Farida Abdel Malek 
Let's face it, guys! The first days of fasting can be a challenging experience for many of us, depending on our lifestyle and health. I believe we all face the same common problems with fasting fatigue and dehydration. We all try to pick ourselves up, but we often struggle, especially coffee addicts and smokers. However, with a little positivity and motivation, here are some reminders to help you overcome the fatigue of the first days of fasting and provide you with the motivation to power through Ramadan.
Note: Consume enough water, especially for those who don't drink water a lot, to prevent your body from dehydration, and try to avoid oil-rich foods.
1- Move your body
Believe me, moving your body works best with fasting, and I don't mean strenuous exercise, but simply stretching, yoga, or walking for 15 minutes will give you a quick boost of energy and keep you active.
2- Improve your breathing
Another important thing to do to overcome fasting fatigue is to practice deep breathing. While it is very easy to learn, many of us may forget how to breathe properly in order to inhale maximum oxygen, which will of course reduce physical fatigue. You can do that by easily breathing deeply through your nose, then exhaling slowly from your mouth. Do that for two minutes.
Ramadan Series 2023: A Full Guide for the 20 Most Anticipated Shows
3- Stay busy
You may see this as a pressing thing, but if you plan how you will use your time on the first day of fasting, this will make the day pass faster. Try to focus on completing some tasks before Iftar. You can also help others who need help, as you'll not only be rewarded for your deeds but also feel great about yourself.
4- Communicating will fuel the mind and body
I know it sounds horrific because it feels like any human interaction is just going to make things harder. But, I actually found that talking to some people and trying to get a joke in every now and then, will fuel the mind and body. It could really help make you feel like today is just another day and will wake your sleepy mind and help you think of something other than your bed.
18 Fruits That Will Keep Your Skin Hydrated During Ramadan
5- Fewer working hours
Yes. It truly is necessary and very much appreciated. You will stay glued to your desk for a couple of hours with no time to waste on food, cigarette breaks, or coffee breaks, and the socializing is minimal, so you get more work done in a lot less hours. A skill we all want to acquire before summer.
6- Think of how good it will feel to take those first bites and sips
I think a huge part of Ramadan is becoming more aware of our blessings and remembering to appreciate the little things, like breakfast and water. So, I will think of my mom's soup and how good it feels to finally sit at the dining table and enjoy every sip of it (I'm really sorry if you're reading this before Iftar and I'm making you hungry).
7- The blessings of gatherings
Let's take a moment to appreciate the rare shared excitement everyone has to eat together at the same time. Let's all take another moment for the after-Iftar couch-potatoing with tea, incredible desserts, and the TV. Can we also take a moment to think about how tea and coffee taste 10 times better when you haven't had them all day?
19 Brands That Will Transform Your Look This Ramadan
8- Work on your inner peace
For a lot of people, Ramadan feels like the beginning of a new year. A fresh start, a way to reconnect with their spirituality and work on bettering themselves. Every year I promise myself to get some alone time with myself and my spirituality, and I never end up doing so. This year, I've grown and changed a lot, so I'm hoping I can give myself some self-love this year.
We all struggle with the first few days of fasting, but that's totally okay because, since you've gotten used to fasting, the fatigue will be reduced. All you have to do is follow up on these things that will help you get through the first days of Ramadan.
