Golden tips for achieving psychological balance in the middle of Ramadan
The holy month of Ramadan represents an exceptional annual event whose benefits extend beyond the spiritual realm to encompass profound changes in a person's psychological and behavioral makeup. As the month reaches its midpoint, the urgent need to focus on the concept of psychological rebalancing. Fasting demands a high degree of discipline, which directly contributes to enhancing neurological resilience, increasing an individual's ability to control emotions, and regulating the rhythm of daily life more effectively.
Fasting as a historical tool for self-discipline
Historically, fasting in Islamic culture and social tradition has not been viewed merely as abstaining from food and drink, but rather as an effective tool for self-purification and moral refinement. Scholars and sages have long considered this period an annual training course that allows individuals to break free from the grip of consumerist habits and base desires, granting them mental clarity and a greater capacity for contemplation. This historical context underscores the importance of utilizing the days of fasting not only as an act of worship, but also as a way of life that realigns inner priorities and reduces the stress resulting from the pressures of modern life.
The "low motivation" phase and how to overcome it
In a psychological analysis of the month's phases, psychologist Noura Al-Yazid explained to Al-Youm that reaching the middle of Ramadan represents a critical psychological stage known as "a decrease in motivation after the initial enthusiasm." This phenomenon is quite normal and follows strong beginnings, whether behavioral or spiritual. During this period, individuals may experience a decline in enthusiasm, physical exhaustion, or even frustration at not achieving the ideal image they envisioned for themselves before the month began. This necessitates a serious pause for reflection, without self-criticism.
The social and psychological impact of internal stability
The impact of psychological well-being during the holy month extends beyond the individual, encompassing their social and familial environment. When an individual achieves inner balance, it positively affects the quality of their family relationships, especially given the frequent family gatherings that characterize Ramadan nights in the Arab world and the Kingdom. The ability to manage emotions and reduce stress contributes to creating a calm and stable home environment, strengthening social bonds and transforming the month into a genuine opportunity for unity rather than a source of psychological pressure stemming from mood swings.
Practical steps to promote psychological rebalancing
Al-Yazid pointed out that this period presents an opportunity to practice "organized self-awareness" and assess one's psychological and behavioral state. She emphasized that disrupted sleep patterns and altered meal times directly affect the regulation of cortisol and serotonin hormones, which in turn impacts emotional stability. Therefore, restoring psychological balance begins with regulating the circadian rhythm, reducing late nights, improving sleep quality, and enhancing the quality of suhoor (the pre-dawn meal) to support energy stability.
From perfection to gradual growth
The specialist emphasized the importance of restructuring cognitive expectations and shifting from a perfectionist mindset to a growth-oriented one to alleviate internal pressure. This can be achieved by incorporating short periods of mental rest, such as mindful breathing exercises or quiet walks to regulate the nervous system. She considered the middle of the month an opportunity for psychological readjustment and for completing the remaining days with greater awareness and balance, free from stress.
Strategies for the last third and building habits
Regarding making the most of the remaining days of Ramadan, Al-Yazid emphasized that entering the last third of the month boosts morale through what is known as the "motivational endpoint effect." This period presents a golden opportunity to establish sustainable habits through small, easily repeatable behavioral actions, such as writing daily reflections, practicing gratitude, and maintaining a regular sleep schedule. She pointed out that linking behavior to one's identity strengthens consistency, fostering a belief that one is "someone who takes care of their mental health." Thus, Ramadan becomes an intensive training program with a lasting impact, transforming into a sustainable lifestyle.
