The Holy Month of Ramadan is usually a time of communal prayer, daytime fasting and night-time feasting, a period for socialising and acts of profound generosity and charity. But this year, Ramadan is a totally different experience as we all adapt to changing circumstances during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the lockdown continuing, most of Ramadan's visible temptations on the streets are absent as people stay at home. To maintain social-distancing, there are also no gatherings for acts of worship outside the home like the taraweeh prayers at the mosque, iftar meals with family and friends and even indulging at shisha cafes, coffee shops, restaurants or Ramadan tents. But the good news is that the spiritual aspects of Ramadan may be heightened with fewer distractions than usual as so much of the essence of Ramadan can be maintained during social isolation. Here are some tips to keep you motivated and productive this Ramadan. 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Create a realistic to-do list: Set goals for yourself that you know you will be able to accomplish. like praying right after the call to prayer ends, reading two to five pages of the Quran every day, or donating a specific amount of money to the needy every week. You could also consider restricting the time you spend on social media. Focus on self-care: This is important for both your mental wellbeing and your physical health as it helps keep you motivated and productive. Make sure that you engage in activities that help you feel relaxed, as stress-free as possible, and centred within yourself. Get some fresh air and sunshine. If you have the energy, try a gentle walk just before sunset. Don't over-exercise, and remember to take naps. Stay in touch with loved ones: Ramadan is usually a hugely social and communal time. Since social-distancing has been keeping people apart and preventing them from gathering with friends and family to share a meal, holding a virtual iftar, sohour, or other event could be a fun alternative to catch up with relatives and loved ones online. You can use free video applications like Zoom, Google Hangouts, Skype or FaceTime. Eat healthily: Don't overeat at iftar, and remember that eating fried dishes with lots of sugar and salt or starchy foods will leave you feeling sleepy and bloated. Eat a nutritious sohour to keep you going throughout the day. Remember to hydrate at night and to drink plenty of water and avoid caffeine. Organise social media: Follow social-media accounts that make you feel good, and mute or unfollow accounts that might be unhelpful for the positive mindset you want during Ramadan. You can also try following Muslim influencers who can inspire you and make you feel positive during the holy month. Try new recipes: Enjoy cooking new recipes for your family. Trying out a new recipe every day could give you and those you live with something to look forward to at the end of your fast in addition to strengthening family bonds. Donate money and other items: Consider donating money, old clothes or food to trusted charity organisations. Think of any casual workers who may be nearby and suffering because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
*A version of this article appears in print in the 7 May, 2020 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly
