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25 Ways to Deal with Stress and Anxiety
Abdul Malik Mujahid
Stress is life. Stress is anything that causes mental, physical, or spiritual
tension. There is no running away from it. All that matters is how you deal with
it. This article does not deal with the factors of stress, anxiety, and
depression, nor is it a clinical advice. If you feel depressed, you are not
alone. It has been estimated that 75 to 90 percent of all visits to primary care
physicians in America are for stress-related problems. This is why it is wise to
consult a doctor if you are having physical symptoms of stress. However, here
are some tips that can help from a spiritual perspective.
Torture. Beatings. Loss of property. The death of loved ones. These were just
some of the enormous challenges the Muslims of Makkah faced in the seventh
century following their acceptance of Islam in fiercely tribal and polytheistic
Makkah.
Detention. Harassment. Beatings. Discrimination. Loss of Job. Profiling. Hate
Crimes. Constant media attention. Surveillance. These are just some of the
challenges Muslims in America today face, post-9/11. Like our predecessors in
Makkah, we have begun to face great stress, anxiety, and pressure, more than
ever in our recent history on this continent, although Muslims who were brought
here as slaves faced worse than what we can even imagine.
1. Ask Him. He Listens: DU`A
Turn each anxiety, each fear and each concern into a Dua (supplication). Look at
it as another reason to submit to God and be in Sajdah (prostration), during
which you are closest to Allah. God listens and already knows what is in your
heart, but He wants you to ask Him for what you want.
The Prophet said: Allah is angry with those who do not ask Him for anything
(Tirmidhi).
The Prophet once said that in prayer, he would find rest and relief (Nasai). He
would also regularly ask for God's forgiveness and remain in prostration during
prayer praising God (Tasbeeh) and asking for His forgiveness (Bukhari).
Allah wants you to be specific. The Prophet advised us to ask Allah for exactly
what we want instead of making vague Duas. Dua is the essence of worship (the
Prophet as quoted in Tirmidhi).
"Call on your Lord with humility and in private: for Allah loveth not those who
trespass beyond bounds. Do not make mischief on the earth, after it hath been
set in order, but call on Him with fear. And longing (in your hearts): for the
mercy of Allah is (always) near to those who do good" (Quran 7:55-56).
2. Tie your Camel: DO YOUR PART
One day Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, noticed a Bedouin
leaving his camel without tying it. He asked the Bedouin, "Why don't you tie
down your camel?" The Bedouin answered, "I put my trust in Allah." The Prophet
then said, "Tie your camel first, then put your trust in Allah" (Tirmidhi).
Muslims must never become fatalistic. Although we know only Allah is in control
and that He has decreed all things, we are each responsible for making the right
choices and doing the right thing in all situations of our lives. We must take
action (link to planning articles on SV). We must work to alleviate the
hardships we, our families and our communities face.
Ask yourself the following questions if you are worried about the state of the
world: are you part of the peace movement? Is your Masjid part of the peace
movement? Are you part of an interfaith group with an agenda of peace and
justice? Are you working with a group fighting discrimination? If your answer is
no, it is time that you sat down to plan your share of time and money in finding
solutions to the problems you face.
"Verily Allah does not change men's condition unless they change their inner
selves" (Quran 13: 11).
Turn each worry into a Du`a and each Du`a into an action plan. That will show
your commitment to your request and will focus your energy in the right
direction.
3. Remember
that human responsibility is limited
While we need to carry out our duty to the best of our abilities, always
remember that you don't control the outcome of events. Even the Prophets did not
control the outcome of their efforts. Some were successful, others were not.
Once you have done your duty, leave the results to Allah. Regardless of the
results of your efforts, you will be rewarded for the part you have played.
However, never underestimate your abilities. Understand the concept of Barakah
(blessings from Allah) and remember that Allah can and Insha Allah will expand
them if you are sincerely exerting your energies for the right path.
4. Leave
the world behind you FIVE TIMES A DAY
Use the five daily prayers as a means to become more Hereafter-oriented and less
attached to this temporary world. Start distancing yourself as soon as you hear
Adhan, the call to prayer. When you perform Wudu, keep repeating Shahada, the
declaration of faith, as water drops slip down your face, hands, arms, and hair.
