The holy month of Ramadan is a month that helps us learn how to balance and master our physical experience all the while attuning it to the divine. The concept of fasting not only enhances your spiritual connection as your blood supply to your digestive tract gets redirected to other systems, but it also helps flush out toxins if done right.
There are many factors that get disrupted when we fast, first and foremost is water balance. It is very important to stay hydrated in Ramadan, especially this year as we will be having a summer Ramadan. Staying hydrated means having a minimum of 8-12 glasses of water from after Iftar till before Imsak. Also, refraining from dehydrating drinks such as coffee and tea can help maintain the water balance.
Our physique can become sluggish in Ramadan as our systems slow down, but this can easily be avoided by ensuring an 8 hour sleep and refraining from bad habits such as staying up late or feasting till before bed time. It is important to honour our bodies and give them the amount of rest needed to maintain healthy functions.
Also, working out is optimal before Iftar as your body is ready to break down fat at around that time. I do not recommend heavy weight training, but a 30 minute cardio session or a Pilates class before Iftar can go a long way in maintaining your physique. Also, post Iftar you can go for a jog or engage in your favourite workout as long as it is 40 minutes after food. Listen to your body and do not overdo it, your body responds to movement that is joyous and loving. A 30 minutes’ walk can help your circulation and maintain your balance if you dedicate that time of day to honour your body and move it with ease.
An important factor in Ramadan is all the heavy feasting that goes hand in hand with the fasting, having an awareness of what your body actually needs and mindfully eating all the while practicing restraint is one of the virtues that make this month so special. Ensuring you have a balanced amount of proteins, carbs, fats and fiber is as important in Ramadan as it is any other month of the year.
Having a mindset that is nurturing to the body is important, we eat to nurture our physical body, not out of lack or habit. Reminding ourselves of the blessedness and sacredness of food and eating is also something this month brings into perspective.
From a spiritual standpoint, fasting elevates your vibrations automatically as your thought processes slow down and your mental and spiritual body undergoes a cleanse. It is therefore a good idea to aid this by drinking a lot of water, green juices and herbal teas to aid your digestion and cleanse the physical body along with the mental and spiritual body.
The mind is a very strong tool, and you can use it to tap into your inner strength, resilience, tolerance and restrain during this month. One of the ways to master our bodies is by learning how to curb our cravings and control our impulses. Therefore, if you are trying to quit a bad habit such as smoking, you can use the energies of this month to help tap into your inner strength and regain balance over your physical body.
Practicing mindfulness, breathing techniques and meditations accentuate the healing and detoxifying process in Ramadan. It is common practice to pray Qeyam and recite Quran more in Ramadan, all of this helps raise your vibrations whilst engaging your mind and spirit in a healthy and balanced way.
In conclusion, Ramadan is a blessed month that can be used to attain healthy habits and virtues, if you intend to make the most out of it you will be able to enjoy its serenity and abundance of health and spirituality. Happy fasting.
