How to optimise the benefits of fasting

How to optimise the benefits of fasting

Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam. Research indicates that fasting combined with the spirit of philanthropy is empowering, calming and works well to improve mental health and well-being. ‘Ramadan is not just about abstaining from food and drink from sunrise to sunset but also cutting back on hectic social routines, looking inwards, focussing on charity and prayer,’ says Dr Muhammad S. Tahir, Child, Adolescent and Adult Psychiatrist, Director and Chairman of Dubai’s American Wellness Centre. He elaborates on how fasting during Ramadan could help an individual declutter the mind and help reset one’s system for the rest of the year: Make it a point to inculcate acts of charity while you fast during Ramadan. Charity or Zakat is an important pillar of Islam. Studies have shown that acts of charity, however small, help lessen feelings of depression and anxiety, improve self-esteem and general mood of an individual and help stimulate a person mentally thereby helping them to focus and have a sense of purpose. While fasting, it helps to allocate some time to meditation and deep breathing. This can help people be calmer, feel more centred, and take the mind off food and drinks. It can also