Ramadan Kareem!

Ramadan Kareem!

Back in 2008, I wrote a post listing some tips on how to maintain a regular writing schedule during the holy month. If you missed that post, you might find it useful.

In my location, we are fasting for fifteen hours each day in temperatures that typically range from 90-115 degrees, so it can be quite challenging to stay focused on work.

This year, however, I resolved to free myself from the shackles of caffeine, and it has made a huge difference.

Each Ramadan, I usually spend 1-2 weeks dealing with the effects of caffeine withdrawal. This usually means pounding headaches and a general feeling of laziness/anxiety that takes over once my body realizes that it will not get its usual cup of morning coffee or tea.

Although coffee and tea are not prohibited for Muslims like alcohol is, I have long felt concerned about the obvious addiction involved with regular caffeine consumption. I just don't think it makes sense to be so dependent on a cup of coffee to wake up and start the day.

This year, I decided to give up coffee and tea for good and have not consumed any since June. The first two weeks were hard, but I started feeling more energetic after that...better than I ever did while drinking coffee. This made me realize that the caffeine was not actually giving me energy. This was just a temporary feeling that could only be sustained by drinking even more. Now I mostly drink water and an occasional glass of juice--and, thanks be to Allah, I feel just fine.

The best part is that I had no bad withdrawal symptoms when starting Ramadan this year on August 11th. This, in turn, means that I am able to be more productive during this important month.

What is your take on caffeine? How does it affect you during the month of Ramadan?