How To Be Productive During The Holy Month of Ramadan

It may come as no surprise that you will notice some evident changes in the workplace during the holy month of Ramadan. This month calls for repentance, forgiveness, Iftar feasts, and of course – delicious Kunafa. However, shorter workdays during Ramadan are paired with drained energy and reduced work productivity. If you’re worried about managing your performance and energy levels during this month, then here are a few tips that can help you maximize your work productivity during Ramadan:

Always Have Suhoor

The first days in Ramadan are always the hardest. Having Suhoor will give you the strength to pull through the fasting period. The truth is you don’t really need to overdo it at Suhoor. Ideally, you should aim for a balanced meal. Your meal should consist of 40-50% carbohydrates, 25-30% of protein, and 25-30% of fat. Replace processed carbohydrates such as pastries and bread with high fiber carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes or oatmeal. Milk, yogurt, and eggs are great sources of protein that will help you keep your hunger at bay. Make sure you avoid having fast food for Suhoor, or anything that might spike your insulin level, such as pancakes or waffles that are drenched in sugary syrup!
Organize Your Tasks For The Day

Keeping a To-Do list will help you keep track of all the tasks that you need to get done. With shorter working hours, you must devise a plan that will help you meet all your deadlines in time. When you’re running low on energy, you won’t have the energy to plan, organize, and schedule your work. As a result, preparing a to-do list first thing in the morning, or some time after you break your fast will help you get your work done on time.
Use Your Breaks Productively

Make sure you’re deliberate about how you’re going to spend your breaks. Despite the fact that you might not use your break to actually eat, you can still use it to relax and unwind. If you’re feeling drained, use your breaks to nap, meditate, or pray. In addition, spending your breaks with your colleagues will definitely help you pass the time, without actually thinking about food or your arousing hunger.
Break Your Fast The Right Way

Sometimes when hunger strikes, you might just fight the urge to eat everything in sight. However, you should know that breaking your fast the right way, is key to maintaining your productivity. Sometimes, many of us choose to get things done after Iftar. If you mindlessly choose to eat everything in sight and in large quantities, chances are you’d feel too lethargic and tired after Iftar to get anything done. Opt for breaking your fast with a few dates, a bowl of soup, followed by a balanced meal. The dates will help ease your headache, the soup will help bring your low blood glucose level to a normal level and a balanced meal will nourish your body and give you the energy to complete any tasks that you have left off for after Iftar.
Avoid Getting Thirsty

We all know that thirst and hunger can hinder your ability to focus. Make sure that you drink plenty of water between Iftar and Suhoor in order to avoid feeling dehydrated the next day. Limit your intake of fried foods, and avoid foods that are high in salt or sugar, as they might trigger your thirst. Instead, opt for eating fresh fruits and vegetables that are rich in water and fiber. Combating thirst in Ramadan won’t be easy at first, but eating the right foods can actually make the process much easier!

Get Enough Sleep

Getting an adequate amount of sleep in Ramadan will definitely make the process of fasting easier. Did you know that sleep deprivation could increase appetite, thus making fasting more difficult? Sleep deprivation will eventually lead to poor performance and productivity. For these reasons, getting enough sleep during Ramadan is critical in order to combat fatigue and hunger. Try to nap after work or some time after Iftar in order to wake up refreshed for Suhoor.