Little changes can make a huge difference in the way we experience this blessed month. 

It's not selfish, it's self care. 

You'll find self care tips below which have been divided into 3 categories: Body, Mind & Soul

Stay Hydrated

Water is the most important fluid that replenishes our bodies. Maintaining the right amount of water will prevent constipation, headaches, tiredness and dry skin.

• Avoid drinking in one go, instead drink between meals and throughout the night.  
• Increase your intake of fruits and vegetables with high water content like cucumbers, watermelon, tomatoes and spinach.
• Avoid salty and hot spicy foods as these trigger thirst throughout the day.
• Have a water bottle handy from Iftar until suhoor.

Eat Right

Our bodies have a right over us. By eating right you'll not only feel great but help your body and fulfil the sunnah of Rasulullah (saw).

• Plan ahead by stocking up on fruit and vegetables.
• Complete your meal planner so you're not eating out or cooking deep fried finger food.
• Start by breaking your fast with dates and water. Not only is this a sunnah but dates also help with hydration.  
• You'd want to eat a fresh fruit smoothie for suhoor rather than a samosa (your tummy will thank me later!) We grew up on having watermelon and cheese for suhoor.
  
  

Exercise

It's still possible to exercise while fasting, however your workouts may change accordingly.  Stay active as it will keep you energised and lift your mood throughout the day.

• Try light stretches early in the morning.
• A brisk walk can be energising. 
• Get your children involved too! 
• Remember to listen to your body.
• Most importantly, stay hydrated!

Share the Load

Ever felt like you could juggle so many things at once, but end up crashing in the process? At times we think we can do it all, but we can't! 

• Ask for help.
• Ask your spouse or family to cook on certain days.
• Ask a friend to mind the children while you have time for you!  
• Hire a cleaner (if necessary).
• If something's bothering you, take a step back, a deep breath and do istighfaar
• Make dua.
  
  

Use Time Productively 

Imagine if this Ramadan was your last. How will you utilise the next 30 days? With kids, your days are unpredictable. Get important things out of the way now so you can focus on YOU during Ramadan. 

• Meal plan so you're not doing grocery runs!
• Get your Eid clothes and gifts out of the way.
• Organise your children's crafts and activities for the month. KEEP IT SIMPLE.
• Plan how and when you will read Qur'an. 
• Delete any apps that will be a distraction.

Keep Your Home Organised

Less mess, means less stress! Formulate a routine to keep your house in order and keep to it.

• If you have 'house rules' make them known to family.
• Give everyone a set task or chore to lighten your load.
• Return items back to their places after use.
• Dirty dishes belong in the kitchen (sink/dishwasher or preferably washed) not on the kitchen bench. 

Keep Your Tongue and Mind Busy with His Remembrance 

“Take up good deeds only as much as you are able, for the best deeds are those done regularly even if they are few.” (Prophet Muhammad saw).

• Have a wall dedicated to Islamic reminders that will remind you of Allah throughout the day. 
• Read a hadith a day.
• Create a play list of youtube videos or audio series of lectures that you can listen to for the next 30 days. Try to stick with Qur'an topics.

 

Read Quran

I know many of us find it difficult to complete (or even read) the Qur'an during Ramadan, but remember every time we try to read, we get numerous rewards. Take it slow and try to understand what you're reading.
 

• Read as a family.
• Choose to either read the whole Qur'an, focus on one Surah or read ayah by ayah.
• If memorising a Surah; choose one that has approximately 30 ayahs so you can learn an ayah a day.
• If reading the whole Qur'an, divide it into sections and plan out when you'll read them i.e. after prayers, throughout the night etc. 
• Have a Qur'an buddy that will help you stay on track.
• If you find it hard picking up the Qu'ran, at least listen to it on youtube or as an audio and repeat after the reciter. 
• Take the Qur'an with you and read at least a page when;  dropping the kids to and from school, waiting for your Dr's appointment, or even at the park!

Make Dua

Dua can change lives.  Never underestimate it.  Allah (swt) says: “… And whoever fears Allah—He will make for him a way out . And will provide for him from where he does not expect …” (65:2-3)