As much as we all feel elated about the month of Ramadan, it can sometimes affect our productivity.

Finding the willpower to work while remaining motivated and focused can be harder during Ramadan than on regular days, especially during the last 10 days, because you want to do a lot of ibadah while getting your work done. 

Remaining energized and productive while fasting is not easy, but it isn't entirely impossible either. We've put together some tips to help you stay productive and make the best out of the last 10 days of this month. 

Plan Your Day Ahead 

It is always better to pre-plan your day, especially during Ramadan when you tend to lack focus and feel laid-back and tired. 

It is easy to get distracted and feel drained halfway through your day. So if you're feeling it, don't be too hard on yourself because we all feel the same. But acknowledging this is important if you want to change yourself and your routine. 

Knowing what your day would look like will help you decide where you need to focus your energy. It will help you stay organized and focused, and it will lessen procrastination and increase productivity, Insha Allah!  

Get Your Essentials Done While You Still Feel Energized

It is normal to feel less energized and motivated during Ramadan. 

This might hinder your work, especially when you need to put in your full focus and strength. 

Set aside the time after suhoor, dawn, to accomplish necessary tasks and responsibilities which require your energy and utmost focus.

If you are not an early bird and struggle with staying awake, try to get the essential tasks done while still feeling energized. Anytime before noon is ideal.  

Eat Healthily In Ramadan 

The type of food you intake during the month of Ramadan is important. 

We understand the only time you get to refuel your energy and satisfy your cravings is during iftar and suhoor, but you need to watch what you eat. 

Having too much food during Iftar and Suhoor is unhealthy as having too little food is. It is suggested that you have a moderate portion of food. 

Although your taste buds may resist, you've got to pick healthy food items that would keep you going throughout the day. 

Having oily, fried foods and sugary snacks could be a delicious alternative, but they can affect your energy levels. 

Intake of fruits, vegetables and dairy products during Ramadan is highly recommended. 

Say No To Caffeine 

Say no to caffeine. As much as we love our caffeinated drinks, such as tea and coffee, we are advised to avoid them during Ramadan. 

Having caffeinated drinks after iftar would affect your sleep schedule, and you may have trouble sleeping at night and end up sleeping late.

Whereas intake of caffeine after suhoor is equally damaging as it increases urination, draining your body out of fluids and salts and leaving you tired as well as dehydrated 

You can always have a glass of fresh juice or purified water as an alternative to caffeine. It's not going to be easy, but worth the try. 

Stay Hydrated In Ramadan

Staying hydrated plays a vital role in our overall well being, and it is important to remain hydrated during fasting. Although it may seem impossible to keep your body hydrated when fasting, it is not. There are plenty of ways that can keep you hydrated while fasting. 

• Drink plenty of water after breaking fast. It is recommended to drink at least 8 glasses of water every day. 

• Try to avoid consuming spicy food.

• Add an adequate amount of salt into your food as salt increases the need for water. 

• Consume fruits and vegetables that are rich in fibre. 

• Eat dates during iftar as it energizes you and regulates your glucose level. 

• Drink fresh juices.

• Avoid standing in warm and sunny places. Try to work in a cool environment that allows fresh air to get in.

Manage Your Sleep Schedule 

Sleep is essential. It is as important as eating, drinking and breathing. Having proper sleep is vital for maintaining balanced mental and physical health, and lack of sleep can affect both. 

Your sleeping routine may tend to get a little messier during Ramadan. Being deprived of sleep is one of the drivers of hunger, and not sleeping well will impact your productivity and ability to focus and double your food cravings. 

If you are used to sleeping late, you will have to adjust to it. Try going to bed early as you will have to wake up earlier during Ramadan for Suhoor. 

Although it is hard to resist sleep, try not to sleep straight after Suhoor or Fajr prayers, as you might feel inactive once you wake up. 

Energizing yourself with a simple workout routine or doing easy exercises would do you well. 

Take More Breaks In Ramadan

It is necessary to take breaks during regular days while we are full of energy, so we need to take even more breaks while fasting. 

As the day progresses, hunger and tiredness may get to you and take a toll on your productivity. 

Taking a quick 5-7 minute break every hour would help. 

Engaging in Meditation and washing your face once every few hours would help you refocus, relax and feel fresh.

Taking breaks further helps your muscles stretch and boosts your blood flow. 

We hope that this article helps you stay consistent and productive while fasting and helps you make the most out of these last 10 days of Ramadan. 

Dua for the last 10 days of Ramadan — Allahumma innaka' afuwwun, tuhibbul-'afwa, fa'fu 'anni (O Allah, You are Most Forgiving, and You love forgiveness; so forgive me)." [At-Tirmidhi].