6 Tips: For a Productive Work Life in Ramadan
Ramadan is the most auspicious month for Muslims. We as Muslims worldwide, practice fasting and worship more to get closer to Allah. Our focus shifts to spiritual aspects of our day-to-day lives. Even though working hours get reduced, working long hours while pasting can take a toll on employees' productivity and energy levels.
According to a report by the B.B.C., "Workers' productivity declines by 35-50% due to shorter working hours and the change in behavior during this month." Headaches, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating are common symptoms affecting people and impacting work output during Ramadan.
So, let's see what practices we can adopt during Ramadan to increase our efficiency and energy level at work.
1. Work With Determination:
One of the first steps is self-motivation. Motivate yourself to work hard and take on every task with excitement and energy. The Journal of Personality and Social Psychology by Dr. John A. Bargh et al. suggests that the brain tends to divert itself to more mundane matters just when you're beginning an important task. This is called procrastination, and the best way to get rid of this is to motivate yourself to start and set deadlines. The following tips will be easy to follow when you are passionate and determined.
2. Don't Skip Suhoor:
It is essential not to skip Suhoor as it gives the energy to work the whole day. Remember to eat moderate portions as overeating leads to feeling tired, sluggish, or drowsy. Choose a balanced diet with carbohydrates, protein, and fiber in your intake. Foods that contain fiber help keep you full longer. Also, eat more veggies and fruits. Rather than eating regular yogurt, go for Greek Yogurt.
3. Get Proper Sleep:
Sleep patterns tend to be messed up during Ramadan, and if you have a habit of sleeping late, it can affect your sleep, and you should change that habit in Ramadan. There are two schedules you should follow to get optimal rest. First is the night schedule; try to sleep as early as possible since you have to wake up early for Suhoor. The second is to sleep right after your Fajar prayer.
You can also take short naps during the day to help you get more sleep. According to the National Sleep Foundation, a rest of fewer than 30 minutes can help restore mental alertness, enhance performance, and boost information retention five times.
4. Find Activities During Work To Stay Active and Energized:
Since we are not eating during our lunch breaks, we can utilize this time to do other activities. Use free time to get refreshed and relaxed by exercising, walking around the office, or chatting with colleagues. If your office is equipped with table tennis or any gaming equipment, take advantage of them. These small activities can help you stay refreshed and energized throughout the day.
5. Take Care of Your Health:
It's essential to take extra care of your body during Ramadan. Eat healthy food, incorporate light exercise like Pilates, and yoga in your daily routine, and drinks lots of water between Aftaar and Suhoor to stay hydrated. A healthy body can help you overcome every challenge and perform at an optimal level.
6. Observe Worship Rituals:
One of the most important elements of Ramadan is praying. It helps you develop consistency in worship. Also, worshiping more than a regular month in Ramadan enhances your spiritual and mental health in the long run.
So here you go; we have compiled the six best tips to help you stay motivated at work while observing fast. Any combination of these tips can increase your chances of achievement. It's best to figure out the right combo for yourself and practice it during Ramadan.