Stress is a phenomenon that befalls everyone in this world. Stress does not know gender, age, position, nor time. Everyone must face stress sometime in their lifetime. It is something that cannot be evaded.A young person will be stressed thinking about his maturing age, whilst an old person about his health.
A husband will be stressed thinking about supporting his wife and children, whilst a wife about home economics.
An employee will be stressed about company expectations, whilst an employer about keeping the company going.
A poor man will be stressed about searching for money, whilst a rich man about not satisfied with the riches blessed upon him.
Why stress?
Each individual has their own reasons for being stressed. It's either caused by personal or professional reasons.
In terms of personal, most people face almost the same stressors:
a) Family problems
b) Death of an immediate relative/loved ones
c) Unsettled debts
In terms of profession, stressors vary according to the field of profession. Let's take a few professions for example:
a) Teacher: A teacher probably faces the pressure to ensure that his/her students excel in their studies. Not to mention students who have trouble finding themselves, or have mental issues.
b) Customer service personnel: On average, a customer service personnel can handle up to 50 or 60 customers a day; each with their own personalities. Handling a good-natured customer is nothing. Imagine a customer from the depths of hell...
c) Nurse: A nurse tends to sick patients everyday. Not to mention the injections, bathing, clothing...nappy-change. Imagine facing a grumpy ol' pappy (grandad) who thinks he's in his 20s...
d) Students: Students are being given a benchmark to achieve; be it grades in school, or GPAs in university. Imagine trying to achieve those marks, at the same time thinking of the consequences if having failed to achieve so.
When I was in university, I participated in a society. I started off as head of my faculty. Eventhough I had a portfolio, I was often 'pushed around' in the early days, since I was not among the others' range of close companions. I was stressed. But, I worked my way upwards, and after having achieved a higher rank, I avoided myself from mistreating others.
The stresses I saw in societies were those of trying to uphold the society's good name, meet deadlines, try not to disappoint the high council and companions, and most of all, trying not to drop out on academics.
Usually, when one is stressed, one tends to behave unusually. One can go into tantrums, most of the time not knowing what he's doing, saying, or writing. Therefore, if a friend of yours starts behaving ankwardly, let it be known that he/she is not at peace of mind.
De-stress!!!
Every entrance has an exit. If one enters the world of stress, one can leave it. The question is...how?Everyone is creative in their own way when it comes to destressing themselves. The common methods are:
a) Smoking
b) Get drunk...yezzz...very very drunk
c) Eat til' thou can't face food
d) Take a hot bath (in Malay culture, mandi ayor kolah)
e) Look at greeneries
What about Muslims?
Okay, seriously a Muslim can't get drunk...though some don't give a damn thing about it.
In Islam, stress is considered a part of test by Allah upon man. Man becomes stressed from fear of the unknown, future, and death. Allah has mentioned in the Quran:
[AL-BAQARAH; 2:155]
So, how does a Muslim destress himself? How does a Muslim find 'inner peace'? It is revealed in the Quran:
"Those who believe, and whose hearts find satisfaction in the remembrance of Allah: for without doubt in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find satisfaction."
[AR-RA'D; 13:28]
It shows that by remembering Allah, one is at peace. There are various methods in remembering Allah. But, the common method applicable by all, is by performing the solah (prayer); be it the compulsory, or the supplement prayers.
Praying itself stretches, relaxes the muscles, and regulates blood flow throughout the inner system. Prolonged bowing causes blood to flow into the brain, especially to the part unreachable when standing upright.Another method is by reading the Al-Quran, or listening to its recitations.
Even other people of different religions; when in distress, they would head to the church, temple, or synagogue to seek guidance.
In conclusion; practice any methods to de-stress yourselves. But, by the end of the day, it is the remembrance of God that makes one fully de-stressed. True, other methods may eliminate stress. But, somehow, somewhere, you will not feel satisfied.
Recently, I asked a colleague how he managed to consume packets of cigarettes within one day. He told me that he was feeling stressed most of the time.
He then added that, it was due to his habit of skipping prayers that led him to be stressed in whatever conditions. I persuaded and encouraged him to start praying as how a Muslim should.
Alhamdulillah, following that, his consumption of cigarettes dropped dramatically.
Stress can happen to anyone regardless of age, time, and condition. It is something that one cannot evade. At some point in life, man will face stress.
However, despite the fact that stress is unavoidable, it can be maneuvered, given the proper techniques.
It is essential that man seeks proper medication to reduce or eliminate stress at any given time, be it medically, or spiritually. Because, not only does stress affect a man’s ability, it too taxes the immunity system, resulting in the deterioration of health.
The prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said:
[BUKHARI]
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