July 6, 2025 | Mental Education | by OLAYIWOLA ROFIAT
Mental Stress: Managing Stress in the Workspace
Did you know that 75% of adults experience moderate to high levels of stress every month? Mental health is like a computer bug that brings brain functions to a grinding halt. It's a state of emotional and psychological tension that occurs when an individual perceives a threat, pressure, or demand that exceeds their ability to cope.
This emotional and psychological tension can lead to feelings of anxiety, worry, overwhelm, and fatigue. Moreover, mental stress is an inevitable part of human life. With increasing demands on our time, energy, effort, resources, and comfort, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and drained.
Personally, I understand the impact of mental stress all too well. I recall the day I realized I was losing control due to constant stress from work, motherhood, and finances. The adverse toll on my mental and physical health was alarming and called for urgent attention.
The signs felt were evident and undeniable: the neglect of the power of dua, persistent worry, difficulty sleeping, increased irritability, continuous headaches, and mood swings. To make matters worse, social withdrawal had become my daily life. These essential signs of mental breakdown, when felt or recognized, are to be managed critically and urgently.
As Timothy Field once said, "You can't calm the storm, but you can calm yourself. The storm will pass." This quote resonates deeply, especially in today's world filled with uncertainties and uncontrollable situations where we are excessively attached to duniya. It's easy to feel overwhelmed. However, with the right strategies, awareness, and mindset, mental stress can be managed effectively.
Islam, a religion of peace, provides us with a wealth of wisdom and guidance that can help manage stress and maintain a sense of inner peace and wellbeing. Some of which are:
- Reading the Qur'an for peace of mind
- Reflecting on the Qur'an verses like Qur'an 94:6, "Indeed, with hardship [will be] ease," remind us that troubles are temporary
- Observing and saying prayers, reciting azkhar and dhikr, and other acts of worship can provide comfort and peace
- Expressing gratitude for what one has in life, as the Qur'an says, "If you give thanks, I will certainly grant you more" (Qur'an 14:7)
In addition to Islamic strategies, these conventional techniques can also help reduce stress:
- Exercise regularly, a natural stress reliever
- Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation to soothe the mind
- Prioritize 6-8 hours of sleep each night to regulate stress hormones
- Seek social support from a therapist, friend, or family member to feel heard, validated, and supported
- Engage in activities that enhance fulfillment and satisfaction
- Set boundaries by saying 'no' to energy-draining commitments or activities
In conclusion, managing mental stress requires a proactive and universal approach. By recognizing the signs of stress, prioritizing sleep and self-care, seeking social support, and incorporating Islamic principles and conventional strategies, you can help cultivate a healthier mind and improve your overall well-being. Remember, taking care of your mental health is essential to living a happy and fulfilling life. As the saying goes, "Health is wealth."