All too often, parents put their children’s needs before their own. But if we want to be the best possible versions of ourselves for our families, it’s important that we take the time to care for ourselves as well. In this article, we will delve into some powerful Islamic self-care tips that can help us be the best version of ourselves for our loved ones.
1. Pray and Reflect
Prayer is one of the most important acts in Islam, and reflecting on its power can bring great comfort during difficult times. Prayer is essential in keeping a connection with Allah and cultivating mindfulness in every aspect of life. Whenever you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or stressed out, take some time out of your day to pray and reflect on God’s teachings. This will help you gain perspective and stay grounded when times get tough.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) sought comfort and solace in prayer in times of ease and hardship.
He (peace be upon him) said, ‘O Bilal, call the iqamah for prayer; give us comfort by it.'” Sahih/Authentic. – [Abu Dawood]
Prayer is encouraged regularly in Islam as it allows us to purify our souls while connecting us closer to Allah himself; praying at least five times per day grants us peace of mind amongst all other blessings He offers us. Yes, it can get hard and exhausting to stick to salah when you have endless chores to complete and children to tend to, but as long as you are connected to Allah, He will make a way out for you through every hardship and difficulty.
2. Spend Time with Family and Friends
We are told in the Quran that family is one of Allah’s greatest blessings – so be sure to make time for your loved ones as much as you can! Whether it’s taking a walk together or having dinner, spending quality time with family and friends can fill your heart with joy and happiness and provide solace from everyday stresses.
3. Rest and Relaxation
Parenting is a full-time job, so rest and relaxation are essential if we want to be able to perform at our best levels. Make time to get adequate sleep each night, take breaks throughout the day – whatever works best for you! The key here is to make sure you’re giving yourself some downtime so that you can recharge your batteries and feel refreshed when needed. Getting enough sleep is also important since lack of rest takes its toll physically and mentally; adults should aim for 7–8 hours per night. Don’t forget to take your power naps in the afternoon if you can!  Neuroscience reveals that midday napping improves memory, enhances alertness, boosts wakefulness and performance, and recovers certain qualities of lost night sleep. Interestingly, Islam, advocates midday napping primarily because it was a practice preferred by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
4. Make Time for Yourself
Finding time for yourself can seem impossible at times, but it’s so important to make sure you’re taking care of yourself both physically and mentally. Dedicate at least 30 minutes each day to doing something you enjoy – whether it’s reading a book, going for a walk, or taking a relaxing bath. This time is for you and nobody else – so make sure you use it wisely!
5. Reach Out For Support
Parenting journey can be isolating at times – so don’t forget to reach out for support whenever possible! Whether it’s talking to close friends or family members about how you feel, joining online communities related to parenting topics or just having someone lend an ear during tough times – know that there is support available if ever needed.
6. Limit Your Media Intake
It’s easy to lose track of time scrolling through social media or watching TV when you have a few minutes to spare. But too much screen time can leave you mentally drained with nothing left for yourself at the end of the day. So try limiting your media intake as much as possible – you might be surprised by how much more energy you’ll have to do the things you actually enjoy!
Being a Muslim parent comes with several perks but also involves many responsibilities; finding balance between one’s faith, work and personal life shouldn’t be taken lightly since neglecting any part can lead to burnout or worse. Seeking professional help from mental health experts is highly recommended if needed! By following these powerful tips, we hope you find the much needed comfort you are looking for in this parenting journey!