A few days ago, The CJN analyzed what a 25-hour fast does to your body, in anticipation of the Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur, which begins tomorrow night at 6:56 pm.

To take a closer look at how different parts of the body react to going a full day without food and water, click here.

While Yom Kippur is not meant to be a celebratory or joyous day, but rather, one of self-reflection and repentance, there are a few tips one could take under consideration to at least make the fast a little bit easier, both mentally and physically.

1. Carbs are your friend

Despite much evidence available online, many still forget that carbs fill you up more than protein. Eating meat also takes water out of your system, which will consequently make you thirstier once you start fasting. Furthermore, bread, pasta, rice, fruits, vegetables and legumes are actually more effective at maintaining your body energy levels, which you will need for the fast. Make sure there’s a decent amount of fibre in your before-fast meal as well.

2. Coffee is your enemy

You’re going to want to avoid caffeine (starting right now, essentially), so eliminate soft drinks, coffee, tea, and anything else that will make you dehydrated once you start fasting. Every time you have a Tim Hortons craving, drink a glass of water instead (not soda or Perrier). As Drake would say, you’ll thank me later.

3. Overeating does not an easy fast make

Especially among Jewish youth, it seems the mentality is to eat as much as possible before beginning the fast so that you stay full for longer. The reality, however, is that you’ll actually feel hungry sooner, and your body will use fluids to process the larger meal, which will eventually lead to dehydration.

4. Nothing salty, nothing sweet

Challah, rugelach, or leftover apple pie from Rosh Hashanah will give you a sugar craving you won’t be able to fix, while french fries, pickles and cold cuts will all cause you to feel thirsty. Neither will help you out on Yom Kippur.

5. Being cool is in your clothing

Any clothes that will make you perspire causes your body to lose water, so make sure you don your lightest suit to shul that minimizes sweating. Polyester, nylon and silk are all preferable over cotton.

6. Stop checking the time

In every group of synagogue-goers on Yom Kippur, there’s always that one person that says, “Four more hours until we can eat.” Please, for the sake of your friends, and yourself, don’t be that person. For starters, it’s annoying, and also, time always seems to go slower when you’re constantly counting minutes.

7. Take a nap

In between synagogue services, try your best to doze off for a bit. This will eliminate hours you’re consciously not eating/drinking, and some people actually feel fuller once they wake up from a nap.

8. Sniff some spices

There’s actually a “kosher” way to eat on Yom Kippur: through smelling. If you’ve ever seen a spice box passed through a synagogue, it’s because smelling fragrant spices (usually cinamon and cloves) are believed to restore energy, and give you strength. Some say it even gives your brain a sense of satisfaction. According to Aish, if you take this route, make sure you say the following blessing:

Have a safe, and easy fast!