As we eagerly await confirmation of the moonsighting for Ramadhan, there’s a mix of excitement, reflection, and perhaps just a little bit of panic.
Fasting from dawn to dusk? No problem. No food? Manageable. No water? Ah. That’s where things get tricky.
Let’s be honest – it’s not the sweets or the carbs that will get you through the long fasting hours. It’s water. Good old, underrated H2O because hydration is the unsung hero of survival during Ramadhan. And yet, staying hydrated while balancing a modern, fast-paced life feels like an extreme sport.
THE MODERN HYDRATION DILEMMA
The modern person has an odd relationship with water.
We either forget to drink it entirely or carry around fancy water bottles, tracking every sip like it’s a competitive event.
And let’s not forget the caffeine addiction many of us have cultivated, which makes fasting feel like an involuntary detox programme we did not sign up for.
Then there’s the reality of daily life. Whether you’re rushing between work meetings, keeping up with household responsibilities, or doomscrolling through heavy world news, drinking enough water often takes a backseat.
Factor in climate change, and suddenly fasting during Ramadhan in soaring temperatures feels like an endurance challenge designed by nature itself.
But fear not! There are ways to keep yourself hydrated and make it through Ramadhan without feeling like a shrivelled date by sunset. Here’s how:
FRONTLOAD YOUR HYDRATION
Think of water consumption like a savings account. You can’t drink everything at once (your bladder will protest), but you can invest wisely. Start your sahur (pre-dawn meal) with a good amount of water – about two to three glasses – to set yourself up for the day ahead.
And no, chugging a litre right before Fajr isn’t the answer unless you enjoy waking up multiple times before sunrise.
HYDRATING FOODS ARE YOUR FRIENDS
Water isn’t just in a glass – it’s in your food too. Cucumbers, watermelon, oranges and yoghurt are great sources of hydration. Incorporating these into your sahur and iftar (post-sunset meal) can help keep dehydration at bay. Bonus: they also make you feel a little less like a camel crossing the desert by midday.
THE CAFFEINE CUTBACK
This one hurts, but if you’re someone who needs a morning coffee just to function, you’ll feel the withdrawal hit hard during fasting hours. The problem is that caffeine is a diuretic, meaning it makes you lose water faster. If you must have your coffee or tea, try to limit it and balance it with more water. Otherwise, brace yourself for headaches that feel like they were sent specifically to test your patience.
SIP SMARTLY AT IFTAR
After a long day without food or drink, it’s tempting to gulp down as much water as possible when you break your fast. The trick is to pace yourself. Start with a couple of glasses, eat your meal, and then continue hydrating gradually through the evening. If you’re feeling adventurous, coconut water or electrolyte-rich drinks can also help replenish lost fluids.
SET HYDRATION REMINDERS
You schedule everything else – meetings, workouts, binge-watching sessions – so why not hydration? Setting small reminders to sip water between iftar and sahur can help you get enough fluids without feeling bloated. Plus, it makes you feel like you’re accomplishing something, which is always a win.
THE CLIMATE FACTOR
If you’re in a particularly hot or humid location, dehydration hits even harder. If possible, try to stay indoors during peak heat hours and avoid unnecessary physical exertion. If you must be out, lightweight clothing and shade are your best friends. And if all else fails, just remind yourself that you’re in this for the spiritual benefits (while fantasising about an ice-cold drink at sunset).
RESPECT THE WATER
At the end of the day, hydration is about being intentional with how you consume it. Ramadhan is a test of patience and endurance, and making hydration a priority will help you feel more energised and less zombie-like throughout the month.
So, as we await the official start of Ramadhan, remember: sweets and fried treats might be the reward, but hydration is the real key to surviving the fasting month.
May your thirst be manageable, your energy levels high, and your iftar drinks extra refreshing! – Features Desk
