How to Maintain Your Emotional Intelligence as a Muslim Woman

Muslim women are not exempt from the very stress and emotional tug of war that other women may encounter. In fact as a Muslim woman such issues may be a bit more stressful to handle due to cultural expectations, religious requirements and traditions that other women do not have to endure.

However, Muslim women have the power. We have the power of Dua. It has always been the tradition of Muslim women to overcome great obstacles in history, and we continue to do so today.

With the power of Dua, and remembrance of Allah (swt) we can climb mountains. Here are a few tips to assist you in your time of need.

Often times dealing with depression and emotional stress, it is not only is emotionally and mentally painful, but physically painful as well. And it does not only affect the person that is depressed, but the entire family and close friends that surround this person as well.

But that is what family and friends are for. Let them know that you are not in the best of spirit and that you would like their help and support emotionally in getting you back in a positive state of mind. Most times that is what depression and mental stress is. A state of mind.

And with the guidance of Allah you can be on your way to self-healing in no time.

Surround yourself with only those positive people in your life. Don't sit around and harp and complain about your problems, or issues. Negativism only brings you down more, and also others around you.

Purposely get involved in good and positive activities. Feed the homeless, volunteer. Believe me, If you have a problem, there is always some one out there with an even bigger problem, so remember to make Dua to Allah, to give you guidance, and thank him for what you do have, and ask those close family and friends for suggestions. Ask them to pray for you as well.

Often time when things are not going according to plan, or negativity seems to linger it is because we are not submitting ourselves to Allah, and we are negligent in some aspect of our worship. Perhaps you have been backbiting a lot, or not praying on time, and or with focus and concentration.

The next thing is to look and see how are you contributing to the problem. Problems do not just arise, we are often the source of our problems, and therefore the source of the solution as well.

As Muslim women we must posses great emotional intelligence.
Whether it is dealing with stress at work, at home, or at school, a new environment, or marriage the first thing we need to do is look into our soul.

It is of the utmost importance to be self-aware. Aware of whom you are, and where you are in your life, and it is at that point that you can begin self-healing. And give it time. Prophet Muhammad said, "The best things are those that are done consistently, even if it is only a little."

We are omen f great intuition. We know ourselves very well, but often times we are busty taking care of others, and we forget to take care of ourselves.

This is the next step.

Spend a little time each day. Relaxing. It may be difficult at fist. But it is required. A prescription. Go outside, and or stay awake after Fajr prayer. Listen to the birds, and or go for a walk, and just observe the beauty of Allah (swt)

Relax in a nice warm bath, and or read Quran.

If you do not have time for longer periods of time, take advantage of shorter bits through out the day. Stand up and stretch. Take a nap during your lunch break. Read a positive, motivational, and up lifting book a little before bed.

After all, if we are in a negative emotional state we are not going to do our families and or those that depend on us any good either.

And Allah knows best