CARING FOR THE BODY

The Prophet (PBUH) is known to have engaged in many forms of exercise and encouraged parents to teach their children to be active (source).

In today’s modern society, we know that regular physical movement releases stress-relieving chemicals, such as endorphins—which enhance your sense of well-being, confidence, and ability to cope with stressful situations.

Though exercise can be difficult, even painful, for those who have been sedentary for long periods—persistence in this area will pay dividends. You don’t need to be an athlete or gym-hound to reap the benefits of physical movement. Even these low-impact forms of exercise (below) can dramatically improve the quality of your life: outdoor walks, dance classes, swimming, hiking, biking. Let the Prophet Muhammad be your example!

EXERCISE & THE OUTDOORS

Are you eating enough? Are you eating too much? A yes to either of these questions can be a sign that the mind and body are stressed. But even more than that, poor nutrition adds stress to stress!

Making sure you’re getting more than cereal for dinner, or that you’re not dealing with stress by eating addictively, will reduce the strain on your mind, body, and soul. Balanced, nutritious meals fortify you and encourage physical and emotional peace. You will have more energy, patience, humor, and ease if you’re giving your body what it needs to function properly.

Here are some suggestions for stress-relieving nutrition:

  • Avoid caffeine and simple/refined carbohydrates, such as sugar

  • Don’t skip meals (except during fasts)

  • Include plenty of foods that contain protein (beans, nuts, lean meats, eggs,

    soy-based foods, high-protein cheeses and yogurts), magnesium (dark, leafy greens, nut, seeds, and wholegrains),
    B vitamins (wholegrains, nuts and seeds), vitamin C (most fruits and vegetables), and Omega 3 fatty acids (fish and other seafoods, flax, plant oils, nuts and fortified foods)

  • Healthy comfort foods: dark chocolate, oatmeal, sweet potatoes, light popcorn, yogurt with fruit

NUTRITION

Eat of the good things we have provided for your sustenance, but commit no excess therein, lest my wrath should justly descend on you, and those on whom descends my wrath do perish indeed.

Quran 20:81