Social media limits: Reducing your information overload lowers the levels of worry and anxiety, helping you stay cool and calm while fasting. — 123rf.com
RAMADAN is a time for prayers, meditation, and reflection. The Muslim holy month is also a time of self-restraint while caring for others and sharing your blessings with your loved ones and those who are less fortunate than you.
Intensifying prayers, meditating and reflecting can also help you relax and stay grounded.
Here are some suggestions from the World Health Organisation to help us care for our mental health and wellbeing while supporting others in doing the same:
> Intensify prayers and meditate to calm yourself and stay relaxed. You can also use some simple breathing exercises and grounding techniques. Calm your body and mind with these practices so you are able to cope better with stress, sadness, confusion, fear, or anger. Keep up prayers, meditation, breathing and grounding techniques for the remainder of Ramadan and beyond.
> Reflect on yourself and your surroundings and make a mental note of the thoughts and habits that affect your mental health and wellbeing, and work on changing them. Tap into your strengths and apply skills you used in the past to get through the current challenging times. Remember: you are more resilient than you think.
> Restrict your exposure to social media and the Internet. Consider limiting your exposure to the Internet and the time you spend on social media. Reducing your information overload helps lower the levels of worry and anxiety.
> Avoid unhealthy behaviours. It is important to avoid smoking too much or indulging in overeating and consuming junk food after breaking your fast. Our physical health is closely connected to our mental health, so staying healthy will also lower your stress levels and lift your mood. If you feel overwhelmed, talk to a health professional, and have a plan for where to go to and how to seek help if needed.
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> Take a step back and look inwards to reconnect with yourself. The hustle and bustle of daily life can often lead us to lose sight of so many things. But looking inwards can be a powerful tool. It can help us achieve inner peace, balance, and self-fulfilment. — Source: WHO
