Ramazan is a time when we can rejuvenate ourselves, both spiritually and physically. Our stress-laden lifestyle often threatens to overwhelm us. And to this the fact the spiritual month is upon us. Our workload, sans any food intake most of the time, along with the general hassles of life, will make us even more stressed, crabby, sleep-deprived and erratic. Fortunately, by exercising some positive efforts we can alter the course of our modus vivendi ... quite gratifyingly.

It’s better not to over-prioritise things; instead try to give priority to oneself whenever possible, taking time out to relish one’s solitude as often as possible. We all see how people return from work vent their temper on their family. There’s no need to be ill-tempered just because one is fasting; think of other family members too, especially women who at times work the hardest to keep everyone happy. We have to keep a check on our behaviour, and before uttering something that we may regret later; ponder for a moment: is it really lack of food that is turning us into a monster?

People suffer frayed tempers round the year but during Ramazan many feel they have the right to behave badly. To refresh and alleviate our mind and body we can take some short breaks while working — 10 minutes or so. Take deep breaths from time to time to reduce nervous tension.

Ramsha, 25, feels that “quarrelling is something of a trademark of Ramazan; I have even seen the most well-attired people literally fighting in a Jackie-Chan-manner. There is so much live entertainment with these little fight clubs,” she adds laughingly.

Apparently a nasty, grumpy person resides in all of us and Ramazan seems the time when it twists and writhes and bursts forth. So, even if it starts rearing its boorish little head, flee from it instead of your workload. Spread positivity and get the same in return. For instance, start being nice and kind on your part to everyone. Being nice to your neighbours should be a reward in itself, with the added bonus that the same neighbour may turn up with a blessing in the form of a loaded tray!

Mostly, in Ramazan we expect favours rather than helping out others ourselves. Do initiate good acts; not for a reward but simply for the sense of satisfaction they will bring.

Finally, here comes Ramazan, with all its splendour and long, long ‘rozas’. We know that food is a necessity to keep the vitals running for our bodies. But we don’t realise to what mighty extent we have become dependent on it. So, instead of using food as a means of comfort and entertainment, take heart from some of the things that can help you this Ramazan, as relying on material goods doesn’t guarantee comfort in all situations. — Nida Mujahid Hussain