The month of Ramadan is the month of goodness and blessing, and it is a religious and educational gateway that has a profound impact on the life of the individual and the family. It is the month of goodness, blessing, and closeness to God, and in it the meanings of tranquility, reassurance, and inner contentment are renewed. However, this spiritual atmosphere does not negate a psychological reality that many fasting people experience, which is mood swings in the first days of fasting. From the perspective of psychological counselling, this phenomenon is a natural response to sudden physiological and behavioral changes that occur in the daily lifestyle.

The human body is accustomed to a specific rhythm of consuming stimulants such as coffee and tea, consuming sugars, and sometimes smoking, especially in the morning hours. When a sudden cessation occurs when fasting begins, temporary withdrawal symptoms appear, which may include headache, fatigue, poor concentration, irritability, anxiety, and a feeling of lethargy and boredom. Disruption of sleep schedules and lack of drinking water also contribute to lowering the level of physical and emotional energy, which is reflected in the general mood and increases the possibility of tension in daily interaction, especially in the work environment or in family and social relationships. However, these symptoms are often temporary, as the body has an innate ability to gradually adapt and regain its balance with regular eating and sleeping routines.

Here a very important guiding point emerges, which is that training for fasting does not only begin with the beginning of the month, but it precedes that with a period of behavioral and psychological preparation. Gradually reducing stimulants, reducing the number of cigarettes for those who are accustomed to smoking, organizing sleep schedules, and adjusting eating times are all preliminary steps that reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms and reduce the emotions and quarrels that may appear in the first days. Training the mind and body for change before it happens gives the individual a sense of control and preparedness, and turns fasting from a sudden shock into a conscious and deliberate transition. Organizing time before Ramadan, and creating a balanced daily plan between work, worship, and rest, contributes to reducing stress and achieving greater psychological stability.

On the other hand, fasting has a high psychological training value in its essence. It trains individuals to exercise self-control, postpone gratification, develop patience and tolerance for frustration, and the ability to control impulses and emotions. Fasting also enhances social empathy and a feeling for those in need, and prompts a re-evaluation of daily habits, turning temporary abstinence into an opportunity to reshape healthier and more balanced behavioral patterns. Hence, mood swings can be viewed not as a negative symptom, but rather as a transitional stage in a deeper path of psychological and spiritual maturity.

In order to achieve greater emotional stability during the month, it is important to pay attention to regulating sleep, hasten breakfast, and eat a balanced suhoor that contains nutrients that help support the mood, in addition to drinking plenty of water between iftar and suhoor. It is also beneficial to introduce calm activities, such as light walking or deep breathing exercises, because they have a proven effect in reducing stress and regulating emotions.

As for children who are experiencing fasting for the first time, dealing with them requires careful educational and psychological awareness, and it also begins before the month arrives. It is useful to gradually train the child to postpone some of his daily desires, regulate his sleep times, and reduce his dependence on sugars in the morning, so that the fasting experience is not stressful. When starting fasting, the principle of gradualism should be adopted. He is allowed to fast for specific hours that gradually increase according to his ability, while providing a simplified explanation of the meaning of fasting and its spiritual and human values ​​and feelings.

Positive reinforcement at this stage is a pivotal element; Praising the attempt and effort enhances self-confidence and makes the experience linked to a feeling of accomplishment, not pressure. If signs of severe fatigue appear, the child should be allowed to break his fast without making him feel like he has failed or felt remorse, as mental and physical health are a priority. The parents’ calmness and control of their emotions represent a living model from which the child learns how to manage his feelings while fasting.

The month of Ramadan, despite the temporary mood swings that may accompany it, represents an annual opportunity to reorganize the relationship with oneself, with others, and with God Almighty. When fasting is managed with psychological awareness and prior preparation, it transforms from simply abstaining from food and drink into an integrated experience in building willpower, enhancing mental health, and consolidating positive habits in adults and children alike.