Fasting is known for its physical health benefits, but experts say it is equally important to know about its impact on mental and emotional well-being. Psychologists and medical professionals agree that if done responsibly during Ramadan, fasting can enhance self-discipline and improve mood.
Dr Nada Omer Mohamed Elbashir, consultant psychiatrist at Burjeel Hospital in Abu Dhabi, explained to The National that because fasting requires a high level of self-control, it's a transferable skill that can have benefits in other areas of life. “The practice of denying oneself food and drink builds mental fortitude and can help individuals resist temptations and distractions in their daily routines,” she said.
In addition to self-discipline, fasting has been linked to improved mood. Many people report feeling a sense of clarity and emotional uplift while fasting.
“This may be due to hormonal changes, such as increased endorphin levels, as well as the psychological benefits of achieving a goal and practicing mindfulness,” Dr Elbashir said. The practice also encourages mindfulness and reflection, allowing people to slow down, practice gratitude, and improve emotional regulation.
Fasting and brain function
Dr Mahmoud Negm, consultant psychiatrist at Burjeel Medical City in Abu Dhabi, said fasting can enhance cognitive function by promoting neuroplasticity and neurogenesis. “The reduction in glucose levels and the increase in ketones – which serve as an alternative energy source for the brain – may help improve focus, alertness, and mental clarity,” he said.
Fasting may also help reduce stress and anxiety by modulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which plays a vital role in the body’s stress response. “The mild stress induced by fasting can enhance resilience to psychological stressors, similar to how exercise strengthens muscles,” Dr Negm said.
Intermittent fasting he said was shown to be linked to lower cortisol levels and improved stress regulation in participants. Mood improvements linked to fasting are largely attributed to its effects on neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which contribute to feelings of well-being and euphoria.
In fact, participants in a study on the effects of prolonged periods of not eating reported higher levels of happiness and reduced symptoms of depression after practicing intermittent fasting, Dr Negm said.
Emotional regulation
“Fasting is a voluntary restriction of an essential need, which trains the brain to resist impulsive behaviour. This enhances willpower, a key component of self-control,” Dr Negm said. Research in self-regulation theory he said, suggests that engaging in acts of self-discipline, such as fasting, can strengthen overall self-regulation in other areas of life, including emotional control and decision-making.
On a neurological level, fasting activates the prefrontal cortex, the brain region responsible for executive functions like decision-making, impulse control, and planning. Fasting can also help people break unhealthy habits and addictions. By reinforcing discipline, it reduces reliance on external rewards such as overeating or smoking and can reduce stress-related eating.
How to balance work, sleep and meals
Many people may find it challenging to balance fasting with their daily work schedule. However, experts suggest that with the right habits, productivity and focus are possible.
- Plan your schedule: Prioritise important tasks when energy levels are highest, typically after iftar or early in the morning before suhoor.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water during non-fasting hours can help combat fatigue and maintain cognitive function.
- Take breaks: Short breaks throughout the workday can help recharge energy levels. Activities like deep breathing, stretching, or a quick walk can provide mental clarity.
- Eat smart: Focus on balanced meals containing nutrients that provide sustained energy, such as complex carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats.
- Manage energy levels: Using time management techniques such as the Pomodoro Technique – working in short, focused bursts followed by breaks – can help maintain productivity.
- Communicate with colleagues: Informing coworkers about your fasting schedule can encourage understanding and support, allowing for adjustments in collaborative efforts.
- Practice mindfulness: Incorporating mindfulness exercises, such as meditation or deep-breathing techniques, can help manage stress and improve focus.
Other acts on the Jazz Garden bill
Sharrie Williams
The American singer is hugely respected in blues circles due to her passionate vocals and songwriting. Born and raised in Michigan, Williams began recording and touring as a teenage gospel singer. Her career took off with the blues band The Wiseguys. Such was the acclaim of their live shows that they toured throughout Europe and in Africa. As a solo artist, Williams has also collaborated with the likes of the late Dizzy Gillespie, Van Morrison and Mavis Staples.
