Stress is a normal part of human life. Without stress, life would be… quite perfect. However, perfection doesn’t exist in this dunia. Stress exists everywhere, from our work place, to schools, to our home life. How can we go about tackling this stress and allowing ourselves to have some calmness in our lives?
The first thing we have to remember is that the pillars of our deen are there for a reason. Thus, these pillars should be used to our benefit on a daily basis. Salah, prayer, namaz, whatever it is called in your language, it should be an important and mandatory part of your day. Putting your head down in prostration five times a day has a very calming and relaxing effect. During salah time, put everything aside, all the worries and daily stressors should be closed with a curtain. Try to pay attention to your salah; ponder upon every word of Quran you are reciting.
Being Close to Allah in Prostration
When you are in salah, remember that when your head hits the ground, you are as close to Allah as you can get. Take advantage of that time and make plenty of duas.
عن أبي هريرةَ رضي اللَّه عَنْهُ أنَّ رسُولَ اللَّه صَلّى االلهُ عَلَيْهِ وسَلَّم قال : « أقربُ ما يَكونُ العبْدُ مِن ربِّهِ وَهَو ساجدٌ ، فَأَكثِرُوا الدُّعاءَ » رواهُ مسلم .
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "A slave becomes nearest to his Rubb when he is in prostration. So increase supplications while prostrating.'' [Muslim].
Ask Allah For Help
Remember that Allah subhanah wa talla wants us to ask Him for help, so always ask Him whenever you’re feeling stressed. He’s there to hear you and He’s the only One who never gets tired of hearing about your problems…. No matter how big or small your concern is.
ادْعُوا رَبَّكُمْ تَضَرُّعًا وَخُفْيَةً إِنَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ المُعْتَدِينَ
id'ʿū rabbakum taḍarruʿan wakhuf'yatan innahu lā yuḥibbu l-muʿ'tadīna
Call on your Lord with humility and in private: for Allah loveth not those who trespass beyond bounds. (Surat al Araf 7, Ayah 55).
Allah is Always There
I love the Quran as a whole, but this is one of my favorite ayahs. I always recite it when I am feeling stressed. It helps calm me and reminds me that Allah is always near and I just have to talk to Him and He will hear me. Sometimes when things are really rough for me, after salat al isha, I do two rakat and just repeat this ayah over and over again.
وَإِذَا سَأَلَكَ عِبَادِي عَنِّي فَإِنِّي قَرِيبٌ أُجِيبُ دَعْوَةَ الدَّاعِ إِذَا دَعَانِ فَلْيَسْتَجِيبُوا لِي وَلْيُؤْمِنُوا بِي لَعَلَّهُمْ يَرْشُدُونَ
Wa-itha saalaka AAibadee AAannee fa-innee qareebun ojeebu daAAwata alddaAAi itha daAAani falyastajeeboo lee walyu/minoo bee laAAallahum yarshudoona
And when My servants ask you concerning Me, then surely I am very near; I answer the prayer of the suppliant when he calls on Me, so they should answer My call and believe in Me that they may walk in the right way. (Surat Al Baqarah 2, Ayah 186).
What's Your Limit?
When life gets a bit beyond your control, remember that Allah subhanah wa talla does not give one more than they can handle. Only He knows how much you can handle and only He can put a stop to your stress.
...لَا يُكَلِّفُ اللَّهُ نَفْسًا إِلَّا وُسْعَهَا لَهَا مَا كَسَبَتْ وَعَلَيْهَا مَا اكْتَسَبَت
La yukallifu Allahu nafsan illa wusAAaha laha ma kasabat waAAalayha ma iktasaba
“Allah does not impose upon any soul a duty but to the extent of its ability; for it is (the benefit of) what it has earned and upon it (the evil of) what it has wrought…” (Surat Al Baqarah 2, Ayah 286).
Allah knows your limit, but do you know your own limit? Don’t over do it. Take it easy and slow down. Don’t overwhelm yourself with things to do.
You're Not in Control
Never forget that this dunia is not in your hands. We can only control so much. The ultimate outcome comes from Allah subhanah wa talla, so learn to let go. Learn to put your stressors away at the end of the night so you can sleep well. Learn to give yourself just a certain amount of time to worry and then move on with your day. Don’t allow stress to consume you as it will take over your mental and physical health.
Find Someone You Can Trust
Talk to them and open your heart about your stressors. You’re only human and you need this type of emotional support to get through some tough times. Don’t be ashamed to ask for help if you need it.
Make the Quran a Part of Your Daily Life
Even if you only open the Quran to read one ayah, it’s okay. Just remember to stay connected to the Quran and allow yourself to open it daily. Reading the Quran on a regular basis helps relieve so much stress and just makes everything calmer.
Eat Right and Exercise
Eating fruits and vegetables, as well as drinking enough water each day are important factors in helping you stay physically healthy. This will make it easier to deal with life stressors.
Exercising, even if it's a 20-30 minute daily walk will help you clear your mind and provide energy for dealing with your stressors.
What is your go to method for dealing with daily stress? Let us know below.