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Introduction
What is anxiety? Anxiety is your body’s natural response to stress. It’s often a feeling of fear we get when we try to anticipate (negatively) what is about to happen. Common everyday examples, first day on the job, first day of school, going for an interview, giving a speech all may cause people to become fearful and nervous. It’s important to recognize this type of anxiety, although unpleasant, can be motivation for completing a task and doing things better. Ordinary anxiety is a feeling that comes and goes and does not interfere with your everyday life. In the case of an anxiety disorder (PTSD, Panic Disorders, phobias, separation anxiety disorder) the feelings of fear may be with you all the time. It is intense and can be debilitating. If depression and anxiety persists then we highly recommend you see a doctor to address the issues you are having.Powerful Islamic Teachings To Overcome Anxiety and Stress
The idea of living in day tight compartments mentioned in Dale Carnegie book ‘how to stop worrying and start living’ was similar idea mentioned in the Sahih Muslim. Abu Huraira reported Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) said, “A strong believer is better and is more lovable to Allah than a weak believer, and there is good in everyone, (but) cherish that which gives you benefit (in the Hereafter) and seek help from Allah and do not lose heart, and if anything (in the form of trouble) comes to you, don’t say: If I had not done that, it would not have happened so and so, but say: Allah did that what He had ordained to do. Your” if” opens the (gate) for the Satan” (Sahih Muslim 2664) The message behind this hadith, is to only focus on the things you can control today. To live your life in a day tight compartment, we don’t have a time machine that we can use to travel to the past, there’s no point in letting our mind dwell on things that have already happened. Focus your effort on the present that is the only thing in your control. Let go of the past and don’t fret about the future. It’s a simple concept but hard in practice. If you master this, you can live a much more happy and fulfilled life.What if I lose my job over this? I’ll handle it.
What if my car breaks down? I’ll handle it.
What if this fight ends the friendship? I’ll handle it.
What if I fail miserably and am humiliated? I’ll handle it.
Duas for worries, anxiety, and fears
Allah will do that which was ordained. However, it is important Tawakkul which means reliance-on or trust-in Allah. He who does not believe in the existence and absolute power of Allah will find it so difficult to trust or rely on him. “If you had all relied on Allah (SWT) as you should rely on Him, then He would have provided for you as He provides for the birds, who wake up hungry in the morning and return with full stomachs at dusk.” (At-Tirmidhi) This first dua is to seek refuge with Allah from the difficult moments of calamity, for relieving hardships, afflictions and to seek protection from enemies. It is from Sahih Al Bukhari #6347.“Subhan-Allah al-’Azim (glory be to Allah, the Mighty).”And when he implored seriously and strongly, he would say, “Ya Hayyu, Ya Qayyum (O the Living, the Eternal One).”Source: Tirmidhi Abu Bakrah reported that the Prophet, peace be upon him, said, “The supplications of distress: ‘Allahumma rahmataka arju, fala takilni ila nafsi tarfata ‘ain, wa aslah li sha’ni kullahu, la ilaha illa anta (O Allah, I hope for Your mercy, so give me not over to my self even for as little as wink of an eye, and set right all my affairs, there is no god but You).” Source: Abu Daw’ud
Quick Tips
In Islam, our physical bodies have a right over us. No matter how great your mind may be, you are limited by the vessel of your body. It is important the that you take care of our health, optimize your nutrition, get enough quality sleep, and try to exercise regularly. Many scientific experiments have shown eating healthy, getting enough sleep on a regular consistent schedule, and exercising daily (even for 10-20 minutes daily) can decrease stress and make you feel alive and energized. These three – diet, sleep, and exercise – are the pillars of physical health. From a Harvard Research, the foods you eat may have a beneficial impact on your brain if you frequently experience anxiety. These foods include:- Salmon
- Asparagus
- Foods rich in zinc such as oysters, cashews, liver, beef, and egg yolks have been linked to lowered anxiety.
- Psychiatry Research suggested a link between probiotic foods and a lowering of social anxiety. Eating probiotic-rich foods such as pickles, yogurt, sauerkraut, and kefir was linked with fewer symptoms.
- Foods rich in B vitamins such as avocado and almonds
- Beans, fruits, berries, nuts, and vegetables (like asparagus).
- Dark Chocolate
Assalam alaykum.i have been battling with a nagging anxiety and stress for so long. Today luckily for me I came across this page I found it very beneficial.I’ll try and apply all that was advanced Inshaa Allah.Thank u so much may Allah reward you abundantly.
As Salamu alaikum wa rahmatullah.
Best article I have read on how to handle anxiety, Alhamdolillh,
Very practical 🙂