Stress is a common and necessary part of life, however, several studies are pointing towards a global increase in stress rates. Allah has indeed promised us that life will be filled tests and tribulations. Here are some ways on how we can reduce stress in our lives to overcome this test.

“We shall certainly test you by afflicting you with fear, hunger, loss of properties and lives and fruits. Give glad tidings, then, to those who remain patient”

Quran 2:155

Even though stress and anxiety are normal reactions to the hardships of life, we all want to expand our ability to handle the excessive demands of life, so here are four ways to help you cope with stress and anxiety:

1. The Du’a of the Prophet

The prophet ﷺ gave us a dua’ to recite during difficult times:

“O Allah, I take refuge in You from anxiety and sorrow, weakness and laziness, miserliness and cowardice, the burden of debts and from being overpowered by men.”

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ الْهَمِّ وَالْحُزْنِ وَالْعَجْزِ وَالْكَسَلِ , وَالْبُخْلِ وَالْجُبْنِ وَضَلَعِ الدَّيْنِ , وَغَلَبَةِ الرِّجَالِ

Sahih Bukhari

2. Understand the True Reality of Hardship

Know that Allah does not test you because He hates you. In fact, His tests are evidence of His love for you.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“The most severely tested people are the prophets, then the next best, then the next best. A man will be tested in accordance with his level of commitment to God.”

Sunan at-Tirmidhi

2. Focus on gratitude

By obsessing over our trials and blaming others for our problems, stress becomes a gateway for Satan to push us into ingratitude. Maintaining our gratitude to Allah S.W.T. for His blessings therefore becomes an essential weapon against stress.

Repeat as often as you can:

الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ عَلَى كُلِّ حَالٍ

“All praise and thanks are only for Allah in all circumstances.”  

4. Rely on Allah

The Prophet ﷺ said,

“If you were to rely on Allah as He should be relied on, He would provide for you as He provides for the birds. They go out early in the morning hungry and return in the evening full.”

Sunan Ibn Majah

Know that all your affairs are with Allah S.W.T who is the best of planners.

May Allah guide us and help us rid ourselves of stress.