When Ramadhan fasting is done the way it is due, it opens up an array of physical health benefits and unleashes a tremendous realm of psychological and mental health benefits. Without further ado, let’s roll in with a concise background.
The word Ramadhan is derived from the Arabic root word ‘ramidha’ or ‘ar-ramad’, which means intense scorching heat or sunbaked dryness.
When a person abstains from food and drinks during Ramadhan, the heat produced by hunger and thirst dries away the sins, and the very heat reshapes and molds behaviours and mindsets, eventually transforming one’s virtues and values towards betterment.
As a part of faith during Ramadhan fasting, one is not allowed to indulge in sinful activities such as gossiping, backbiting, lying, throwing tantrums, getting angry, hurling abuses, or misbehaving with others. When a person is hungry, it becomes a greater test to stay patient without losing your cool. Eventually, it helps in developing an attitude on how to deal with the negative minds wisely, improvising the behavioural patterns and outcomes.
Likewise, refraining from food and drinks shifts the brain's focus from digestion toward other bodily functions, assisting in developing better cognition and focus. Also, when gut health improves by holding the process of digestion for a while, brain health and mental health improve as they are closely linked. No wonder that during stress, emotional eating behaviours are a common observation, and fasting tremendously helps to curb this behaviour.
A study published in Springer Open examined the effect of Ramadhan fasting on depression, anxiety, and stress levels in diabetic patients, including 100 fasting patients and 50 non-fasting patients. They applied the depression anxiety stress scale (DASS) before and after Ramadhan and reported a statistically significant improvement in depression, anxiety, and stress levels in the fasting group after Ramadhan.
The whole purpose of Ramadhan is to garner strength and courage to attain a better vision for life. Developing a kind and humble attitude when others around you are insensitive and cruel. Not returning the toxicity with the same negative energy or absorbing that energy into yourself but learning to play your role wisely and smartly without becoming selfish or letting that negativity affect you in the least.
The whole ongoing hue and cry about mental crisis in the world is regarding behaviours in relationships personally or professionally. When you are God conscious and self-aware, you become empathetic towards others, more emotionally resilient, and much giving to others without expecting anything in return. This personal discipline and self-control achieved through giving up on everyday momentary pleasures magnificently heals your mind and soul.
When a person works on his spirituality and connects with his Creator, seeks his forgiveness, and makes amends with the concerning people in his life, he releases his emotional burden of self-blaming, self-doubts, and insecurities. When he learns to count his blessings and develops gratification for life and whatever is bestowed, the anxieties and depressions seem to melt down, and a fresh vibe kindles.
Ultimately, mental clarity develops leading strongly to wise decision-making skills, laying off the unnecessary drama, and work efficiently on the goals and tasks that you envision. Your brain is no longer foggy, and you regain your attention and are able to define and set priorities for life.
Moreover, if you analyse the fasting days, you develop healthy waking, sleeping, and eating habits that are scientifically proven and form a core foundation for a sane and sound psychological and mental health and well-being.
The writer is a general physician, content creator based in Salalah
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