Lin Rountree
An accomplished smooth jazz artist who blends his chilled approach with R‘n’B. Trained at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, DC, Rountree formed his own band in 2004. He has also recorded with the likes of Kem, Dwele and Conya Doss. He comes to Dubai on the back of his new single Pass The Groove, from his forthcoming 2018 album Stronger Still, which may follow his five previous solo albums in cracking the top 10 of the US jazz charts.
Anita Williams
Dubai-based singer Anita Williams will open the night with a set of covers and swing, jazz and blues standards that made her an in-demand singer across the emirate. The Irish singer has been performing in Dubai since 2008 at venues such as MusicHall and Voda Bar. Her Jazz Garden appearance is career highlight as she will use the event to perform the original song Big Blue Eyes, the single from her debut solo album, due for release soon.
BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
Countries recognising Palestine
France, UK, Canada, Australia, Portugal, Belgium, Malta, Luxembourg, San Marino and Andorra
Bio:
Favourite Quote: Prophet Mohammad's quotes There is reward for kindness to every living thing and A good man treats women with honour
Favourite Hobby: Serving poor people
Favourite Book: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Favourite food: Fish and vegetables
Favourite place to visit: London
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
Developer: Treyarch, Raven Software
Publisher: Activision
Console: PlayStation 4 & 5, Windows, Xbox One & Series X/S
Rating: 3.5/5
More from UAE Human Development Report:
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
THE%20JERSEYS
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Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week
The%20specs
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Company%20profile%20
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Other promotions
- Deliveroo will team up with Pineapple Express to offer customers near JLT a special treat: free banana caramel dessert with all orders on January 26
- Jones the Grocer will have their limited edition Australia Day menu available until the end of the month (January 31)
- Australian Vet in Abu Dhabi (with locations in Khalifa City A and Reem Island) will have a 15 per cent off all store items (excluding medications)
Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
The five pillars of Islam
MEYDAN CARD
6.30pm Maiden Dh165,000 (Dirt) 1,600m
7.05pm Conditions Dh240,000 (D) 1,600m
7.40pm Handicap Dh190,000 (D) 2,000m
8.15pm Handicap Dh170,000 (D) 2,200m
8.50pm The Entisar Listed Dh265,000 (D) 2,000m
9.25pm The Garhoud Sprint Listed Dh265,000 (D) 1,200m
10pm Handicap Dh185,000 (D) 1,400m
The National selections
6.30pm Majestic Thunder
7.05pm Commanding
7.40pm Mark Of Approval
8.15pm Mulfit
8.50pm Gronkowski
9.25pm Walking Thunder
10pm Midnight Sands
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20APPLE%20M3%20MACBOOK%20AIR%20(13%22)
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Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Our legal columnist
Name: Yousef Al Bahar
Advocate at Al Bahar & Associate Advocates and Legal Consultants, established in 1994
Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers
Match info
Uefa Champions League Group F
Manchester City v Hoffenheim, midnight (Wednesday, UAE)
Why seagrass matters
- Carbon sink: Seagrass sequesters carbon up to 35X faster than tropical rainforests
- Marine nursery: Crucial habitat for juvenile fish, crustations, and invertebrates
- Biodiversity: Support species like sea turtles, dugongs, and seabirds
- Coastal protection: Reduce erosion and improve water quality
NBA FINALS SO FAR
(Toronto lead 3-2 in best-of-seven series)
Game 1 Raptors 118 Warriors 109
Game 2 Raptors 104 Warriors 109
Game 3 Warriors 109 Raptors 123
Game 4 Warriors 92 Raptors 105
Game 5 Raptors 105 Warriors 106
Game 6 Thursday, at Oakland
Game 7 Sunday, at Toronto (if needed)
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
Emergency
Director: Kangana Ranaut
Stars: Kangana Ranaut, Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Milind Soman, Mahima Chaudhry
Rating: 2/5
Kandahar%20
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Museum of the Future in numbers
- 78 metres is the height of the museum
- 30,000 square metres is its total area
- 17,000 square metres is the length of the stainless steel facade
- 14 kilometres is the length of LED lights used on the facade
- 1,024 individual pieces make up the exterior
- 7 floors in all, with one for administrative offices
- 2,400 diagonally intersecting steel members frame the torus shape
- 100 species of trees and plants dot the gardens
- Dh145 is the price of a ticket
The%20specs
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Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
