Yoga In Ramadan

Non-violence

Ahimsa is one of the key principles of yoga and also of fasting. It refers to non-violence in action, words and thoughts. This includes not only violence against others but also oneself.

Don’t be greedy

Aparigraha is another key principle of yoga which says we must avoid hoarding and greed. Ramadan is a great time to practice restraint and compassion. This should apply to meals as well. Try not to binge during iftar.

Cleanliness

Soucha is also a key principle of yoga, which means cleanliness. This refers not only to ablutions, cleanliness of the body, but also of the mind. Wash out your negative thoughts. This may be a good time for some ‘spring cleaning’. Get rid of things you no longer need. Get rid of thoughts that no longer serve you, or that limit and disempower you. Get rid of bad habits.

Meditate

Shavasana or corpse pose takes focus on remaining still and simply ‘be’. It is also known to boost your mood, relieve stress, fatigue, headaches and lower blood pressure. Lie back, elongate your spine on the floor, and connect with the earth. This is the perfect time to reflect, re-centre and ready yourself for the rest of the day.

Breathe

Sheetali is a form of pranayama. It is a cooling breath that calms the body and mind. It also has a positive impact on our nervous system and endocrine glands. “A person becomes young and charming by practicing this process,” according to the Hatha Yoga Pradipika by Swami Swatmaramji. It helps people to control thirst and hunger.

Sit comfortably and inhale through your rolled tongue, like pulling through a straw. If you cannot roll your tongue (and don’t feel bad just blame your parents because it’s genetic) then push your tongue against the back of your top front teeth with a wide smile, keeping your teeth together and inhale.  You will feel the cool air entering, cooling your tongue. Close your mouth and retain the breath within for a moment, then exhale through your nose. Repeat ten to twenty times whenever you like.

Hydrate

Make sure to drink lots of water. Also fresh juices such as beet juice, bitter gourd juice and carrot juice are very helpful for detox.

Eat healthy

Load up on healthy food options like soups, yoghurt, fruits and vegetables. Dates and dried fruits are perfect as you break your fast. They are high in carbs, giving you energy, and iron to combat anaemia. Guava and papaya are a great source of fibre to help you digest your food and release your waste daily. Cucumbers and hummus are another healthy favourite and watermelon is a low-calorie filler upper. Please limit your peyajis! Fried food on an empty stomach is a recipe for ulcers.