By Princess R. Lakshman
Pre-Ramadan Detox
Habits form when we repeatedly carry out a behaviour.
Recently, upon introspection and self-reflective journaling, I pointed out some habits that haven’t been serving me well. I’ve made a commitment to change these negative habits and replace them with positive ones.
Today, I’m confessing to these negative habits, taking accountability of these behaviours, and committing to a Pre-Ramadan Detox to re-wire my brain so that I can start behaving better and be completely ready in mind, body, and spirit for the holy month of Ramadan that is fast approaching.
Past few months I have been sleeping late due to my addiction to a certain Netflix show. It’s a fast paced, courtroom/crime thriller. As a result, my sleep quality is poor, my stress levels have increased, my body has signalled pain again and I’ve missed my Fajr (pre-dawn prayer) alarm on numerous occasions. Do I feel terrible about this? OF COURSE!!! Which is precisely why I am publicly admitting to my recent negative pattern.
So, yesterday, I was really bothered about my mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health. I cancelled all my appointments and took a mental health day to rest, recuperate, and re-set. I had a little cry in the shower. Prayed. Journaled. Drank tea. Prayed some more. And drank more tea…but of course.
I have come up with a schedule to help me get back on track and repeatedly perform actions that will hopefully detox me and prepare me for Ramadan. These repeated actions will also become new habits that will serve my holistic health rather than deplete it.
If you’ve been struggling with similar issues and would like support to detox your mind, body and spirit and prepare for Ramadan, please know that you are not alone. Please know that no one is perfect. Please acknowledge your negative patterns and be kind with yourself. You can always make better choices, starting right now.
My Pre-Ramadan Detox Schedule
5AM Tahajjud salah
Fajr Athan Fajr salah
6AM Breathing and stretching exercises (following a 30-day FREE program on YouTube so that I can commit to a daily morning routine)
7AM Shower and Get Ready
8AM Enjoy morning herbal tea while prepping for clients
9AM Start work
2PM Dhuhr salah, followed by
First meal (I practise intermittent fasting 18/6 i.e. 18-hour fast, 6-hour eating window)
5PM Asr salah
7PM Conclude work
Maghrib salah
8PM Put all gadgets away – ZERO SCREEN TIME until next morning
Last meal of the day
Spend time with family
Skincare
Read
Reflective journaling
Isha salah
10PM Lights out – SLEEP