A question about Ramadan

[HiCandles]

Hopefully this isn't offensive to anyone. I'm just curious.
Obviously it's currently Ramadan.
I have a lot of Muslim colleagues and I'm very aware of who is fasting. I and the other non-Muslims are careful to avoid eating in front of them and not have the usual cakes etc out in the staffroom. We all wish them happy Eid as much as anyone is saying happy Christmas.
As a non-Muslim, I really can't imagine fasting for so long, not even drinking a sip of water. I'm constantly snacking particularly at work and I would be so so hungry. I think my concentration is terrible when I am dehydrated.
How do Muslims cope for so long?!
Do you ever cheat and eat or drink? What about if you really know you're struggling to concentrate, or have a headache and are desperate for a painkiller? You're cooking for the children and you unconsciously lick the spoon? You go for a walk but still can't drink water?
It seems like people are really keen to participate in the fast and I've seen people quite upset when medical problems or periods prevent them from doing so. Is that how you genuinely feel? Or just an expectation to appear sad, and you're're secretly quite relieved?
My colleagues say not. I suspect they wouldn't admit it even if they did, especially in front of other fasting people.

I’m an atheist but imagine that If people have real faith, it’s not too much of a hardship.

We’re told more and more these days by people in the know that fasting is actually pretty good for us (medical issues/pregnancy etc. aside but I understand there are concessions for sick and pregnant women?)

I often don’t eat or drink for a good 12 hours when I’m sleeping, so I know my body doesn’t need sustenance every few hours to remain healthy. I suspect faith has a strong part to play in managing fasting. Many of my colleagues are fasting, as is about half my class of 11 year olds. They look forward to Ramadan, it’s important to them, and manage any physical signals very well. BTW, we don’t all go round wishing each other Happy Eid, as that’s not until the very end of March.

How do Muslims cope for so long?!

This year isn't hard, when fasts were in July/August so much longer and warmer weather it was more challenging and I would take a nap in day. Right now I'm fine with a bit of a lie in at weekend, being busy and so distracted on the day.

I work with people eating and it does not bother me at all. I wouldn't mind treats in office and would feel especially included if someone said I should take over for later etc (the thought not that actually wanting one).

My kids are older now but I did of course cook and feed them including literally spooning into their mouths at times when they were little. Didn't affect my ability to not eat.

Do you ever cheat and eat or drink?
No if I didn't want to I just wouldn't fast..

What about if you really know you're struggling to concentrate, or have a headache and are desperate for a painkiller?
Normal headache I would take painkillers at end of fast and make sure I drank more water, ate melon etc to defeat likelihood of occurring next day. Acute pain or illness I wouldn't fast and would take medications as required.

You're cooking for the children and you unconsciously lick the spoon?
I say oops and just carry on it doesn't break my fast was it was not deliberate

You go for a walk but still can't drink water?
Yes, wouldn't run a marathon but normal day to day activity and light exercise is fine. Something more intense I might time carefully to be either outside fast hours or at beginning) end so is just hydrated or could drink after

Several people in our office are doing it with different degrees of devotion from one loose faster to one devout, another picking and choosing.

I'm not Muslim but did fast during one Ramadan while I was living in a Muslim country. I didn't find it hard not to eat at all, but not drinking was very tough, especially as it was hot.

At least it's still in winter this year. Fasting in the summer in Europe must be a nightmare!

Thanks all. Don't know why I'm so fascinated by it, tbh.
@Soontobe60 obviously we aren't going around wishing happy Eid yet! I just meant it's a big deal at work and chat about people's upcoming celebration plans is as much a part of workplace conversation as Christmas is. Hence why I'm so aware of it.

When fasting I don't feel hungry in the same way as a I might when missing a meal or needing a drink. It's like my body knows to chill out about hunger and thirst. Not saying it's easy but the feeling when hungry and missing a meal is not the same as when fasting.
I fast because I want to. It's an important part of my faith and I believe it encourages spiritual and personal growth. I also believe it's good for me too.

My experiences during Ramadan are the same as @MrsBennetsPoorNerves . I'm not Muslim but fasted during Ramadan when I lived in the Middle East, not because I had to but because I wanted to.
For the first couple of years I smoked so not having food, drink or cigarettes was quite difficult. After giving up smoking it was easier but not being able to have a bottle of water with me in the classroom was the most difficult part. What helped was knowing how much better everything would taste at Iftar and how I would appreciate it more