Table of contents:
- What are the preparations before leaving for Hajj?
- Physical preparation
- Mental preparation
- Why is physical fitness a preparation for going on a pilgrimage?
- Walk for long distances and duration
- Overnight in the fields of Arafah
- Risk of contracting infectious diseases
The pilgrimage is a beautiful journey, but it can be tiring if you are not well prepared. It is said that the pilgrimage is very draining physical readiness, especially for women. There is a difference between preparing to go for Hajj and traveling long distances to other places. When performing the Hajj, your physical and mental readiness will be tested even more.
What are the preparations before leaving for Hajj?
The key to a smooth pilgrimage is preparation before leaving. You can do the following as a guide:
Physical preparation
All prospective pilgrims are expected to be in good shape because the pilgrimage can be tiring even for those who are in their best body condition. Therefore, the preparation for going to Hajj that you need to consider is increasing physical activity. It is recommended that you stay active, increase mobility, and exercise.
Mental preparation
With a strong mentality, even though you experience obstacles or tough challenges, you will still be able to have the determination to complete the pilgrimage. Preparations for going to Hajj to prepare mentally include:
- Knowing the needs of the pilgrimage
- Avoid over expectations
- Looking for tips that can help
- Keep in mind the main goal, which is the pilgrimage even though the test is tough
- Don't compare yourself with others
- Keep following the guide's instructions
Actually, there are still many things that need to be prepared before the departure time arrives. Physical and mental preparation for Hajj is something that cannot be done suddenly so it needs to be prepared in advance.
Why is physical fitness a preparation for going on a pilgrimage?
Those of you who regularly exercise and keep in shape are likely to carry out the pilgrimage smoothly and easily. Therefore, it is important for you to improve your health and fitness before leaving for Mecca.
Here are the reasons why you need to do physical exercise or at least stay active:
Walk for long distances and duration
Tawaf is an activity of walking around the Ka'bah as much as seven rounds against the clock. This activity is one example that requires the habit of walking for long distances and distances. You may experience cramps if you are not used to it. For this reason, start walking routinely in your daily life in preparation for going to Hajj so that there are no problems or injuries to your feet.
Overnight in the fields of Arafah
By wearing only simple clothes, men and women will spend long periods of time praying. When praying in the field of Arafah, you can spend a long time because of the large number of pilgrims. Fitness and readiness are important factors in running it.
Apart from fitness, endurance also plays an important role in maintaining your health. Preparation for Hajj in the form of physical exercise balanced with healthy food intake can increase the body's resistance to prevent infectious diseases.
Make sure to eat fruits, vegetables, healthy juices, and meet your body's fluid needs, as well as vitamin C and calcium intake.
Risk of contracting infectious diseases
According to a study, physical exercise can help increase endurance. Your immune system can protect you from various diseases, including those transmitted through the air or the respiratory tract, such as the flu.
Apart from physical exercise, you need to prepare for another pilgrimage, namely getting vaccines. There are two vaccines that are required by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Religion, namely the meningitis and influenza (flu) vaccines. If you stay in shape and add vaccines, it is likely that you will not catch an infectious disease.
It is better if during the Hajj pilgrimage, you should also regularly take immune supplements containing vitamin C, Vitamin D, and zinc in effervescent format (water soluble tablets). Besides being effective at increasing endurance, the fluid intake needed by the body is also fulfilled so as to prevent dehydration. There is nothing wrong with bringing additional supplements so that you can stay fit and healthy during the pilgrimage.
It is not uncommon for congregants who are doing the pilgrimage to be forced to stop because of health problems. Fitness and health are very expensive when this happens. Therefore, start doing the habit of exercising or physical exercise regularly. Its health benefits will later play an important role in the smooth running of your pilgrimage.
