Whether you fast for spiritual reasons or for health, the body experiences a decrease in metabolism. There is short term fasting and long term fasting. There is considerable effect on the body depending on the type of fasting you observe. However, before fasting you have to prepare yourself to get the whole benefit of the fast. This article give some tips to prepare yourself for fasting.
Here are a Few Tips to Prepare Yourself for Fasting:
- As fasting needs some commitment, you need to prepare your mind saying determinedly: “I will fast for these many days or these many hours. I will refrain these things during my fast”.
- Eliminate processed foods made from salt, sugar and flour. The processed food might make you addicted to food and diminish your spirit for fasting.
- Stop drinking, smoking or taking any type of recreational drugs at least one month before starting fasting. By doing so you will experience new enthusiasm for fasting. One month of time is needed to get these addictions out of your consciousness and you will be physically, emotionally and spiritually ready for fasting.
- Eat fresh fruits and juices two to four days before starting fasting. It affects your consciousness by promoting sattvik guna which is very helpful while fasting.
- Do not have a heavy meal just before starting to fast. Instead, eat light meals in shorter times. This will make your digestive tract ready for the fasting.
- Do not dwell on food once you start your fast. Since it is a spiritual time, it is better to pray and meditate on almighty lord.
- Be sure to take proper rest before starting fast. Take rest during the fast as well. Do not exert physically or mentally. It is best to talk less before and during the fast.
- One more important thing in fasting is that be gentle, humble and patient in the phase of fasting. Fasting is a process and needs to be done in a gentle manner. Fasting increases patience and patience improves the quality of fasting.
- If you keep the above things in mind before fasting, your fast will be a successful one. Fasting is a process based on trust and faith. Happy fasting.
