How I found balance again

Assalaamu’alaykum,

I wish burnout would announce itself loudly before we step into its cycle, but sadly, it doesn’t.

It sneaks up on us from within - there are tell-tale signs, but only those in tune with their bodies will notice the signals it sends.

Unfortunately, many of us only pay attention once those quiet signals become loud alarms and our bodies come to a halt in protest - not one more step, it says.

Looking back over the past month, I now see the signs clearly. But hindsight is 20/20 :)

This week, my body went into full protest and forced me to take a long, deep look at how my life had become surprisingly imbalanced. I say surprisingly because it truly caught me unaware. I was so focused on what needed to be done that I forgot to stop and see where I was.

I had officially entered the space of overwhelm. And let me tell you, it’s never a pleasant feeling - it’s exhausting, emotionally draining and life just feels messy.

But I’m writing this today because, by Allah’s mercy, I no longer feel that way.

A few days ago, I shut everything down and went to my safe haven, my metaphorical cave - my place of retreat, where I have my best conversations with Allah. I went to a beautiful, open-space park and walked and walked.

As I walked, I spoke with my Rabb, pouring out my innermost thoughts, worries and handing them to the One who I knew would always respond, helping me process my thoughts and organise my life.

I connected with nature, soaking in the sunset sky, the open fields and the silhouettes of trees. I watched the birds flying together in synchronisation and reflected on the glory of their Creator. I saw deer relaxing together in the distance and dogs joyfully galloping in the breeze, free of their leashes.

Out in nature, I was reminded.

I was reminded that everything has an order, and it must be in its rightful place to function. There are systems and routines that keep the world in flow. The sun rises and sets each day, the plants follow the light for their essential nourishment and the weather follows patterns to provide the earth with what it needs - all perfectly ordained by Al-Mussawir (The Fashioner).

I realised my life had gone off balance momentarily because I had let go of the essential order in my own life. I had let go of the routines that keep me anchored, centered and nourished.

Alhamdulillah, I walked back into my home a different person. I sat down and reorganised my life, putting things back into their rightful place - and by His mercy, things are beginning to flow again.

Sometimes all it takes is to call a timeout, switch off from the noisy digital world and be alone with your thoughts and Allah to see what’s fallen out of place.

Here are a few steps that might help you if you’re feeling overwhelmed:

1. Switch off - go outside to a place where you can quietly connect with nature and Allah. Speak to Him with full yaqeen (certainty) that He will guide you in the right direction.
2. Go back to basics - first, identify your non-negotiables. What are the spiritual, health and social routines that keep you centered? Build everything else, especially your work, around them.
3. Set your intentions - start each day by setting your intentions and adding your non-negotiables into your calendar. Watch how, by His will, everything else falls into place.

PS: Take the Spiritual Confidence Quiz – discover your unique strengths and growth areas when it comes to showing up with faith-led confidence. Take the quiz here .

Reflection of the Week

Take a moment to pause and assess your daily routines and priorities...

Are there any areas that require you to switch off, step outside and reconnect with Allah to restore the order that brings peace and flow back into your life?

Dua of the Week

اللهم امنحني الهدوء والطمأنينة في جميع أموري

(Allahumma manihni al-hudu' wa al-tuma'neena fi jami' umuri)

“O Allah, grant me calmness and tranquillity in all my affairs.”