• Make time to do the things you love. It could be reading a book over a good cup of aromatic tea, trying out a new recipe in the kitchen, playing a favorite game or sport, visiting a museum or art gallery, trying your hands out at sewing or even helping others. Just do what makes you feel good.

• Kick off the peeping tom by doing something that has been on your to-do list for ages that you’ll never do.

• Take out any negative people in your life. The prophet (PBUH) said:

“The likeness of a righteous friend and an evil friend is the likeness of a (musk) perfume seller and a blacksmith. As for the perfume seller, he may either bestow something on you or you may purchase something from him or you may benefit from his sweet smell. And as for the blacksmith, he may either burn your clothes or you may be exposed to his awful smell.” (Bukhari and Muslim).

3. The Soul

• Plan your day around the five daily prayers. No matter how busy you are, do not lose your five daily connections to Allah. Endeavor to pray at the right time.

• Spend some time with the Qur’an either by reading, listening to its recitation or reflecting on few of its verses. This will set you up for daily success, filling you with a daily dose of strength and inspiration.

• Give kindness and charity by helping others. It could be carrying a bag for someone, making someone smile, sharing your meal with neighbors, donating money or a few wardrobe items and what have you. Apart from improving your relationship with Allah, it also boosts your levels of happiness and life satisfaction.

The Prophet (PBUH) said:

 “Every Muslim has to give in charity.” The people then asked, “But what if someone has nothing to give, what should he do? The Prophet replied, “He should work with his hands and benefit himself and also give in charity (from what he earns).” The people further asked, “If he cannot find even that?” He replied, “He should help the needy who appeal for help,” Then the people asked, “If he cannot do (even) that?” The Prophet said finally, “Then he should perform good deeds and keep away from evil deeds, and that will be regarded as charitable deeds.” 

• Connect with other Muslims by going to halaqas at the masjid, attending Islamic conferences and seminars, visiting friends and family, planning fun Islamic activities amongst other things.

A daily incorporation of tiny self-care activities into your routine will lift the fog, increasing your levels of productivity and positivity and making you feel more connected to yourself and the world around you.

You will delight in the small pleasures you’ve created for yourself and nothing will seem quite as difficult as it ever did. And what’s more, it will also enrich your life, improving your relationship with your Creator and setting you up for success in this life and the hereafter.

Originally published on HAYATI MAGAZINE

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