Stress Awareness Week

Beyond Stress Management: From Stigma to Solutions

- By The passage of Time.

Surely Humanity is in grave loss except those who have faith, do good, and urge each other to the truth, and urge each other to perseverance. (Quran Surah Asr)

For Many Muslims this stress awareness week will be different. The stress we feel in our own personal affairs our loses in the pandemic the difficulties we are experiencing in the cost-of-living crisis are compounded by the stress and pain we feel in our hearts for our fellow Muslims. Witnessing their pain as we do, praying for them as we do, doing whatever we can to alleviate their suffering can also take a toll in us. This does not mean that we should not do it – it simply means that we must take care in doing so. We must recognise the stress we feel and manage it to take care of ourselves and so help those we can.

“We shall show them our signs upon the horizons and in themselves, until it is clear to them that He is the Real” (Quran 41:53)

Allah is One there is no division in Him, yet we can find ourselves divided. As you do the things you need to do reflect – be self-aware. Be aware of the why what is your true (nyat) intention in doing them and the how. We are judged on our intentions not our actions – outcomes are with Allah so with best intention have faith, have trust, have certainty in Him and His outcomes. Clear your heart through trust in Him. Regarding how:

Be self-aware

Be wise The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “A believer is not stung twice (by something) out of one and the same hole.” (Bukhari)

“Know what your intentions and actions are costing you, and replenish that. The Prophet (ﷺ) said Your body has a right over you, your eyes have a right over you and your wife has a right over you” Bukhari

Do what you can to not be overburdened:

“Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear” (Quran 2:286)

Do these things bring your heart whenever you can back to stillness by Salat, Quran, Dikr, breathing exercises.

Being in the open fresh air, whatever works for you, and seek support from those around you that you trust.