When you stand ready to pray, mentally prepare yourself to leave this world and
all of its worries and stresses behind you.
Of course, Shaytan will try to distract you during prayer. But whenever this
happens, go back and remember Allah. The more you return, the more Allah will
reward you for it. Also, make sure your Sajdas (prostrations) are talking
Sajdas, in which you are really connecting to God and seeking His Mercy,
praising Him, and asking His forgiveness. (link to Sajda article...ramadan page)
5. Seek
help through SABR
Seek help through Sabr and Salat (Quran 2:45).
This instruction from Allah provides us with two critical tools that can ease
our worries and pain. Patience and prayer are two oft-neglected stressbusters.
Sabr is often translated as patience but it is not just that. It includes
self-control, perseverance, endurance, and a focused struggle to achieve one's
goal. Unlike patience, which implies resignation, the concept of Sabr includes a
duty to remain steadfast to achieve your goals despite all odds.
Being patient gives us control in situations where we feel we have little or no
control. 'We cannot control what happens to us but we can control our reaction
to our circumstances' is the mantra of many modern-day self-help books. Patience
helps us keep our mind and attitude towards our difficulties in check.
6. Excuse
Me! You are Not Running the World, HE is.
It is important to remind ourselves that we don't control all the variables in
the world. God does. He is the Wise, the All-Knowing. Sometimes our limited
human faculties are not able to comprehend His wisdom behind what happens to us
and to others, but knowing that He is in control and that as human beings we
submit to His Will, enriches our humanity and enhances our obedience (Uboodiah
in Arabic) towards him. Read the story of the encounter of Moses with the
mysteries behind God's decision (Quran: 18:60-82). Familiarize yourself with
God's 99 Names, which are also known as His Attributes. It is a powerful way of
knowing Him.
"God-there is no deity save Him, the Ever-Living, the Self-Subsistent Fount of
All being. Neither slumber overtakes Him, nor sleep. His is all that is in the
heavens and all that is on earth. Who is there that could intercede with Him,
unless it be by His leave? He knows all that lies open before men and all that
is hidden from them, whereas they cannot attain to aught of His knowledge save
that which He wills them to attain. His eternal power overspreads the heavens
and the earth, and their upholding wearies Him not. And He alone is truly
exalted, tremendous." (Quran 2:255).
The Prophet recommended reading this verse, known as Ayat al kursi, after each
prayer, Allah's peace and blessings be upon him. Once Ali, may Allah be pleased
with him, approached the Prophet during a difficult time and he found the
Prophet in Sajda, where he kept repeating "Ya Hayy Ya Qayyum", words which are
part of this verse.
7. Birds Don't Carry their Food
Allah is al Razzaq (the Provider).
"How many are the creatures that carry not their own sustenance? It is Allah Who
feeds them and you, for He hears and knows all things (Quran 29:60)."
By reminding yourself that He is the Provider, you will remember that getting a
job or providing for your family in these economically and politically
challenging times, when Muslims are often the last to be hired and the first to
be fired, is in God's Hands, not yours. As Allah says in the Quran:
"And He provides for him from (sources) he never could imagine. And if anyone
puts his trust in Allah, sufficient is (Allah) for him. For Allah will surely
accomplish His purpose. Verily, for all things has Allah appointed a due
proportion (Quran 65:3).
8. God controls Life and Death
If you fear for your physical safety and security, remember that only Allah
gives life and takes it back and, that He has appointed the time for it. No one
can harm you except if Allah wills. As He says in the Quran:
"Wherever you are, death will find you out, even if you are in towers built up
strong and high!" (Quran 4:78).
9. Remember
that life is short
It's easy to get caught up in our own stress and anxiety. However, if we
remember that our life is short and temporary, and that the everlasting life is
in the Hereafter, this will put our worries in perspective.
This belief in the transitory nature of the life of this world reminds us that
whatever difficulties, trials, anxieties, and grief we suffer in this world are,
Insha Allah, something we will only experience for a short period of time. And
more importantly, if we handle these tests with patience, Allah will reward us
for it.
10. Do
Zikr, Allah, Allah!
"... without doubt in the remembrance (Zikr) of Allah do hearts find
tranquility"
(Quran 13:28).
