Thriving in Ramadan: Balancing Worship, Work, and Well-being

It feels like just yesterday we were counting down to 2025, and now, in the blink of an eye, the year has raced ahead with March already knocking on our door! But this isn’t just the start of any ordinary month. This time, March has aligned with the beginning of Ramadan, the ninth and holiest month of the Islamic lunar calendar!

It goes without saying that Ramadan holds great religious significance for Muslims all over the world. Thus, before we proceed with the blog, from all of us at ZNotes, we would like to wish you a happy and blessed Ramadan. That said though, this year, as the arrival of Ramadan coincides with the end of academic sessions, the pressure to stay on top of one’s studies while fulfilling spiritual goals is at an all-time high. We recognise that juggling such a heavy plate of responsibilities can be challenging to tackle. That's why, in this blog, we’ve put together quick, easy, and practical productivity tips to help you multitask and cruise through the month smoothly. So, without further ado, let’s dive right in!

1. Happy Stomach, Happy Life:

Maintaining a well-balanced diet is highly essential during Ramadan. Have a fresh start to your Suhoor by focusing on whole grains and fibre for longer-lasting energy. Incorporate dates, lassi, and chia seeds in your Suhoor meals to curb thirst and stay fuller for longer. Additionally, try to follow a similar pattern during iftar; strive to consume plenty of fruits and vegetables instead of feasting on loaded carbs and unnecessary sugars if you care for the happiness of your stomach!

2. Focus on the mark, one goal at a time:

Even though Ramadan provides a break from cooking and eating during the day, the additional acts of worship, along with the need to conserve energy, can become exhausting. That’s why planning ahead is essential to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Create a realistic daily checklist, focusing on one goal at a time.

In a Hadith, Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ emphasized that it is not the action itself that matters, but the consistency with which it is performed. Remember that consistency is key, and that your intentions have an upper hand over your actions.

You can also incorporate the Operant Conditioning technique to get tedious tasks done. It comprises of rewarding yourself for completing small tasks, with the reward’s significance being directly proportional to the effort required. This approach can help you stay motivated while fasting, as the anticipation of a well-earned moment of joy would await you at the end of your fast.

3. Become an early bird that catches the worm:

If you’re a night owl, put that on hold—at least for Ramadan. It’s a widely held belief that the early bird catches the worm—well, so does the post-Suhoor you diving into a study session. After Fajr prayer, lock in for a couple of hours before moving on with your day. This is the perfect time to start learning new topics, as your mind is refreshed from a good night’s sleep and fuelled by a solid meal. To maintain focus throughout the day, take 15–20-minute power naps and set aside time to review what you learnt earlier, ensuring better memory retention, comprehension and a well-rounded study routine.

4. Keep the action going:

Fasting for half the day won’t help much if your post-Iftar routine consists of lounging around on the couch. To keep your energy levels up and avoid sluggishness, try incorporating walks or low-intensity cardio workouts, especially if you need to burn off excess calories from heavy meals. Instead of indulging in a feast-like meal at Iftar, opt for smaller, regular portions to prevent drowsiness and procrastination. Even during fasting hours, staying active can make a difference. Changing locations and taking brisk walks while working or studying can also act as a stimulus, keeping you refreshed, positive and alert throughout the day.

5. Socialise, no screens attached:

Ramadan is a month that calls not only for personal spiritual healing but also for fostering communal love and spreading joy. In this spirit, spending time with family and friends is essential. Whether at the Iftar table or during an afternoon meet-up, make an effort to engage in meaningful conversations that enlighten both you and your loved ones.

Similarly, staying off social media is the move, especially while fasting. Scrolling through platforms like Instagram or TikTok can tempt you into habits you’re trying to avoid such as wasting time, playing music, and watching ASMR or food videos which end up making you suffer. The latter is especially harmful because it has the ability to make you distracted and agitated. So, do yourself a favor and step away from the virtual arena. Engage in activities that bring you closer to your goals instead!

Now that we’ve shared our tips and tricks, we’d like to gently remind you to take a moment to reflect on the blessings around you. Let them be a source of your gratitude and appreciation. Ramadan is a month of thankfulness, kindness, and spiritual elevation—may this pursuit of positivity become an enduring part of our lives!