Stay energized and healthy during #Navratri with these easy health tips! Keep your body and mind refreshed while celebrating the festive season.
I grew up observing Navratri every year. The music, pujas, flowers, colour and devotion always felt wonderful. But early on, I looked forward to it more spiritually than physically— I didn’t realise the toll fasting for nine days can take on energy, mood and daily work. One or two times I felt weak, sometimes had headaches, or felt I could barely concentrate at work or home. Over time I picked up habits — little adjustments — that made a big difference. I want to share them with you, from my own trial and error.
Morning: How I Wake Up & Fuel the First Few Hours
In earlier years, I used to wake up, freshen up, do puja, but not drink enough water. By mid‐morning I’d feel parched, low energy, even light‑headed. So, I started something simple: as soon as I wake, I drink 2 large glasses of water (one warm if I can), sometimes with lemon. That small effort helps hugely — by mid‑morning I feel steadier. Sometimes I add a pinch of rock salt if I expect a busy day.
After that, I try to eat something gentle but satisfying. My favourite is samak rice with curd — it’s light but gives enough substance. Or boiled sweet potatoes. I avoid very oily items early on; I find they make me sleepy. Eating early also stops me from being ravenous when breaking the fast later or at evening, which otherwise ends up in overeating.
Mid‑Day: Snacks, Fruits & Mini Breaks
Between the big meals, I used to skip snacks, thinking “fasting means less food”. But I learned that skipping everything then makes me crash. Now I carry a small stash: dry fruits (almonds, walnuts, raisins), a banana or two, sometimes roasted makhana (fox nuts). These give a gentle energy boost without being heavy, and they help me avoid that dizzy, weak feeling around noon or afternoon.
Fruits are especially helpful. On a hot day I eat a pomegranate or slice up an apple. Once I made fruit chaat with sendha namak and lemon — simple, tasty, and refreshing. Also, I try to rest my mind — maybe ten minutes of sitting quietly, listening to calm music, stretching. Even when work calls, giving myself a mini‑pause helps a lot.
Evening & Breaking the Fast
When evening comes, I used to break fast with something heavy or fried. The result: stomach discomfort, bloating, then sluggishness. Now I’ve shifted: I usually break fast with something light first. Maybe a glass of buttermilk (chaas) or coconut water or lemon water. Then, after that, I eat a moderate meal: a sabudana khichdi or a light aloo sabzi with singhara or kuttu roti, some paneer. I try not to overload on oils or deep fried items. It’s about easing in rather than hitting hard.
I also avoid eating too late. If I break fast late, I try to keep dinner portion smaller, so digestion is smoother during night, and I wake up fresher.
Rest & Listening to My Body
One of the hardest lessons I learnt was: it’s okay to slow down. I used to try to maintain exactly the same daily schedule during Navratri — full working hours, errands, chores, social visits. But there were days I simply didn’t have the energy, and pushing through made me feel worse.
So now I plan lighter days during Navratri. If possible, I schedule less demanding tasks in the afternoon. I take short naps or rest when needed. I don’t force workouts; maybe just a gentle walk or stretch. Sleep I try to keep solid — at least 7‑8 hours. On nights when I’m up late, I feel it the next day: more tired, less focused.
Mindset & Compassion with Myself
Beyond food and rest, mindset matters. I found that my inner dialogue (‘I should push through no matter what’, ‘I must do everything as before’) used to stress me out, and that stress burned energy too. So I started telling myself: “It’s okay to adjust. My devotion is not measured by suffering.” If I feel weak, I stop. If I need an extra fruit or a glass of milk, I take it. If I need to take a short rest, I do it. Making peace with slowing down helped more than any diet tweak.
Also, keeping things simple matters. I try not to plan big events or intense travel during Navratri if I can avoid it. Family time, prayer, reflection — focusing on what the festival means rather than what I “should” do helps me stay joyful rather than exhausted.
What Helps Most: What I’ve Seen Make a Big Difference
From all these small changes over several years, these have been the biggest helpers for me:
- Drinking enough water first thing and throughout the day.
- Eating small, nourishing meals rather than trying to “fast perfectly.”
- Including fruits and dry fruits for small boosts.
- Breaking fast gently and eating moderate evening meals.
- Resting & lowering physical and mental load when needed.
- Being kind to myself if I’m having a weak‐energy day.
Navratri fasting became beautiful for me when I stopped treating it like a test of endurance and started treating it like a period of care — care for my body, mind, and spirit. I hope sharing my experience helps you find ways that suit you. Every person’s body is different. Adapt, listen, eat with love, rest when needed, and remember why you fast in the first place.
The information provided in this blog is for general guidance and educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional or nutritionist before making changes to your diet or lifestyle, especially during fasting or if you have any pre-existing health conditions.
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