Stress: Islamic advice to deal with it

Stress has been defined as feelings of tension due to psychological, emotional or physical factors. Most people, particularly in the modern world experience some degree of stress. We feel stressed from our jobs, from dealing with difficult people and customers and having to meet deadlines, at school or university. Anything that makes us feel tension can be a source of stress. We can feel stressed in our relationships at times. Maybe we don't feel understood or we have unmet needs. Distress is a negative type of stress, and describes the state of someone experiencing tension. We tend to feel stressed when we feel we are not in control of a situation. The less control we feel the more stressed we feel. New events, even positive, such as moving house, getting married, having a child or starting or leaving a job can all make us feel stressed. Unemployment, lack of provisions and being in unsuitable jobs or relationships can all make us feel stressed. When we feel under pressure from these things, and particularly a lack of control, we can feel stressed. When we feel stressed we may have physical, emotional or psychological symptoms. We might also have more problems with people around us, our relationships, our boss and work colleagues. Since stress is inevitable most of the time, we cannot completely avoid it. We can however, control our reaction and way of dealing with stress so that we cope better and avoid symptoms. Is there anything positive about stress? Eustress is as term used to describe stress in as positive way. We may think of stress as negative, but it can be positive in a way because when we are stressed we have to work harder and work towards something. Therefore, it keeps us active. It can harm us when it is continuos or too much however. Feeling stressed due to being unemployed inspires us to go and look for a job. If we feel stressed in a relationship, we may feel we need to communicate or change something. We work hard at essays and exams in university to pass and get good grades that will influence our future. Therefore, if we have no stress, we have nothing to strive towards. Perhaps our lives would be calm, yet boring, if we had no stress at all. While there is quite a bit of advice from health professionals about how to deal with stress, such as taking regular excercise, organising our time, taking regular breaks, meditation and yoga, getting enough sleep and eating a healthy diet (particularly including b vitamins) there are some things that we can learn from Islam. The Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him only had 20 grey hairs on his head and beard when he passed away at age 63. Although he was the leader of the Muslims, the leader of an army, had people threaten his life, had more than 9 wives to look after who he visited and asked about each day and had to deal with the issues of all the Muslims he still appeared to remain in good health and wellbeing. Therefore, there must be some factors from the sunnah that we can learn from to deal with stress. 1) Belief in Qadr and Qaadar.

The belief in destiny is an integral belief of Muslims. It holds that everything in the end is determined by Allah and written as being that way since the beginning of creation. It does not mean that people are not responsible for their actions. We should work and strive to do our best. However, we are told that the final outcome is from Allah's will, which is based on His infinite knowledge and wisdom. We make think something is good for us but it is actually bad and vice versa. Therefore, belief in Qadr does not mean giving up action but rather having faith that the outcome is from Allah and He knows what is best. A saying of Abu Huraira, may God be pleased with him, is that if someone has s firm belief in destiny they will not have worries. 2). Supplication.

We are told that nothing can alter our destiny except sometimes supplication. Supplication involves asking Allah for something or to change something. Unlike people who may get angry if we ask too much, we are told that Allah likes to be asked and it is a form of worship.

When a person asks sincerely they will get an answer, even if it not exactly how we choose something. We are also told that Allah answers all people, even those who don't believe in Allah or Islam. Anyone of any creed or none can have their supplications answered. Supplication may be able to change destiny at times.

We are told in a saying that destiny and supplication will compete. Whichever is stronger will win. There are many examples in which Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him engaged in long supplications, particularly in times of war and was being attacked. Some famous supplications are recorded in books for people to read in different situations.

3). The obligatory prayer.

This is a way of worship unique to Islam, although the Christians and Jews of the past probably had a similar way of praying in the beginning. It involves standing and reading some Quran, bowing and prostrating and repeating this between 2-4 times depending on the time of prayer. People are not supposed to speak during this prayer. Their concentration should be on reading from the Quran and their relationship to God. For this reason, the Islamic prayer, when prayed properly, becomes like a form of meditation. The movements of standing, bowing, prostration and so forth also gently relax the body. Putting ones head down on the ground in prostration relaxes the body and connects with the energy of the earth. This is good for us and energises us. Many people report feeling good after prayer. They feel less stressed and more relaxed. Prayer is for people to connect with Allah for their benefit, Allah does mot benefit from the Prayer. It is said that Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him, when he was concerned about an issue, he would engage in prayer. It is also said that when the call to prayer was called he would say "comfort us with it, Oh Bilal". Therefore, prayer was seen as s comfort and source of relaxation and sn escape from daily stresses and worries. Fir this to truly happen, a person should concentrate on their connection to Allah and the Quranic verses. We are also asked to pray when our hearts are engaged. When we feel tired or distracted we should wait until a better time. 4). Sleep is important when dealing with stress.

According to health professionals lack of sleep and particularly sleeping late can make us feel more stressed. Going to bed after midnight is said to raise levels of cortisol, a stress hormone. The sayings of Prophet Muhammad peace be upon indicate that we should have some sleep. We are advised to sleep early. After the last prayer it is not recommended to engage in conversations with strangers, except for ones with of family. Sleeping early is recommended. If someone has nothing to do after the last prayer it is better for them to sleep and wake early.

5). Waking up before day break.

This may sound hard to some people. Yet of one sleeps early it is a lot easier. Health professionals advise waking before the dawn for people with depression.

At this time there is a feeling of peace and the air is clearer. We are told that Allah accepts more supplications at this time.

Prayer at this time is recommend for those who can. People say praying at this time has brought them many benefits and good in their daily life. 6). Food and nutrition.

The Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him took good of his health and did not eat foods that would not be benefit him. He would eat barley bread and barley and avoid bread from refined white flour.

Barley is actually beneficial for those who feel stressed. The benefits of barley are that it lowers bad cholesterol, is good for the heart and contains b vitamins, which increase the immune system, increase energy levels and protect us against anxiety, depression and worrying. It is narrated that his wife Aisha would prepare a dish called Talbina if someone died.

Talbina is made from barley or barley flour, mixed with milk or water. It becomes like a porridge. Talbina is said to remove sadness, cares and affliction from the heart. For this reason it was given to people suffering from a berievement. 7). Family and companions.

Health professionals also tell us how important family, friends and others around us are in helping to support us through difficult times and periods of stress and depression. We are told to be good to parents, visit relatives, visit the sick and help those in need. We are told we are rewarded when we visit a friend or someone without having any worldly need from them. We are told we will not enter paradise until we love each other. For these reasons, all the things that encourage love and good relationships are encouraged. All the things that make people not trust each other, hate each other or feel hurt are forbidden, such as taking peoples rights, treating people badly, backbiting and slander etc. Good relationships help us to deal with stress, anxiety and depression. Loneliness can lead to depression. If a society encourages good, strong, healthy relationships, it will have lower incidents of stress, depression and anxiety and vice versa. Social institutions such as marriage and having a family are also encouraged, and help us lower our rates of stress and depression. 8) Remembrance of Allah.

Remembrance of Allah or dhikr in Arabic, is saying the name of Allah or praising him or chanting various praises a certain number if times. In general remembering Allah is being aware of him in all times and places. We are told that indeed in the remembrance of Allah do the hearts find rest. Conclusion: So these are some of the factors that help a Muslim deal with daily and routine stress in life. Many of these things agree with scientific and health related advice. Therefore, implementing these things should help us to feel better in ourselves and faith. .