The ongoing pandemic has put emotional as well as financial stress on most of us. No matter how much the situation gets out of our hands, the sensible move left to take is to turn to Allah (SWT) and know that He is the best of planners.
Did you know that a pandemic broke out during the time of the Holy Prophet (PBUH)? It was a test of patience for him. He had to keep the spirits of his followers high and survive the pandemic at the same time.
You must be wondering, what did the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) do or say during this pandemic? Just like we are protecting ourselves, wearing masks, and isolating ourselves from our loved ones during COVID-19, the Prophet also told his followers to isolate themselves and protect others as well.
While you are being responsible by wearing masks and staying in quarantine for yourself and your community, you may experience emotional highs and lows. COVID-19 has impacted the human need to connect and bond.
However, all hope is not lost. You can still help yourself as well as your loved ones feel emotionally stable during these uncertain times.
Here are a few uplifting thoughts and tips that can help you regain emotional strength and look ahead.
Calm your anxiety
Life is uncertain whether there is a pandemic or not. If you think of it, we may lose everything any minute. We can wake up one morning and not make it to the next but does that stop you from getting out of bed? We are sure the answer is no!
There are innumerable things that can help you feel better when the current situation stresses you out, for example:
Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, as well as social media
Connect with Muslims and Muslim organizations in your vicinity through digital platforms to strengthen your trust in Allah and dilute the impact of social distancing.
Learn breathing exercises and meditation
Pick up that hobby you no longer had time to indulge in
Remember, this is time to slow down, reflect and be patient. A little bit of patience goes a long way in this world and beyond.
The Holy Quran states:
“Only those who are patient receive their reward and it is full without limits Quran” (39:10)
Trust in Allah
None of us can fully trust Allah if we live in fear. So, accept that He is in charge of everything. Be at peace with that and see how your perspective changes.
Never lose hope and keep doing Dhikr now and then; indeed, Allah (SWT) is going to be always there for you in your highs and lows.
Let go of the need to control
We feel a sense of peace when we devote ourselves to prayers. We experience stress when we feel the need to control everything around us. When we bow down for prayer in complete humility and submission, we accept that we can not control anything and Allah controls everything.
The loved ones lost to Covid-19 know they are in a better place right now. Keep praying for them and the health of everyone around you.
Praying becomes a source of relief as the believer leaves everything to Allah, and we all know He is the best of planners.
The Quran states:
"Never will we be struck except by what Allah has decreed for us; He is our protector." (Surah Tawbah:51)
Strive for personal growth every day
Allah knows that you experienced a rough patch of your life during Covid-19. No doubt, hard times make us stronger and more patient. Many of us must have developed qualities we never thought to have possessed before. You can take up a course online to broaden your skillset or subscribe for tutorials to learn something new such as cooking, plumbing, car maintenance, etc.
Find safer avenues to socialize with your neighbors and friends. Plan monthly meetings online or outdoors to uplift each other amid the Covid crisis. Form your support group that will stick by your side as you go through the highs and lows.
Plan exercising together in your homes. Strive to get yourself in an engaging and healthy lifestyle that will help you build your emotional strength overtime.
Tawakkul and trust in Allah (SWT) increases when one deals with hardships. Just know there is much more to this, and good things eventually do happen, no matter how uncertain they may seem right now.
