(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Working busy jobs while fasting in Ramadan can be daunting for some, but for nurse Khadija Al Omari, keeping busy is the key to ease the days of fasting.
The 38-year-old nurse-in-charge, working at Bareen International Hospital in Abu Dhabi, is also pregnant while fasting this year. Her daily job requires her to take care of the patients who are staying in the hospital.
"I am doing all the nursing and remembering to stay smiling and making patients feel good. Working and fasting while pregnant has been great so far," said the Jordanian mother of five.
Al Omari has a six-hour shift at the hospital, which begins from 9am and is currently working in the maternity ward. She said that although the hospital is quieter during Ramadan, she ensures to keep herself as busy as possible, as it helps keep her mind off hunger.
"I really appreciate the management and the nurses at the hospital, who have been very supportive to those who are fasting. They are taking care of us, while we take care of the patients."
She said the spirit of Ramadan can be felt at the hospital, which allows those who are fasting to continue their duties with a positive spirit. "You really feel the amount of care and respect and the essence of Ramadan at the hospital."
Al Omari said once her shift ends at the hospital, she goes home and is instantly back to work. "I have a big family, and everyone is fasting, so it's important to have all the meals prepared and cooked on time."
One of the most popular Jordanian dishes, Mansaf, made of lamb cooked in a sauce of yogurt and served with rice, is a staple-household meal for the family, especially in Ramadan.
"This is one of our favourite traditional dishes, and we have to cook it, at least on the first day of Ramadan."
The soon-to-be mother of six gets one hour of "me time" between 6pm-7pm, where she can finally relax.
After Iftar and prayers, the nurse is asleep by 9.30pm, instead of staying up all night binge-eating, which is a common, yet unhealthy, habit to many those who fast.
"It's really important for me to sleep early, so I can wake up for Suhoor and not feel exhausted or hungry the next day."
Al Omari said that fasting in the UAE feels much easier than back home.
"I don't feel that fasting affects my daily life, even though I am working and pregnant and juggling to take care of my five children and husband," said Al Omari, who has been living in the UAE for 10 years.
"In Jordan, we usually finish work earlier, so staying home makes you feel the hunger. You feel the time is longer because you aren't keeping yourself busy."
Al Omari said the holy month of Ramadan is an important period for herself, because it allows her to self-reflect, gain patience and most importantly, to think of those who are living hungry, each and every single day of their lives.
"Ramadan teaches me to be more patient and calm, it reminds me of the poor people who suffer from hunger, and it allows me to feel closer to God."
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