Fasting during the Holy Month of Ramadan has many health benefits as it helps detoxify your system, and can often help with weight loss and fitness goals. But there is also a psychological aspect to fasting that needs to be considered by athletes.
"Fasting helps develop self-control and can help professional and non-professional athletes give up bad habits like smoking and drinking caffeine. It gives those who practice it a sense of serenity and helps them replace unwanted deeds with good deeds, which is positively reflected on the self and the society," said Aspetar Clinical and Sports Psychologist Karim Khalladi.
Khalladi says that during fasting, the level of sugar in the blood decreases, causing a kind of apathy, weakness and humility which strengthens the faith of the Muslim on a spiritual level.
"Fasting during Ramadan teaches patience, stress endurance and how to deal with life's pressures and moments of despair. It also helps to ease feelings of anxiety, depression and anger, and improves mood and the quality of sleep," he added.
The fasting hours during Ramadan in Qatar stretch to around 14 hours and depriving oneself of food for the duration makes one realise the value of food and produces a sense of compassion for poor people, which in turn, makes the society more supportive of one another. Fasting successfully for the whole month also gives people an increased sense of achievement, reward, pride and control.
But this does not mean that everyone has a peaceful and stress-free Ramadan. Sometimes, the pressure on athlete to train and the summer heat can cause a negative impact on one's mind.
To remain positive during the Holy Month, Khalladi says, one must first understand the source of stress during Ramadan and then manage it in the best way possible.
"You must exercise regularly and improve your quality of life. You must use the time in Ramadan to improve your ability to control yourself but if the pressures are severe and are negatively impacting your life, you must consult a specialist to help you out," he said.
Khalladi says that some of the best ways to remain positive and have a healthy mind and body during Ramadan is to stay hydrated during the non-fasting hours, have a balanced diet, do not overeat during iftar and never skip suhour.
"Those who are fasting must adjust their daily training sessions and sleep schedules to ensure they get enough rest and exercise regularly for a positive and healthy Ramadan."
Dipti Nair
