Maha Shivratri is a festival dedicated to Lord Shiva. Unlike most of the festivals in Hinduism, which are celebrated during the day Maha Shivratri is celebrated during the night. This festival is celebrated to mark the remembrance of overcoming of the darkness and ignorance. Many people celebrate the festival by observing fast on the day of Maha Shivratri. It is believed that fasting on this day can benefit of a whole year's rigorous prayer. So, if you are observing a fast on this auspicious day don't forget the following things that will help you to manage your fast throughout the day:
Go into your fast with the full intention of succeeding in it. Try to understand what fasting is and what its benefits are. This will put you in the correct frame of mind ahead of your fast on Maha Shivratri. Remember if you terminate your fasts mid-way, you just end up burning a huge chunk of muscle. Define your fasting period, which will prepare your body.
Although you can avoid eating all day during the fast. There are some foods that you can eat without breaking your fast. This helps in reducing some of the risks associated with fasting such as fainting, feeling hungry and unfocused. It also makes fasting more sustainable.
Dehydration can lead to fatigue, dry mouth, thirst and headache; hence, it is important to stay hydrated during the fast. Even during fast, it is recommended that one can drink 2-3 liters of water. Another advantage of keeping hydrated during the fast is that it washes away toxins from the body. It will maintain your energy level.
You will feel very hungry at the end of the fast but be careful don't break your fast with a feast. This will result in bloating and tiredness. Consuming an excess calorie right after the fast will reduce your calorie deficit. Hence, the best way to break a fast is to eat light and slowly go back to your regular diet.
Avoid any intense physical activities such as workouts, traveling and physical work as it would require a lot of energy. It will also increase your metabolic rate that will make you feel hungry, thirsty, or over-tired.
Fasting is the practice of abstaining from food. It is a spiritual thing in Maha Shivaratri as an offering to the Lord Shiva. As many people get ready to fast during Maha Shivratri this year, the above tips will help them in their fasting.