Avoid extra stress during Ramadan

Workplace stress is inevitable. There are always going to be days when tempers are frayed and voices raised. But when people are hungry, thirsty and nicotine-deprived during Ramadan, arguments can ensue even faster.

Although the holy month requires Muslims to stay calm and not show anger towards others, in practice this is not always easy, especially when deadlines are looming.

Psychologists say these problems are often two-fold because those fasting experience withdrawal symptoms, which can be compounded in the workplace.

But Priya Sridharan, organisational consultant at Dubai Herbal and Treatment Centre, says taking time out of a stressful situation can help. "It can take a few days for the body to get used to fasting and so during this time people are not always able to control themselves. Now we are a couple of weeks in, those fasting are more likely to have self-control, but it's important to keep reminding themselves why they are doing it," she says.

On top of this, she recommends a number of practical behaviour exercises, such as counting to 10 before speaking and taking time out from a conversation if it starts to get heated. "It's not about walking away, just taking a break. You go back to it when you are calmer," suggests Sridharan.

Due to the adddictive nature of nicotine, going without cigarettes in particular during daylight hours can be harder than not eating, so experts say the right frame of mind is essential.

"People can adjust to changing their food consumption timings but those who put foreign substances into their body, like nicotine, will have a particular suffering," says Dr Raymond Hamden, Clinical and Forensic Psychologist at the Human Relations Institute. "However, we've found that people who have addictions can fast because it's about mind over matter. When people are distracted, which could be by way of discussions, watching TV or reading a book, they may find the fasting period easier."

Shorter working hours also help. With an average working day of six hours, employees can go home mid-afternoon and rest as hunger starts to kick in. Although this puts extra pressure on staff to get the job done in less time, it does help focus the mind to the job in hand and promote efficiency.

"Life doesn't stop; people still have to perform and frustration is a natural reaction to stressful situations," says Sridharan. "It's important that people suppress their feelings because they should expect to feel irritable and frustrated. But if you start to panic, try breathing exercises to get through the anxiety or take a walk. It's not easy in this heat but it does help."

Dr Hamden agrees, adding that arriving home early can in itself prevent stress-related problems. "For most people, shorter working hours gives them a chance to relax in an environment that's more comfortable for the body. UV rays are draining even on a regular day; when people are fasting they are even harder to cope with. Being able to work a shorter day and rest afterwards will help workers get through the day as easily as possible," the psychologist says.


Chillout techniques

- Take a break from any heated discussions

- Go for a walk to calm down

- Count to 10 before speaking

- Remind yourself why you are fasting

- Stick to Ramadan hours so you can go home to relax in the afternoon

- Get enough rest at night to prevent tiredness increasing irritability

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