7 Tips for Fasting Nurses During Ramadan

Fasting during Ramadan can be challenging for nurses who have to work 12-hour shifts while abstaining from food and drink for about 16 hours, adding to this the high-stress nature of their jobs.

This write-up has 7 valuable tips that will help you make the best of Ramadan while being a fasting nurse.

Talk with your boss and coworkers

During Ramadan, you'll have lower productivity levels, and you'll not be able to concentrate for long periods as you are abstaining from food and drink for about 16 hours. Your coworkers will notice that, so it's better to tell them more about the holy month, explain Ramadan, what you'll do during it, how long it lasts, and how you'll handle your work during this period.

Start Planning for your shifts

There will be unpredictable events, but you can set a flexible plan to modify to any circumstances. Sync your break time with your Suhoor time. If you've any free time, you can spend in reciting Qur'an, Zikr, and Praying.

If you have a night shift starting from (7 p.m.), you'll pray 3 or more prayers at the workplace (Maghrib, Ishar, and Fajr).

Set when and where you'll pray to arrange your work schedule upon this. You can ask others to watch the patients for a short period until you return.

Make an effort to communicate! But don't give excuses. Your coworkers are more considerate, supportive, and compassionate than you can believe.

Prepare healthy food

Like planning for religious practices, you should pay attention to your body. List healthy meal options so that you could pick a daily Iftar & Suhoor that helps you stay energetic while fasting.

Ramadan is a great time to apply self-control skills that would help in work and personal life.

Don't overindulge at iftar; it will hinder praying and will make you lazy.

To optimize productivity, eat more carbohydrates. Select food that is high in protein, fiber, and potassium. Dry fruits like dates and peas will provide you with sufficient power, while potassium-rich bananas will keep them hydrated during the day.

Wholewheat bread and oats are a good option for Nurses who work on night shifts and don't have time to prepare their meals.

You can take your favorite cup of coffee but don't forget to brush your teeth. Your bad breath will make you less confident and let people stay away from you.

Don't ignore Suhoor

Muslims eat two main meals in Ramadan: one during Suhoor and the other during iftar. Slowly-digested foods are the best choice for this month as they will keep you productive for an extended period, so make them the main component of your Suhoor meal.

It would help if you also considered getting up at least 30 minutes before Fajr prepared your meal.

Do some exercise after Suhoor

Take a quick walk around the building after Suhoor to digest. Fresh air during this time will help you feel more active and energetic.

Also, don't sleep again after Suhoor as this will make you feel sleepier at work.

Limit caffeine and drink more water

Even if they are fasting, nurses must drink 2 liters of water/day. Drinking more water between Iftar and Suhoor will help them stay hydrated and avoid being thirsty as much as possible.

Caffeine-based beverages, such as tea, coffee, and cola, should be avoided because they serve as diuretics, causing water loss by urination. Going many times to the restroom will distract you more.

Be a role model

Raise awareness about Ramadan and be an example of what a great Muslim does and how he behaves. Your behavior, attitude, and personality are significant shreds of evidence of your good manners. Bring extra meals and share them with your coworkers. People, for example, adore dates but occasionally eat them. Share the love by inviting others to try your ethnic cuisine.

To Conclude,

As a nurse, Ramadan can be a golden chance for you to maintain good physical and spiritual health if you know how to plan it perfectly. It's not a month of being less productive. Besides, it shouldn't be dedicated only to religious practices. The abovementioned tips will help you balance between work and Ramadan effectively with no additional stress.