With a travelling husband, a strong-willed child, and a business for which I have to juggle between new product development, design sessions, marketing, blogging, and social media, I can assure you that I have plenty of stress.
Stress has become a normal part of our modern lives, but I find that taking some time to relax every day (or every other day) gives me space and peace of mind—the key to a healthy lifestyle.
You don’t have to invest a lot of time or thought into stress relievers.
You definitely don’t need to wait for a spa weekend or a retreat to feel relaxed.
I have been taking a few minutes out to practice these natural stress-relieving techniques on a daily and weekly basis to reduce stress and bring peace to my distressed heart.
I hope these tips inspire you to take the initiative to actively reduce stress in your life too.
1 – Reflecting
We need to realise that we aren’t the only ones in this world who are inflicted with stress.
Our hearts are the most precious gift from Allah. It’s our hearts that really want to get closer to Allah.
Hardships are meant to purify us and make us closer to Allah.
Times of distress can help us realise how weak and fragile we are and how much we depend on Allah for guidance.
Or do you think that you will enter Paradise while such a trial has not yet come, to you as it did to those who passed on before you?” Al-Baqarah 2.214
So, taking a pause to reflect makes you feel less stressed.
Take five minutes before bed to breathe deeply and spend time in the moment.
Focus on your senses and reflect on what you have done, what you are grateful for, what you can do to improve your stress levels, and, ultimately, how we can please Allah.
2 – Praying
When we offer salah, it’s actually a confession we are making that we alone can’t resolve our problems because we are weak, fragile, and easily broken.
When performing salah, you are resting your faith in a higher power that’s constant, timeless, and divine.
This submission leads to healing a distressed heart.
If you don’t pray daily, take baby steps, start with just one and work your way up.
3 – Reading The Qu’ran
Reconnecting with Allah is always a good way to relieve stress. Read the Qur’an and take solace from Allah’s wise words.
Take a few minutes out of your day to read the Qur’an, however much you can. Start off slowly and read a few lines of the Arabic or the translation if you’re not used to it.
There are many Qur’an apps with translations. If reading the actual Qur’an seems too heavy for you, start with an app. Make it a habit to read at least one ayah a day, if not more.
4 – Exercising
Exercising is a great way to combat stress. Taking a walk allows you to enjoy a change of scenery, which can get you into a different frame of mind and brings the benefits of exercise as well.
Some free-hand exercise at home or a work-out at the gym can be a major stress reliever.
Any kind of exercise releases healthy chemicals in your body to make you feel good.
It can also energise you and relieve any anxiety you may have.
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