If you commute, use your time in Zikr. Pick any Tasbeeh and do that instead of
listening to the radio or reading the newspaper. Maybe you can divide it up
between Zikr and planning. Personally, I recite the Tasbeeh of "Subhana Allahe
wa be hamdihi, subhan Allahil Azeem" 100 times as I drive. The Prophet taught us
these two short phrases which are easy to say but will weigh heavy on our scale
of good deeds in the Hereafter.
When your heart feels heavy with stress or grief, remember Allah and surround
yourself with His Zikr. Zikr refers to all forms of the remembrance of Allah,
including Salat, Tasbeeh, Tahmeed, Tahleel, making supplication (Dua), and
reading Quran.
"And your Lord says: 'Call on Me; I will answer your (prayer)..." (Quran 40:60)
By remembering Allah in the way He has taught us to, we are more likely to gain
acceptance of our prayers and His Mercy in times of difficulty. We are
communicating with the only One Who not only Hears and Knows all, but Who can
change our situation and give us the patience to deal with our difficulties.
"Remember Me, and I shall remember you; be grateful to Me, and deny Me not"
(Quran 2:152).
11. Relying
on Allah: Tawakkul
When you awaken in the morning, thank Allah for giving you life after that short
death called sleep. When you step out of your home, say 'in Your Name Allah, I
put my trust in Allah, and there is no power or force except with Allah'
(Bismillahi Tawakal to al Allah wa la hawla wa la quwwata illa billah). At
night, remember Allah, with His praises on your lips.
Once you have established a plan you intend to follow through on to deal with a
specific issue or problem in your life, put your trust in the most Wise and the
All-Knowing.
"When you have taken a decision, put your trust in Allah" (Quran 3: 159).
Rely on Allah by constantly remembering Him throughout your day. When you
lay down to sleep, remember that sleep is death. That is why one of the
recommended supplications before going to sleep is "with Your (Allah's) Name I
die and become alive".
12. Connect with other human beings
You are not alone. Muslims are not alone. We are not suffering in silence. There
are millions of good people who are not Muslim with beautiful hearts and minds.
These are people who have supported us, individually and collectively,
post-9/11, by checking up on us and making sure we are safe. These are
individuals and organizations who have spoken up in defense of Muslims as we
endured harassment and discrimination.
We must think of them, talk to them, connect with them, and pray for them.
Through our connections, we will break the chain of isolation that leads to
depression and anxiety.
13. Compare
your dining table with that of those who don't have as much as you do
The Prophet said: Whenever you see someone better than you in wealth, face or
figure, you should look at someone who is inferior to you in these respects (so
that you may thank Allah for His blessings) (Bukhari, Muslim).
Next time you sit down to eat, eye the table carefully. Check out the selection
of food, the quality, the taste, the quantity, and then think of the millions of
others who don't have even half as much. The Prophet's Hadith reminds us of this
so that we can appreciate and thank God for all that we have.
Also remember that the Prophet only encouraged us to compare ourselves to others
in two respects: in our Islamic knowledge and level of belief in God (Deen). In
these two areas, we should compare ourselves with those who have more than what
we do.
14. Say it
Loud: Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar: Takbirat & Adhan
Find a corner of a lake, go out in the wilderness, or even stand on your lawn at
your home and call the Adhan with your heart. While driving, instead of
listening to the same news over and over again, say Allahu Akbar as loudly as
you can or as softly as you want, based on your mood. Year ago, I remember
calling Adhan on a Lake Michigan shore in Chicago after sunset as the water
gushed against my knees. I was calling it for myself. There was no one else
accept the waves after waves of water with their symphony. It was relaxing and
meaningful. Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar.
15. Pray in
congregation (Jamat)
Pray with other people instead of alone. If you can't pray all five prayers in
congregation, at least find one or two prayers you can pray with others. If you
are away, establish Jamat in your own family. During the Prophet's time, even
though the Muslims endured great persecution, including physical beatings, they
would sometimes meet on the side of a mountain or valley and tried to pray
together. This is a great morale booster.
16. How is
your Imam's Dua?
Does the Imam at your local mosque make Dua silently or out loud? Ask him to
supplicate with the whole congregation. Suggest Duas for him to make. Ask him to
make Dua for other people.
