ABSTRACT
Stress is a normal physiological response of your body reacting to any kind of threat or demand. The nervous system functions as a communication network relaying information about our body’s internal and external conditions to and from the brain. During an emergency, the sympathetic nervous system is activated, resulting in increased arousal and mobilisation. This is called the fight-or-flight response. The endocrine system is involved in the stress response. The transactional model of stress is based on the notion that the perception of the potential harm, threat and challenges combines with the level of confidence in dealing with these stressors. There is evidence now to suggest that the immune system sends signals to the brain, thereby altering behaviour, thought and mood. Allah informs us that He tests and tries His servants. Coping strategies refer to specific behavioural and psychological efforts we make as we try to master, tolerate, reduce and minimise stress. Stress management is the ability to maintain control when situations, people and events make excessive demands. A person’s religious belief has an important bearing on one’s personality and outlook in life. Putting trust in God allows a believer to minimise the stress suffered by reducing the responsibility and power to control failure. Two important non-religious coping methods are reaching out and isolation. Studies have shown that the recitation of the Qur’an appears to be psychologically and physiologically beneficial. Islamic ways of dealing with stress include several techniques.
