Feeling Stressed from Skipping Coffee During Ramadan? Here Are Key Tips to Cope!

As the holy month of Ramadan 2026 approaches, many Muslims face the challenge of giving up their daily cup of coffee while fasting. Abstaining from coffee from dawn until sunset is a challenge for many, as this break causes withdrawal symptoms such as headaches and fatigue. But why do we experience these symptoms? And what makes coffee such an integral part of our daily routine?

Historically, coffee’s origins date back to the 9th century AD, when a goat herder discovered its stimulating effects after observing his animals behaving with unusual energy following its consumption. Since then, coffee spread from Ethiopia to southern Arabia in the 15th century and later became a beloved global beverage consumed in various ways and forms.

Coffee contains caffeine, a substance that stimulates the nervous system and affects the body in various ways. Clinical nutritionist Faten Al-Nashash says that becoming accustomed to caffeine means that suddenly stopping its consumption during fasting leads to withdrawal symptoms. For women who rely on coffee as a source of energy and focus, this interruption can be a difficult experience that affects their mental and physical well-being.

For his part, Dr. Ghassan Qaouar, a specialist in internal medicine and cardiology, explains that fasting alters the body’s system, and stress is not solely attributed to the absence of coffee. As the month progresses, the body gradually adapts to fasting, reducing withdrawal symptoms. Dr. Kaawar notes that the effects of caffeine vary from person to person, which explains why symptom severity differs among individuals.

To overcome these challenges, women who wish to minimize the impact of giving up coffee during Ramadan are advised to start gradually reducing their consumption before the holy month begins. They can also replace coffee with other, less stimulating caffeinated beverages or rely on good sleep and exercise to boost energy and focus.

As Ramadan approaches, it is important for women to prepare themselves mentally and physically for these changes to ensure a comfortable and stress-free fasting experience. Letting go of old habits can be an opportunity to explore healthier and more balanced lifestyles, which contributes to enhancing overall well-being during the holy month and beyond.