Sometimes, the most powerful move is pausing, and fasting is like muting the body for a moment so you can hear the soul and yourself. It’s like reconnecting with your inner voice and disconnecting from the outside world’s voice for a bit. In the quiet space, your body, brain, and soul get a chance to rejuvenate.
Based on a medically reviewed article of Healthline, fasting can help with managing blood sugar by decreasing insulin resistance, improving health by fighting inflammation, heart health by improving blood pressure, weight loss by decreasing calorie intake, and with preventing cancer.
Additionally, according to a medically reviewed article of WebMD, fasting dissolves diseased cells and allows for the body to keep good vitamins, and remove the toxins and old tissue. Also, while fasting, once the body uses up all the sugar it kept stores, it burns fat.
This is called metabolic switching, which contributes to many of the mental benefits of fasting.
Also according to this WebMD article, while fasting, since less toxic materials flow through the blood, it’s easier to think. The energy used for digesting food can be used by the brain while fasting. It takes some days to see this though. But the results are clearer thoughts, more sharpness regarding the other senses, and better memory.
Sophomore Aiza Sajid says, “For me, fasting brings multiple benefits to my daily life. Waking up before Fajr to eat suhoor builds discipline as I prepare myself for the upcoming day. I notice throughout the day, I am always being reminded of fasting. For example, when something upsets me, I stay calm and remember the virtues I should keep when fasting. Being able to resist the temptations of hunger and thirst brings patience and reminds me of the blessings that are so common in my life.”
More mental and emotional benefits of fasting include being more grateful, being more empathetic, more patient and resilient, reflective, having more self-control, being more confident, motivated, having a greater sense of accomplishment, and being more mindful. It also includes better decision-making skills, getting a deeper understanding of life’s meaning and purpose, less attachment to materialistic things, and strengthening values and character.
Sophomore Amna Rana remarks, “I believe fasting cleanses our souls and improves our focus and discipline, in both our lives and our Deen.”
Sophomore Eshaal Abid says, “It helps us stay focused, and it’s a humble reminder.”
The biggest factors that could destroy the benefits of fasting include doing too much exercise, not getting enough hydration, not getting enough sleep, overeating once the fasting time is over, eating unhealthy and processed foods once it’s over, undereating, not getting enough nutrients, not exercising at all, oversleeping, taking too much stress, and overworking yourself so much to the point where fasting might start to feel like a burden. When fasting feels like a burden, that’s when the mental and emotional benefits of fasting can be cancelled out.
With that in mind, next time you feel like a fast is getting to you, think about all of the benefits you’re gaining!
