Celebrations have begun around the country for the holy festival Navratri. This festival marks the celebration of nine auspicious days during which Goddess Durga and her nine forms are worshiped with plenty of offerings. Most of us keep fasts during this period as a mark of respect to the Goddess by detaching themselves from worldly pleasures. This is also a time for spiritual reflection and physical and mental detoxification. However, for working professionals, it can be very difficult to strike a balance at work while fasting.
Healthy fasting should give you a feeling of fulfillment and accomplishment and not leave you irritable, drained or sick. To avoid any health issues, have a look at some great tips to keep your energy levels up at work while you fast during Navratri:
1. Call your doctor: Knowingly or unknowingly, professional life does take a toll on health. So it is advisable to consult your doctor before you make up your mind to fast during Navratri, particularly if you have some health issues or are under some medication. Also, it is not advisable to fast if you are pregnant. Blood sugar fluctuations are very common in diabetic patients during this period and it is best to consult a doctor/dietitian.
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2. Change your diet two weeks prior to fasting: One’s body takes time to adapt to the new dietary schedule during fasting days. To avoid a sudden change in dietary habits, it is best to condition the body couple of weeks prior to the actual fasting period. This can be done by removing sugar and then gradually reducing the intake of foods rich in fats.
3. Choosing the right food: Keep fruits like apples, guavas, oranges and bananas handy at your desk or in your bag; which will keep your energy levels in check. Include papaya in your diet as it will help in digesting the meal that you eat later during the day and also help prevent constipation that might occur after fasting. Snack on low-calorie unsalted nuts (or with rock salt), dry fruits and makhana (foxnut) throughout the day.
4. Increase your fluid intake: Always keep a bottle of drinking water right next to your laptop to keep your body hydrated. Avoid caffeine, and have herbal teas or warm water with lemon and honey instead.
5. Munch more often: Staying hungry for a long period of time would bring a drop in the metabolic rate, lower blood glucose levels and blood pressure resulting in fatigue, headaches, and acidity. Always have a handful of fruits or nuts handy to snack on throughout the day.
6. Do not stress yourself: Set a clear schedule for your work, and don’t let stress and fatigue overcome you. Navratri fasts are supposed to help your body relax and detoxify, and burdening yourself will have a detrimental effect on your health and work.
7. Take a good night’s sleep: Never compromise on your sleep schedule especially when you are fasting as your body needs to rejuvenate and prepare for the next day.
8. Breaking your fast: Always break your fast with a glass of coconut water as it would activate your digestive enzymes and prepare your body for the food you are going to eat. Refrain from those fancy fat laden Navratri meal that your colleagues plan to have after office as it might lead to acidity.
Fasting is one of the best ways for inner reflection and spiritual awakening but as working professionals, we often forget to take a break, and Navratri fasting reminds us of just that.
Happy Navratri from team 1mg!