Staying motivated during Ramadan: Steps to follow in and out of work

Working during Ramadan is beneficial, but it comes with its own set of difficulties. We are more likely to grumble or feel drained during this period. you are a few days into Ramadan and you are having more trouble than before. The heat is unbearable, Iftar constantly feels like an eternity away, and staying focused on the new monthly reports has proven practically impossible. So, how do you get back on track during this holy month and increase your productivity?

In this article, we are going to discuss the best options you have to stay motivated and full of energy during that important period of the year.

1. Tips to boost your motivation during Ramadan in and outside of your work
2. Ramadan: An important tradition to treat with respect
3. Looking for more advice? Visit The Talent Point!

1. Tips to boost your motivation during Ramadan in and outside of your work

During Ramadan, our attention is drawn to the spiritual components of our daily existence. The rigors of the Holy Month can take a toll on office productivity, even when work hours in the Middle East are changed so that staff can focus on fasting and prayer.

The productivity of workers drops by 35-50% as a result of shorter working hours and the shift in behavior during this month, according to recent studies. Headaches, exhaustion, and inability to concentrate are just a few of the frequent symptoms that people experience, all of which have an impact on their work performance.

1.1 Build up determination and rely on it

Will yourself to operate with zeal and vigor. While we may face greater hurdles during Ramadan as a result of religious responsibilities such as practicing self-restraint from hunger and unpleasant emotions and thoughts, make sure you are motivated to work. When you have made up your mind, the next steps will be simple.

1.2 Prepare ahead of time

With the lack of productivity that you may be experiencing, it is critical that you plan what you will do. Making a ‘to-do’ list can allow you to work more efficiently and focus on the task at hand, rather than on how your day will go or what you will do.

As a result, focus on high-priority projects that will require more energy in the early hours of your workday. To prepare for the day ahead, schedule all your important meetings in advance. Be sure to explain why you are scheduling the meetings early to your coworkers so they can organize their schedules accordingly.

1.3 Prepare a balanced and healthy menu

It is preferable not to overeat when refueling your energies during Suhur and the fasting period. Instead, for Suhur, make sure to eat in moderation, as excess will cause lethargy and a lack of productivity.

Aim for well-balanced meals that include carbohydrates, fiber, and proteins. With meals that are rich in fiber, you will feel full for a longer period of time, and the energy release will occur gradually. Also, make sure to eat more vegetables and fruits like avocados. After Suhur, many people enjoy eating yogurt. Greek yogurt, rather than regular yogurt, is a better choice. It has twice the protein content of normal yogurt. it is also low in carbs, which means it can help you feel less thirsty.

After fasting, the urge to grab for goodies is powerful, but giving in can be harmful. A well-balanced diet is essential for a healthy and active Ramadan. During suhoor and iftar, eat plenty of whole grains, proteins, and veggies. Avoid processed and junk food because the glucose spikes and crashes they cause will only make you tired. Finally, drink plenty of water so that you can remain properly hydrated

1.4 Take good care of yourself

it is your body, so get to know it. Avoid unhealthy foods, as well as ineffective activities. If you are in good health, you will be able to overcome any obstacles and perform at your best at work.

1.5 Steer clear from caffeine

Caffeine helps you stay awake on ordinary days, especially when you are tired. Caffeine should not be consumed during Suhur or Iftar during fasting because it may cause you to have difficulty sleeping and you will end up sleeping late. As a result, it may increase urination, depleting your body of fluids and provoking thirst the next day. As a result, drink as much water as possible during non-fasting hours to feel calmer during the workday.

1.6 Prepare an exercise routine

Physical activity boosts mood by releasing endorphins in the body. An exercise regimen is essential for staying energized and motivated during what is unquestionably a difficult month. However, modest physical activity such as Pilates, cycling, and stretching should be substituted for hard workouts such as jogging and weight training. Keep your workouts to 60 minutes or less.

Crunches, lunges, and burpees can help you maintain your energy levels. Working out will increase your energy levels and assist your body release endorphins, which will improve your mood. It will also help you stay focused and energized at work, helping you feel more driven and productive. Remember, however, that working out after Iftar is preferable, and that heavy activities should be avoided.

1.7 Find activities to keep you active and energized at work.

We can use this time to do other things because we are not eating during our lunch breaks. Use your leisure time to exercise, walk around the office, or chat with coworkers to feel refreshed and calm. Take advantage of any table tennis or gaming equipment available in your business. Small exercises like these might help you stay energized and refreshed throughout the day.

