As the days of Ramadan go by; the momentum, drive and motivation that keeps you going, will fade out. It’s time to become proactive on how to maintain the ‘Ramadan lifestyle’. This is however not possible, without actually setting any goals.

PLAN IT OUT and remain steadfast throughout the year, with a whole-hearted intention of maintaining the spirit of Ramadan.

 

Here are a few things that can help you retain the good habits, picked during the holy month:

 

1. Try fasting two days a week after Ramadan.

Fasting will not only help you improve spiritually, but also on the health level.

Fasting has also been shown to result in physical and mental benefits, such as improved memory, sleep, concentration and increased energy. Occasional fasting has also shown to accelerate the activity and growth of nerve cells.

 

2. Continue with the act of giving.

Irrespective of your finances, skills or time, sadaqah is extremely rewarding.

Keep them flowing and reap the mental health rewards of giving. If you were giving regularly during Ramadan, continue to do so even after Ramadan.

Evidence has shown that small gestures of kindness or more significant ones, such as volunteering in the community, can substantially increase your overall sense of happiness and satisfaction.

 

3. Turn to the Qur’an…

Work out on a time to read the Qur’an.

On a weekly basis, work out when you will have the time to read the Qur’an. Are you able to have a set time? It is great if you can but if not, do not panic. Use whatever time you have to do as much as you can.

Focus on understanding the teachings.

As well as reciting the Qur’an, make time to read the translation and tafsir. This could be by reading them on your own, or by attending classes at a local masjid or institute.

We should not miss out on obtaining this guidance because we do not understand the language. Make it a goal to learn Arabic, however in the meantime, utilize the translated works available to understand, absorb and implement the message of the Qur’an in your daily life.

The stories in the Qur’an are full of lessons. Take time to ponder over them and ask yourself how you can implement what you have learned into your life? The Qur’an highlights for us the imperfections we have, whilst giving us the ideas on how to change for the best.

Whatever portion you read, ask yourself how you can change your life based on it.

 

4. Make Duaa.

In many stories in the Qur’an, Allah shows us the power of Duaa.  Don’t give up your list of Duaa that you had In Ramadan.

 

5. Get a friend to help maintain the habit.

If you’ve got a close friend you feel you can share your new habit with, let them join you in keeping up with it and keeping tabs on you while they’re at it. Alternatively, look for groups where you can maintain the habit.

 

6. Keep evaluating yourself weekly.

This helps you see the bigger picture. You’ll be able to evaluate on a more long-term level how well you’ve been keeping your habit in practice. You can do the same thing on a monthly and yearly basis.

It’s the small but consistent things that allow you to have a much more fulfilling holy month at every level, thus enabling you to sustain it post Ramadan.