel more exhausted during the day.

It’s important to be mindful of how this will affect your energy when you plan your time. Some people might find it easy to sleep during the day during fasting, some at night, so this entirely depends on what kind of sleep pattern makes it easy for us to manage our stress and anxiety levels.

Helping and Connecting with Others

Make connections with your loved ones, friends, and community during Ramadan. There are plenty of chances to meet people and form connections, whether it's over meals, prayer, or education. Your mental health can be significantly impacted by relationships. These connections and interactions can help us ease our anxiety and distract us from our stressful routines.

Individuals who have stronger social ties to their community, family, or friends are happier, healthier, and live longer. They also have less mental health issues. The mosque is a terrific place to gather during Ramadan, and you are welcome to come alone or with companions. You can attend iftar and prayers at the mosque.  

Managing Our Schedule Effectively

The secret to successfully managing your schedule throughout Ramadan is preparation. Prioritize your tasks and evaluate your commitments before the month starts. Be careful to schedule your work and school hours appropriately according to what suits your energy levels best. You may also save time and guarantee that you have wholesome food prepared for Iftar and Suhoor by planning your meals.

Because the fasting schedule can cause fluctuations in energy and productivity levels, flexibility is crucial throughout Ramadan. When working or studying, strive to complete the most difficult things during your periods of most energy, which can differ from person to person. While some people might like the night after Iftar, others might think that the early mornings after Suhoor are best for concentrated work. To determine the most productive time for yourself, take a few days to notice how your energy levels change during the day.

Management of our schedules makes it easier to finish our work on time which in return helps us reduce our stress and anxiety levels. We can create a self-care journal to look at how our schedules have improved from before.

Relaxation, Meditation, and Spiritual Reflection

There is a unique chance for spiritual growth during Ramadan. Every day, set aside time for prayer, dua during Ramadan fasting, meditation, and Quranic recitation. Your relationship with Allah will grow as a result of this. Meditation cultivates mindfulness inner calm and tranquility. Set goals, show gratitude, and beg for forgiveness to foster spiritual renewal and growth at this sacred season.

Ramadan is essentially a period of deep spiritual introspection and reconnection with Allah. Muslims seek to strengthen their faith, cleanse their souls, and become closer to God via prayer, fasting, and worship. All of our prayers give us a way to relax and help reduce anxiety levels.