Are You Taking Care of Yourself?

A deep dive into why we lack sufficient self care and what to do about it.

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Photo by Alysha Rosly on Unsplash

Dear Beloved Readers,

As I sit down to share my story with you, my heart is filled with gratitude for the journey Allah has guided me through. My life has been a testament to caring for others—a path that began with caring for my sick mother and younger siblings. Through it all, I found my identity in service, but I neglected the one person who needed care the most: myself.

This realization came to me as a profound awakening. For too long, my self-worth was intertwined with my ability to care for others, and I neglected my own needs. It was only recently that I understood the importance of prioritizing my well-being, not just for my sake but to deepen my relationship with Allah and enrich my connection with those around

The Divine Call to Self-Care

Photo by Rizki Yulian on Unsplash

Allah reminds us in Surah Al Qasas 77 of the Qur'an:

وَٱبْتَغِ فِيمَآ ءَاتَىٰكَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلدَّارَ ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةَ ۖ وَلَا تَنسَ نَصِيبَكَ مِنَ ٱلدُّنْيَا ۖ وَأَحْسِن كَمَآ أَحْسَنَ ٱللَّهُ إِلَيْكَ ۖ وَلَا تَبْغِ ٱلْفَسَادَ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ ۖ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلْمُفْسِدِينَ ٧٧

Rather, seek the ˹reward˺ of the Hereafter by means of what Allah has granted you, without forgetting your share of this world. And be good ˹to others˺ as Allah has been good to you. Do not seek to spread corruption in the land, for Allah certainly does not like the corruptors.”

This ayah is a reminder that self-care is not an indulgence but a divine responsibility. By nurturing our bodies, minds, and souls, we honor the trust Allah has placed in us.

A Journey of Self-Rediscovery

My journey began with nutrition. For over a year now, I have been mindful of what I consume, ensuring that my diet is balanced and nourishing. Sometimes I fall off the wagon but instead of beating myself up I do my best to learn and understand more about my complicated relationship with food!

Would you like to know more about my food story in an upcoming newsletter ?

Working with a nutritionist has been transformative, helping me understand my body’s needs and how to meet them. Proper nutrition has enhanced my energy, improved my focus, and made me feel more connected to my purpose as a servant of Allah.

Simultaneously, I have been nurturing my spiritual self. I regularly ask myself:

How am I showing up as a slave of Allah? How can I improve my connection with Him?

Life’s trials have become opportunities for reflection, helping me evaluate my behavior and faith. I have seen the cracks in my imaan and turned back to the only One who can help me mend those cracks, Al-Jabbaar, The Mender of Hearts ❤️.

This introspection has become a vital part of my self-care routine, guiding me back to the Qur'an and renewing my commitment to it, getting closer to Allah, and being mindful of Allah when I start to slip into self neglect. I remind myself Allah is watching me, maybe I shouldn’t eat those chips. But sometimes I do, and give myself allowances for my weaknesses so that I can become stronger and better instead of feeling so bad about myself I reach for a tub of Ben & Jerry’s Half Baked!

Photo by Hybrid Storytellers on Unsplash

Exercise has also become a cornerstone of my self-care regimen. I recently discovered ClassPass, which offers a variety of fitness classes, beauty, wellness and more. Do you want to give yourself so much needed self care, click here for Class Pass. From deep motion stretching to swimming, this diversity keeps me engaged and motivated. Allah, in His infinite wisdom, even blessed me with a fitness buddy, making the journey even more enjoyable.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

“Take benefit of five before five: your youth before your old age, your health before your sickness, your wealth before your poverty, your free-time before you are preoccupied, and your life before your death.” (Ahmad)

This hadith is a powerful reminder to cherish and utilize our health and time wisely. By engaging in physical activities, we honor the health Allah has blessed us with, ensuring that we are fit to fulfill our duties and responsibilities.

The Heart of Self-Care

True self-care goes beyond the physical; it encompasses our mental and emotional well-being. By setting clear boundaries and prioritizing our needs, we create a harmonious balance in our lives. This, in turn, enhances our relationships with others, allowing us to serve them from a place of abundance rather than depletion.

When we take care of ourselves, we can better appreciate Allah’s countless blessings. Though we can never fully comprehend His generosity, nurturing our bodies, minds, and hearts increases our gratitude and mindfulness.

Reflect and Act

As you read this, I invite you to reflect on your own journey. Are you taking care of yourself? What steps can you take today to prioritize your well-being and strengthen your relationship with Allah?

Remember, self-care is not selfish. It is a form of worship, a way to honor the life and body Allah has entrusted to us. By nurturing ourselves, we become better servants of Allah, more grateful for His blessings, and more capable of caring for those we love.

May Allah guide us all to balance, health, and a deeper connection with Him, Ameen

With Much Love,

Nour Cauveren