Overthinking, for most of us, is a habit that’s hard to break. It’s like a vicious cycle of having negative thoughts that keep building until you’ve fallen down a rabbit hole you have no idea how to get out of.
This feeling of restlessness that follows along with having difficulty concentrating leads you to spending agitated days and sleepless nights. So, how to stop overthinking?
In this article, you can find 6 Islamic tips on how you can do that without feeling overwhelmed:
1- Turn Your Anxiety Into Dua
How you deal with your inner thoughts plays a vital role in how they may affect you, mentally and emotionally.
When you turn all your fears, anxiety, and concerns into duas, Allah SWT listens to you. Although He already knows all your thoughts and what’s in your heart, it pleases the Almighty when you make supplications and turn to Him for guidance. In return, He gives you Sabr and emotional calmness that introduces tranquility during your hard times.
2- Accept that Allah Controls Everything
Even when you carry out your duties to the best of your ability, it should be understood and accepted that the outcome of events is not meant to be in your hands. Allah knows what’s best for you, contrary to how it may feel when your life is falling apart at the time.
Just remember that regardless of the ultimate outcome, you will be rewarded for your exertions and for the time you pull in to make your efforts a success.
3- Take a Salah Timeout 5 Times a Day
One of the best ways to stop overthinking is to remind yourself of your ultimate goal before the stress gets to you. That ultimate goal is paving your way to Jannah.
So, use the five daily prayers as a timeout where you distance yourself from the shortcomings of life and become more hereafter-oriented. After all, when it comes to this world and the hereafter, the latter should always be your number one priority.
4- Seek Allah’s Help Through Sabr
To have Sabr means to remain steadfast despite all odds for achieving your goals. Unfortunately, it is an often-neglected stressbuster that effectively puts a stop to overthinking.
Verily, Allah says in the Quran:
“And seek help through patience and prayer; and indeed, it is difficult except for the humbly submissive [to Allāh]” – [Surah Al-Baqarah; 45]
5- Have Tawakkul
Once you draw out a plan that you’re ready to follow when dealing with any problem, the best course of action is to have Tawakkul – your complete trust in Allah. When you have your utmost belief in Allah SWT, the most Wise and the All-Knowing, He always brings your heart calmness that keeps you from having negative thoughts.
It is said in the Quran:
“And when you have decided, then rely upon Allāh. Indeed, Allāh loves those who rely [upon Him].” – [Surah Al-Imran: 159]
6- End Your Day On a Positive Note
How you spend your day-end also leaves a significant impact on how well you sleep at night, without any stress holding you down. So, when you make wudu (ablution), thank Allah SWT for all that you have already accomplished, and make supplications to Him, your next day also starts on a positive note.
May Allah remove all our pains and worries, bringing us great happiness in this life and the hereafter. Ameen.
