Harnessing the power of fasting
This time of year finds many of us looking for resets. They can come in a variety of ways. Fasting, meditation, observing and being mindful of noble thoughts and speech are a few of them.
In this post I share a few that I’ve tried and what the benefits were. Mine is an eclectic approach – I borrow and combine from a few. Many times, these practices have helped me get back on track.
I hope you will find this useful.
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Like most southern Black baby boomers, I was ‘raised in the church.’ Unlike most, my mother stopped forcing us to attend regular services when we got old enough to ask questions.
For many years now, I’ve considered myself a spiritual eclectic, drawing wisdom and inspiration from a variety of religious traditions. During the month of March, three of the world’s major religions—Islam, Christianity, and the Bahá’í Faith—observe sacred fasting periods: Ramadan, Lent, and the Bahá’í 19-Day Fast. These traditions involve abstaining from food, drink, certain indulgences, prayer (or meditation); they also emphasize reflection, renewal, and self-discipline.
Coming out of a winter of lots of loss, setbacks, and emotional exhaustion, I desperately needed an anchor—something to ground me as I worked toward a much-needed mindset reminder. More than that, I needed a structured way to return to my fitness routines, reestablish my longtime healthy habits, and other tasks.
As a long-time vegan, I practice some form of fasting periodically, but this time felt different. Knowing that millions of people around the world were engaging in a similar practice gave me an added sense of encouragement and purpose.
Fasting as a Reset: More Than Just Food Restriction
When many people hear the word ‘fasting,’ they immediately think of restrictive dieting or religious obligations. But fasting, in its deeper sense, is about intention—choosing to set aside certain comforts to gain clarity, discipline, and renewal.
These three fasting traditions—Ramadan, Lent, and the Bahá’í Fast—differ in their specific rules, but all share a common theme: self-reflection leading to improvement.
1. Ramadan: A Month of Spiritual and Physical Renewal
Ramadan, observed by Muslims worldwide, is a month of fasting from dawn to sunset, combined with increased prayer, charity, and self-restraint. While it is a deeply spiritual time, according to healthline, there are profound effects on physical health.
For me, observing elements of Ramadan reminded me to be more intentional with my food intake, practice using kind words, and to slow down. The structured eating window helped curb mindless snacking, and the practice of mindful prayer aligned with my own meditation practice.
2. The Bahá’í 19-Day Fast: Alignment with Nature’s Rhythms
The Bahá’í Fast takes place annually from March 1-19, during which adherents abstain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset. It is seen as a time of spiritual rejuvenation and a way to align with nature’s cycles, as it leads into the renewal of spring.
This idea of renewal resonated deeply with me. In midlife, it’s easy to feel stuck in routines, but dedicating time to fasting helped me feel more connected to my body’s natural rhythms. I also found that the emphasis on moderation and reflection encouraged me to set more specific priorities for my health and wellness journey as well as upleveling my income generation activities.
3. Lent: A Season of Letting Go and Recommitting
Lent, observed by many Christians, involves fasting or giving up certain habits for 40 days leading up to Easter. It’s a time of sacrifice, and – like the others is also a period of recommitting to spiritual and personal growth.
Rather than giving up a particular food, I chose to let go of habits that weren’t serving me—such as hitting the snooze button and skipping morning meditation. This period of self-discipline helped me reclaim my early rising habit, which has always been a key to my productivity and well-being.
How Fasting Helped Me Reset and Recommit
Each of these fasting traditions provided a valuable framework that I adapted to my own life. Here’s how it helped me:
- Encouraged kinder thoughts and actions: Fasting isn’t just about physical restriction; it’s about developing patience, gratitude, and self-awareness. I became more mindful of my words and interactions, making a conscious effort to speak with kindness and understanding and to listen more deliberately.
- Slowed me down: In our fast-paced world, we often eat on autopilot and rush through daily tasks. Fasting forced me to be more present, whether it was in my meals, my movement routines, or my conversations. (Slowing down can also be associated with less calorie intake at the start of a fast.)
- Adjusted my eating habits & consumption: By paying closer attention to hunger signals and eliminating unnecessary snacking, I was able to make more intentional food choices and maintain a steadier energy level throughout the day.
- Recommitted to my early rising habit: As a lifelong early riser, I enjoyed having my coffee during the magical time before the sunrise. Fasting reminded me of the importance of my morning rituals, helping me restore a sense of balance.
- Deepened my meditation practice: Spiritual fasting is about more than the absence of food; it’s about creating space for reflection. I found myself meditating with more intention, allowing for a deeper connection with my goals and aspirations.
How You Can Use Fasting to Restart Healthy Practices
If you’re looking for a way to reset your habits—whether for physical health, mental clarity, or personal growth—you don’t have to be religious to benefit from these traditions. Here are a few ways you can use fasting as a tool for transformation:
- Choose a Focus: Decide what you want to reset—your eating habits, mindfulness practice, or something else.
- Set a Timeframe: It could be a few days, a week, or a full season, depending on what feels right for you.
- Practice Mindful Eating: Whether eliminating certain foods or simply slowing down, use this time to be more aware of what you consume; take time to give thanks to the hands that grew the food you eat.
- Incorporate Reflection: Pair fasting with meditation, quiet music, journaling, or quiet walks to deepen your self-awareness.
- Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Remember fasting doesn’t mean deprivation; it means making thoughtful choices that support your well-being.
Moving Forward with Renewed Energy
As I move beyond this sacred fasting period, I feel a sense of renewal—not just in my body, but in my mindset. I’ve been reminded that resetting healthy practices doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Sometimes, it’s simply about pausing, reflecting, and making small, intentional shifts that lead to lasting transformation.
Fasting, in all its forms, has given me that opportunity. And whether you embrace these traditions fully or take inspiration from them, I hope you, too, find a way to reconnect with what nourishes you—body, mind, and spirit.
What are some ways you reset your habits and mindset? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments!
