Finding the time and energy to work during Ramadan can be challenging because of the lengthy nightly prayers, numerous family gatherings, and abundance of activities.
International Coaching Federation-certified life coach Lina Cherry recently discussed the best ways to juggle work, spirituality, and personal life during the holy month with Arab News. Here we included some parts of their discussion-
Cherry serves as the Coach Masters Academy’s regional director of training for the Middle East and Gulf region.
The organization has 40 locations worldwide. She counsels several Saudi Arabian clients on how to achieve total life balance.
The idea was largely unfamiliar to locals when she spent five years living in Jeddah, but recently it has gained widespread acceptance, according to her.
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Cherry described life coaching as a scientifically based practice that is based on positive psychology. It involves getting the brain to think up something positive and conceivable. While psychologists or therapists tend to focus on the past, coaches typically offer advice to clients on how to overcome career, personal, and relationship difficulties to improve the future. According to Cherry, “When you concentrate on the past, you want to make something right; when you concentrate on the present and the future, you want to make something new.
The foundation of a healthy work-life balance is the identification of wants and needs. According to statistics, seven out of ten people have difficulty juggling their work and personal goals, and 90 percent of elderly people regret devoting the majority of their lives to work rather than fostering relationships.
Just like when we breathe, everything is about balance. How many balls am I juggling today? What kind of balls is glass? Which ones are rubber-based? You shouldn’t have to exert much effort to juggle, Cherry said.
She suggests to her clients that they become aware of each task to decide what is urgent, important, or neither.
People are more likely to blame themselves during a difficult time like Ramadan and perhaps forget that this is a month dedicated to spiritual growth and connection, according to Cherry.
“We want to complete everything this month. The change in routine has left us feeling overburdened or mentally and physically exhausted. To maintain your momentum, it is crucial to plan your day and prioritize your tasks.
Task organization makes it easier to see what lies ahead. Subtasks must be kept to a minimum as well. To save time and effort on transportation, for instance, choose to hold a meeting online rather than in person. You can complete your subsequent task more quickly in this manner, she added.
Cherry advises finishing the majority of one’s daily tasks first thing in the morning when the mind is still alert and energized. However, there are easy ways to maintain energy levels throughout the day once the initial excitement starts to fade.
During the workday, take a few quick breaks to recharge between tasks. The spiritual aspect of Ramadan is aligned with increasing prayer during this month, which also boosts good vibes. She added that meditation is a fantastic stress reliever and a way to rewire the brain to think positively and set goals.
Breathing exercises are also crucial. The parasympathetic nervous system is activated when you do this, which helps the employee or person reduce stress and relax,” Cherry said. It can also help your thinking brain get more oxygen.
An easy workout, like a quick walk or some jumping jacks, can increase energy and momentum.
This month, she urged people to clear their minds of anything that does not serve them. It can be overwhelming to be aware that there are numerous tasks to complete, whether they are hours or days away. She emphasized the importance of practicing mindfulness, a technique that involves paying attention to the now to lessen stress and increase focus. “Remain with what is comfortable for you.”
This month shouldn’t be used to commit to new projects because it takes so much time and effort to complete new tasks. Ramadan is only a month, and the emphasis should be on engaging spiritually rather than professionally, she advised.
Additionally, all unnecessary activities and distractions, such as TV, social media, non-urgent calls, and meetings, should be eliminated to establish healthy personal boundaries. Also to be avoided are blue screens and lights. According to her, excessive phone use can lower serotonin levels and raise stress hormones.
After a long day at work, it’s time to unwind, unplug, reset, and relax.
According to Cherry, people should be kind to themselves by outlining their professional capabilities. What is the person’s mental health like right now?
How is one’s body responding to malnutrition?
If a Muslim is working abroad or with non-Muslims, they should share their experiences with their coworkers. They should raise awareness of their situation and their growth potential.
Being careful not to overcommit is difficult but necessary. Prioritizing can cause a lot of guilt, but Cherry said that understanding human capacity can be a beneficial process that may even lead to increased productivity.
You must treat yourself with kindness and without any self-judgment. You must be kind, understanding, and supportive towards both yourself and those around you, including your neighbors, coworkers, and members of your community. Don’t berate yourself… We have a lovely reason for fasting. Why then do we throw away these lovely incentives for items we can park for a month?
And lastly, individuals shouldn’t be reluctant to press the pause button. To maintain healthy boundaries between myself, myself, and the outside world this month, Cherry declared. Who am I allowing to enter my life this month? Decide with whom you want to connect. People can sometimes drain you.
Ramadan will inevitably cause changes in routine and mood, so it’s important to recognize that some distance from the stresses is needed rather than denying them.
Let’s put our wants on hold this month and prioritize our needs. I don’t want to dismiss my warning signs. She said, “I want to pay attention to my body.