1.8 Get enough sleep

Throughout Ramadan, sleep patterns tend to be disrupted, therefore if you have a habit of sleeping late, it may influence your sleep, and you should break that practice during Ramadan. To get the best relaxation, you should stick to one of two schedules. The first is your nighttime routine; try to go to bed as early as possible because you must rise early for Suhoor. The second option is to sleep immediately following your Fajar prayer.

To assist you to get more sleep, you can also take short naps during the day. The National Sleep Foundation claims that a short nap of less than 30 minutes can help restore mental alertness, improve performance, and increase information retention by five times.

1.9 Create a list

Even though the workweek is shortened, the workload stays the same. You need to plan ahead of time if you want to get a lot done in a short amount of time. Make a list of what you need to get done each day and stay focused on completing it. When you are weary, your mind has a propensity to wander, so having a clear picture of your objectives might help you stay on track. Make a daily goal list and break down major activities into smaller, more doable chunks. The most important duties should be scheduled for the morning when you are most active.

1.10 Keep yourself hydrated

During your sahur and breakfast, drink wisely as well. If you are a person who enjoys drinking coffee on a regular basis, it would be time to take it easy. You should drink 8 glasses of water instead, as well as avoid spicy foods. Furthermore, do not put much salt on your food, as it makes you feel the need for more water. Drinking fresh juices is one of the most important things to remember.

1.11 Limit your social media activity

Whether it is searching for recipes on Pinterest, retweeting amusing memes, cruising through Instagram and TikTok, or watching cat videos on YouTube, there is something for everyone. If you are not careful, this addiction can be a huge productivity killer; therefore, it is best to utilize it in limited doses.

We recommend that you check your social media accounts after work. Alternatively, you might set out 20 to 30 minutes for less distracting activities such as reading blog posts or watching vlogs to boost your focus and alertness.

1.12 Self-compassion is important

Because weakness is inherent in human nature, avoid falling into the trap of self-blame and frustration. Instead, think about how you can get back on track in a positive way. You may not have as successful a day or week as you had hoped. When this happens, the best thing you can do is practice self-compassion. Encouragement from friends can also help you re-energize yourself.

1.13 Change your current location

Are you feeling like you just cannot complete a certain task? A change of scenery will do wonders in that aspect. If sitting at your desk makes it difficult to concentrate on a task, try moving to an empty conference or meeting room with fewer distractions. Choose specific venues for specific tasks; this improves focus by associating different locales with different functions in the brain.

While some productivity loss is to be expected during Ramadan, a significant decline in output could be harmful to your career. These suggestions can assist you in navigating the workplace successfully throughout the Holy Month while also ensuring that you remain productive. Take a chance and try them out!

1.14 Observe rituals of worship

The strict observance of the worship rituals is an important part of Ramadan. If constant worship has been a challenge for you before the blessed month, Ramadan is the perfect opportunity to improve. Last but not least, praise God with all your heart and soul.

2. Ramadan: an important tradition to treat with respect

Employers in the UAE must also take care of the customs, so it is important to take into consideration the following aspects. 

Many working Muslims will fast from sunrise to sunset every day for 30 days. This would amount to nearly 17 hours of neither eating nor drinking. Although fasting is the most common link with Ramadan, the month entails far more effort than simply abstaining from food and water. The holy month includes eating your first meal at twilight, extra prayers, late nights, and a greater emphasis on patience and virtue.

During Ramadan, HR practitioners, line managers, and other stakeholders must be conscious of their Muslim employees’ personal and religious sensitivities.

Understanding their background and meeting their specific requirements demonstrates strong leadership and ensures that people perform to their full potential. Implementing policies that are inclusive can only foster mutual trust, resulting in higher employee retention, better morale, more effective teams, and increased production.

Muslims as a whole have religious boundaries, and Ramadan is when many of these become more apparent. Although consultation is always important when developing policy, HR professionals and others can follow some best practice standards when it comes to Ramadan in the workplace.

It cannot be overstated how important it is to remember that these are only general recommendations. Muslims range from one generation to the next, from one culture to the next. Some are more devout than others, and there are different interpretations and practices of the faith.

It is also possible that the person is merely Muslim in name and does not practice their religion. This information will be relevant to the majority of Muslims, but not all.

3. Looking for more advice? Visit The Talent Point!

In order to conduct a successful job search, or if you simply want to understand the culture of the company you want to be a part of, it is very important to do previous research. For these reasons, make sure you count on the best sources of information possible. Visit The Talent Point for more tips to help you on your quest!

Would you like to get more information about The Talent Point? contact us at the phone number +971 43 316 688. You can also send us a message or even your resume at [email protected]. Our team of experts will be happy to take care of all your inquiries.