As the coronavirus pandemic continue to unfold around the world, many people are understandably facing high levels of stress. Between dealing with social distancing, worrying about health issues and trying to juggle work, it's definitely a lot to take in especially within such a short period of time.
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Combined with the never-ending updates on social media and news platform, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by fear and anxiety. So, we've rounded up a few things you can do to ease your worries, keep calm and stay positive during the COVID-19 outbreak.
1. Make plenty of duas
For Muslims, duas are a big part of life and it happens to be a tool that can be used to feel relaxed and soothe the state of mind. It helps in finding strength and guidance during difficult periods and through reciting some of the many beautiful duas and supplications, it eases the heart by putting faith in the world of Allah (s.w.t) and Allah (s.w.t) himself.
P.S. To get you started, here's 5 powerful duas every Muslim needs for protection and well-being.
2. Prepare for Ramadan
Since we're just a month away from Ramadan, there's no better time than now to start investing your energy into preparing for the holiest month in Islam. Change isn't an overnight process and rather than going from zero to a hundred, slowly implementing good habits you want to do during Ramadan is the way to go. From performing voluntary fasts to refraining negative acts and being mindful of eating habits, it's the perfect window to both ease yourself into the fasting month and keep a level-head amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
P.S. Use our pre-Ramadan checklist for all 10 tips to get ready for the holy month.
3. Turn to the Quran
As you find ways to keep yourself busy at home, one of the things that can encourage a calm heart and mind is to turn to the Quran. There are plenty of ways you can utilize the Quran to combat any stress you may currently have like setting some time aside to do some Quran reading or listening to an audio recitation of the Quran. Besides that, you can take it a step further by memorizing the Quran which will allow you to recite it anytime you want.
P.S. Mosques and suraus may be temporarily closed, but you can still perform these 5 simple sunnahs on Fridays!
4. Practice self-care as a daily routine
On top of eating healthy foods that'll give you an immunity boost and keeping fit at home, maintaining good hygiene is highly encouraged. This includes taking regular showers, wearing clean clothes, combing your hair and brushing your teeth. Aside from physical cleanliness, practicing self-care also means that you should keep your mental health in check. One way you can take care of your mind is by doing dhikr. It grants tranquility, calmness and also brings you closer to Allah (s.w.t), which puts you further into a relaxing state of mind.
P.S. Did you know that maintaining good hygiene is one of the 8 tips to boost your immunity during the coronavirus outbreak?
5. Implement positive thinking
Although the forthcoming days may seem scary and uncertain, it's important to practice positive thinking. Change your mindset towards more optimism by remembering that everything happens by the will of Allah (s.w.t). As the Prophet (S.A.W) once said:
Wondrous is the affair of the believer for there is good for him in every matter and this is not the case with anyone except the believer. If he is happy, then he thanks Allah and thus there is good for him, and if he is harmed, then he shows patience and thus it is good for him. (Hadith by Sahih Muslim)
6. Do good deeds
When we find ourselves in times of difficulty, seeing acts of kindness around us can be a source of comfort. Amid this global crisis, there have been plenty of heartwarming stories and positive news emerging all over the world such as a travel agency in Singapore's Bugis neighbourhood opening a prayer space for people to pray in while mosques are closed nation-wide and locals in Malaysia banding together to support vulnerable communities. Despite many of us being stuck at home from social distancing and self-quarantine, lending a hand during rough times not only makes a difference for those in need but also gives a sense of accomplishment, which in return balms budding fears and anxiety within.
7. Listen to Islamic podcasts
Listening to Islamic podcasts is not just a great way to pass the time leisurely, it makes for the perfect calming method to reduce stress levels. Redirecting your attention away from the noise of the world to podcasts that cater specifically to Muslim audiences will keep you occupied and depending on the type of podcast you choose, it's a chance for self-improvement as well! Whether you listen to 'The Muslim Life Hackers' for life lessons or 'Salam Girl!' for fresh perspectives on Muslim issues, podcasts are certainly a breath of fresh air and relieve from the stifling pandemic that is the coronavirus.
P.S. Looking for other productive things to do indoors? Here's 10 ways to make the most out of your time at home during the coronavirus outbreak.
While we may not be able to drive fear off with a stick, these tips will help you seek calmness in an ocean of chaos. We hope that you find refuge and peace of mind in Him, InshaAllah ? In the meantime, take care and stay safe ?