17. Work
for the Unity of Muslims
Bringing Muslims together will not only help the Muslims, but it will also
encourage you to focus your energies on something constructive versus zeroing in
on and consistently fretting about difficulties you are going through.
Invite Muslims from other ethnic groups to your functions. Visit Masjids other
than yours in your city. When you meet a Muslim leader, after thanking him for
his efforts, ask him what he is doing for Muslim unity. Ask Imams to make Dua
for this. These are just small ways you can help yourself and the Muslim
community.
18. Sleep
the way the Prophet slept
End your day on a positive note. Make Wudu, then think of your day. Thank Allah
for all the good things you accomplished, like Zikr and Salat. Ask yourself what
you did today to bring humanity together and what you did to help Muslims become
servants of humanity. For everything positive, say Alhamdu lillah (Praise be to
Allah). For everything negative say Astaghfirullah wa atoobo ilayk (I seek
Allah's forgiveness and I turn to You [Allah]). Recite the last two chapters of
the Quran, thinking and praying as you turn on your right side with your hand
below your right cheek, the way the Prophet used to sleep. Then close your day
with the name of Allah on your tongue. Insha Allah, you will have a good,
restful night.
19. Begin
the Day on a Positive Note
Get up early. Get up thanking God that He has given you another day. Alhamdu
lillahil lazi ahyana bada ma amatana, wa ilaihin Nushoor (Praise be to Allah Who
gave us life after death and unto Him will be the return). Invest in an audio
tape driven alarm clock so you can get up to the melody of the Quran. Or Let
Dawud Wharnsby's joyful notes put you in a good mood. Sing along if you like.
Develop your to do list for the day if you didn't do it the night before. Begin
with the name of Allah, with Whose name nothing in the heavens or the earth can
hurt you. He is the Highest and the Greatest.
(Bismillahillazi la yazurru maa ismihi shaiun fil arze wa la fis samae, wahuwal
Alee ul Azeem).The Prophet used to say this after every Fajr and Maghrib
prayers.
20. Avoid Media Overexposure: Switch from News to Books
Don't spend too much time checking out the news on the radio, television or
internet. Spend more time reading good books and journals. When you listen to
the persistent barrage of bad news, especially relating to Muslims nowadays, you
feel not only depressed, but powerless. Cut down media time to reduce your
stress and anxiety. It's important to know what's going on but not to an extent
that it ruins your day or your mood. (similarly, when you are in a sad mood,
refrain from wallowing and listening to sad songs)
21. Pray
for Others to Heal Yourself.
The Prophet was always concerned about other people, Muslims and non-Muslims,
and would regularly pray for them. Praying for others connects you with them and
helps you understand their suffering. This in itself has a healing component to
it. The Prophet has said that praying for someone who is not present increases
love.
22. Make the Quran your Partner
Reading and listening to the Quran will help refresh our hearts and our minds.
Recite it out loud or in a low voice. Listen to it in the car. When you are
praying Nafl or extra prayers, pick it up and use it to recite portions of the
Quran you are not as familiar with. Connecting to the Quran means connecting to
God. Let it be a means to heal your heart of stress and worries. Invest in
different recordings of the Quran and their translations.
"O humanity! There has come to you a direction from your Lord and a cure for all
[the ills] in men's hearts - and for those who believe, a Guidance and a Mercy"
(Quran 10:57).
23. Be
thankful to Allah
"If you are grateful, I will give you more" (Quran 14:7).
Counting our blessings helps us not only be grateful for what we have, but it
also reminds us that we are so much better off than millions of others, whether
that is in terms of our health, family, financial situation, or other aspects of
our life. And being grateful for all we have helps us maintain a positive
attitude in the face of worries and challenges we are facing almost daily.
24. Ideals:
ONE STEP AT A TIME
Ideals are wonderful things to pursue. But do that gradually. Think, prioritize,
plan, and move forward. One step at a time.
25. EFFORTS not Results Count in the Eyes of Allah
Our success depends on our sincere efforts to the best of our abilities. It is
the mercy of Allah that He does not demand results, Alhamdu lillah. He is happy
if He finds us making our best sincere effort. Thank you Allah!
Taken from:
http://qa.sunnipath.com/issue_view.asp?HD=7&ID=1948&CATE=17
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