I have been fasting since my twenties. Back then, every Tuesday I would fast, hoping it might help me meet a husband. But even in those early fasts, I discovered something deeper. Fasting strengthened my mental resolve and taught me that so much of what we can—or cannot—do begins in the mind.
As I have grown older, fasting has evolved into a practice of healing, clarity, and empowerment. During the 2020 lockdown, I decided to try a three-day fast during the Jain festival of Das Lakshan. Inspired by my mother, who has been fasting for 10 days straight for many years, I wanted to experience it myself. Those three days were mind-blowing: my body felt cleansed, my mind quiet, and my energy renewed.
Encouraged by that experience, I extended my fasts to five days in 2021 and 2022. Each time, the transformation was profound. My gut, my system, my mind—all went through a reset. Even while caring for my daughters and managing everyday responsibilities, fasting gave me a sense of empowerment and inner strength I had never experienced before.
In 2023, I committed to a full 10-day fast. I have now completed three straight years of 10-day fasting. Doing it alongside my mom makes it even more special—bonding us in ways I never expected and reminding us both that discipline of the mind unlocks the power of the soul.
Fasting is one of the most powerful gifts a woman can give to herself. Beyond the spiritual benefits, science confirms what many traditions have known for centuries: fasting rejuvenates the body, clears the mind, and supports overall well-being. Research shows that fasting improves gut microbiome diversity, reduces inflammation, and supports digestion. It triggers autophagy, the body’s natural process of clearing out damaged cells, which helps reduce inflammation and supports metabolic health. Fasting may also help regulate insulin, ease menopausal symptoms, and improve mental clarity. On top of that, it promotes the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which supports mental focus, clarity, and resilience.
My advice for women curious about fasting is to start slow. You don’t need to dive into 10 days right away. Begin with a single day a week, observe how your body responds, and gradually extend your fasting period. Each stage brings its own gifts: mental toughness, clarity, emotional release, and spiritual renewal. The key is to respect your body, listen to its signals, and embrace the process.
For me, fasting is not about deprivation. It is about discovery—the discovery of my body’s resilience, my mind’s strength, and my soul’s capacity to shine. It has taught me that we, as women, are capable of far more than we believe. Whether your goal is to improve health, navigate menopause gracefully, or find spiritual clarity, fasting—approached with care and intention—can be a path to profound transformation.
Start slow, respect your body, embrace discomfort, and celebrate clarity. Over time, you’ll realize you are capable of more than you ever imagined.
Sarina Jain is the revolutionary force behind Masala Bhangra – the global fitness movement. Her revolutionary blend of Punjabi folk dance and high-energy exercise has touched lives across continents
