[Reader Discussion] Sustaining Ramadan’s Productivity Spike

Every month, we host a ProductiveMuslim reader discussion where you can share ideas and tips to help each other become more productive. In our last discussion, readers shared many interesting thoughts on getting ready for Ramadan. 

The theme for this month’s discussion is sustaining Ramadan’s productivity spike. 

It’s been less than two weeks since Ramadan left us and we’re in that dreaded post-Ramadan dip when all our old habits and routines start catching up to us again. Looking back, it’s really impressive how we were managing to wake up on time for Fajr everyday, staying active despite eating only two meals, worshiping a lot more than the obligatory prayers and also managing all our roles and responsibilities at home and work, all while on adjusting to a totally different sleep pattern. Ramadan only comes to prove how much we’re capable of achieving with just minimal changes to our daily routines and habits.

Understandably, sustaining these habits post-Ramadan is a little more challenging as following the Ramadan routine is no longer obligatory, due to which we end up not providing each other that crucial support system for positive change that naturally exists in Ramadan.

Take a few minutes to look at the goals you’d set for yourself in Ramadan. Are you still on track with them? What practical ideas and tips can you think of to sustain our Ramadan habits and goals? Let us also know which of the following works best for you:

• Regular intermittent fasting (like the sunnah of fasting on Mondays and Thursdays)
• Changing the number (and portion) of meals consumed daily
• Having ‘no-compromise’ sleeping and rising times
• Pairing up with friends who are equally determined to sustain their Ramadan performance
• Rewiring roles and responsibilities as much as feasible to suit a Ramadan-like routine
• Increased supplication to seek protection from the no-longer-chained shaytan!