Working While Fasting? How To Manage These Days?

Ever tried to juggle work commitments while fasting? It's a balancing act that many of us face, whether for religious reasons, health goals, or simply personal preference. But staying productive while abstaining from food or drink isn't always easy.

Managing fasting during office hours requires some planning and adaptation to ensure that you can maintain your productivity and energy levels throughout the day. Here are some tips to help you manage fasting while working:

1. Plan your meals: Plan your meals carefully during non-fasting hours, focusing on nutrient-dense foods that will keep you feeling full and energized for longer periods. Include plenty of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates to sustain you throughout the fasting period. [Also check: Clever ways of dining while dieting]
2. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated, especially during fasting periods. Herbal teas or black coffee (if you drink it) can also help curb hunger and provide a slight energy boost.
3. Adjust your schedule: If possible, try to schedule your most demanding tasks or meetings during times when you typically feel most alert and energetic. This might be earlier in the day before you start feeling the effects of fasting.
4. Take breaks: Incorporate short breaks into your workday to rest and recharge. Use these breaks to stretch, take a short walk, or simply relax and clear your mind.
5. Avoid strenuous activities: During fasting periods, avoid activities that require high levels of physical or mental exertion. Save these tasks for when you've broken your fast and have more energy available.
6. Mindful eating: When it's time to break your fast, avoid overeating or consuming large meals that could make you feel sluggish afterward. Instead, focus on eating smaller, balanced meals and snacks spaced throughout your eating window.
7. Stay busy: Keep yourself occupied with work tasks, hobbies, or other activities to help distract yourself from feelings of hunger during fasting periods.
8. Listen to your body: Pay attention to how you're feeling throughout the day and adjust your activities or eating schedule accordingly. If you're feeling excessively fatigued or lightheaded, it may be a sign that you need to break your fast earlier or adjust your meal plan.
9. Communicate with colleagues: If fasting is a part of your religious or personal practice, consider informing your colleagues or supervisor so they can offer support or make accommodations if needed.
10. Be flexible: Remember that it's okay to adjust your fasting schedule or strategy as needed to accommodate your work responsibilities and overall well-being. Find what works best for you and don't hesitate to make changes as necessary.

Supporting fasting employees: Best practices for managers during peak fasting days

During peak fasting days, such as during Navratri or Ramadan, managers can take several steps to support their team members who are fasting while ensuring productivity and maintaining a positive work environment. Here are some actions managers can take:

1. Be aware and respectful: Managers should be aware of the fasting schedules of their team members and be respectful of their religious or cultural practices. This includes understanding the specific dietary restrictions and the potential impact on work performance.
2. Flexible working hours: Offer flexible working hours or schedules to accommodate fasting employees. This could include allowing them to start work earlier and leave earlier or adjusting their break times to align with their fasting schedule.
3. Provide a supportive environment: Create a supportive and inclusive work environment where employees feel comfortable discussing their fasting practices and any challenges they may face. Encourage open communication and be empathetic to their needs.
4. Offer remote work options: If feasible, allow employees to work remotely during fasting periods, especially if they have a long commute or if being in the office presents challenges related to fasting.
5. Respect breaks and meal times: Respect designated break and meal times for fasting employees. Avoid scheduling important meetings or deadlines during these times and encourage other team members to do the same.
6. Encourage rest and self-care: Recognize that fasting can be physically and mentally demanding. Encourage employees to prioritize rest, self-care, and breaks throughout the day to recharge and maintain their well-being.
7. Provide access to quiet spaces: Offer access to quiet and private spaces where employees can take breaks or pray if needed, especially during peak fasting times.
8. Offer food options for non-fasting employees: If providing food or snacks in the workplace, ensure there are options available for both fasting and non-fasting employees. Respect the dietary restrictions of fasting employees and avoid eating or drinking in front of them during fasting hours.
9. Lead by example: Managers should lead by example and demonstrate understanding, empathy, and respect for employees who are fasting. This sets a positive tone for the entire team and fosters a culture of inclusivity and mutual respect.
10. Monitor workload and deadlines: Be mindful of assigning heavy workloads or deadlines during peak fasting days. Consider redistributing tasks or adjusting deadlines to alleviate undue pressure on fasting employees.

By taking these proactive steps, managers can create a supportive and inclusive work environment where fasting employees feel valued, respected, and able to perform at their best during peak fasting days.

Fast recipes (Easy-to-carry-snacks)

During fasting in India, many people abstain from consuming grains, pulses, and certain vegetables. However, there are still plenty of delicious and nutritious snack options that you can enjoy during this time. Here are some fast-friendly snack recipes that are easy to prepare and can be carried to the office:

1) Roasted makhana (Fox nuts)

• Ingredients: Makhana (Fox nuts), ghee or coconut oil, rock salt, black pepper, any other spices as per preference (like chaat masala or cumin powder).
• Method: Heat ghee or coconut oil in a pan, add makhana and roast them until they become crispy. Season with rock salt, black pepper, and any other spices of your choice. Allow them to cool before packing them into a container for the office.

2) Fruit chaat

• Ingredients: Assorted fruits such as apple, banana, pear, pomegranate seeds, pineapple, etc., lemon juice, rock salt, black pepper, roasted cumin powder, chopped fresh coriander leaves (optional).
• Method: Chop the fruits into bite-sized pieces and mix them together in a bowl. Add lemon juice, rock salt, black pepper, and roasted cumin powder to taste. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves if desired. Pack the fruit chaat in a container with a tight-fitting lid.

3) Dry fruit mix

• Ingredients: Assorted dry fruits such as almonds, cashews, pistachios, walnuts, raisins, dried apricots, etc.
• Method: Simply mix together your favorite assortment of dry fruits in a bowl. You can also add some roasted makhana or pumpkin seeds for extra crunch. Portion out the mix into small containers or ziplock bags for easy snacking at the office.

4) Sabudana (Tapioca Pearls) khichdi

• Ingredients: Sabudana (tapioca pearls), boiled and mashed potatoes, roasted peanuts, chopped green chilies, cumin seeds, ghee or oil, rock salt, chopped fresh coriander leaves.
• Method: Soak sabudana in water for a few hours until they become soft. Heat ghee or oil in a pan, add cumin seeds and chopped green chilies. Then add mashed potatoes and soaked sabudana, and cook until everything is mixed well. Add roasted peanuts, rock salt, and chopped coriander leaves. Allow it to cool before packing it into a container for office.

5) Coconut ladoo

• Ingredients: Desiccated coconut, condensed milk (or jaggery syrup for sweetness), cardamom powder, chopped nuts (optional).
• Method: In a bowl, mix together desiccated coconut, condensed milk or jaggery syrup, and cardamom powder until well combined. Roll the mixture into small balls and optionally roll them in chopped nuts for extra flavor. Let them set in the refrigerator for a few hours before packing them for the office.

These snack recipes are not only delicious but also provide essential nutrients to keep you energized throughout the day while observing Navratri fasting. Adjust the ingredients and spices according to your taste preferences and dietary restrictions.

Download The Wellness Corner app to view these recipes!

Conclusion

Working while fasting presents its share of challenges, but with the right approach, it's entirely manageable. By staying mindful of your body's needs, planning your tasks strategically, and communicating openly with your employer or colleagues, you can strike a balance between honoring your fasting commitments and fulfilling your professional responsibilities.

Remember to listen to your body, prioritize self-care, and make adjustments as needed. With a bit of planning and perseverance, you can navigate fasting days at work with confidence and success. Here's to productive and fulfilling fasting days ahead!