(MENAFN- The Peninsula) Joelyn Baluyut |
The Peninsula
Doha: The holy month of Ramadan is a season of prayer, fasting and giving, and during this time finances go up and emotions vary, a psychologist said.
Clinical Psychologist Shahnaz Baroudi told The Peninsula that“biologically, giving can create a“warm glow,” activating areas of the brain associated with pleasure, connection with others, and trust.” During the month, charity is evident,“although the gift-giving behaviour makes one feel good, it can also quickly tire one's budget,” she added.
Baroudi, who is the current president of the Lebanese Psychological Association, said that Ramadan is a“special time” when people do things intended for only the holy month. This include attending an Iftar (evening meal or breaking the fast) with family and friends, shopping for new clothes for Eid, to name some.
“Naturally, our expenses will go up this month, and we may be spending more than we intended. During this month, we begin to think about how to give back and how to connect with our family and those around us,” she said.
Studies show that when they are engaged in charity work, individuals release“feel good” chemicals into our brains including serotonin which helps improve the mood; dopamine, a feel-good chemical, and oxytocin, a chemical for empathy and bonding, Baroudi said. She is an Executive Board Member at Middle East Psychological Association Qatar Chapter.
She recommended that to continue on a budget during the holy month, a financial planning is needed to track expenses.“There are many ways to reduce your expenses including keep it simple, know your sources of income, plan your expenses, and track your spending.”
Baroudi also revealed that during the holy month, emotions vary.“Our emotions can range from excitement to anxiety and from joy to flattery. It is the month of change and sacrifice. Habitual routines are overturned, old habits are shattered, and new behavioural patterns can be formed. One of the terms that come naturally when explaining Ramadan is“self-control” and“self-discipline,” she explained.
Baroudi is also a member of the American Psychological Association. She is well-versed in various psychological techniques, including cognitive-behavioural, mindfulness-based, and emotion-focused therapies.
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