So Much Schoolwork Troubles My Sleep

QI am really busy with my schoolwork. I felt sad that I cannot manage my stuff, especially my sleep. Since I am having a lack of sleep, my mind is messed up.

Recently, I got scolded by a teacher who was closed to me. I got judged and misunderstood. I was really embarrassed, but I was happy because it made me closer to Allah.

I was working well with my studies but I got confused and sad, and I cried to Allah Alhamdulillah. I was stressed and confused about what to do, but every time I prayed and said it to Allah.

Now I am so stressed that I am having headaches and I feel ill. My mind gives me bad thoughts continuously. I find it’s hard to pray and I feel lazy. Astagfirullah.

My mind says to omit some sunnah acts because it’s hard, but I want to continue them. I am having much confusion and I find it’s hard to make a decision. I feel down. I need Allah, I need to worship Him.

Inshallah may Allah help me,
ANSWER
In this counseling answer:
I kindly suggest making a list of the things you need to get done on a daily basis and trying to complete your list.

Deep breathing also cleanses your body and teaches you to be in the present moment.

I'm Stressed; I Can't Focus on Anything at School
If they do not and your mental status is still the same, I encourage you to please seek out counseling for an assessment and ongoing sessions.

As salamu alaikum sister,

It sounds like you have been doing a lot of schoolwork, thinking, and worrying too much. Long-term deprivation of sleep may cause a whole lot of physical and mental issues.

If you are not sleeping for long periods, yes it can affect the way you think and feel. It can also affect your physical health. Insha’Allah you will be able to slow down, give your mind and body a rest, and regenerate good study habits, which in turn may reduce your stress levels.

Self-Care, Relaxing, and Regaining Health

I kindly suggest making a list of the things you need to get done on a daily basis and trying to complete your list.

Do not make your list extremely long because that will only stress you out more.

If you try to organize the things you need to do for school, it will be much easier in sha Allah.

In your list, please include time frames for the following: sleep, school/studies, exercise, healthy eating/drinking lots of water, having social time with family or friends, making time to go to the masjid and pray, making time for self-care, partaking in a hobby, and everything that matters for you.

If you incorporate these things on a daily basis/weekly, you may feel a sense of control over your situation. Feeling in control can lead to decreased stress responses, a sense of accomplishment, and well-being. As your body and mind begin to heal from nourishing activities, insha’Allah you will feel more balanced and less stressed.

Balance

When we have a balance in life this can decrease is our stress. Balance is very important. When our bodies are out of balance due to lack of sleep or chronic stress it can cause anxiety, depression, unwanted thoughts, panic disorder, and other mental health issues.

Breathe

You may also want to implement breathing techniques in order to help you distress and relax. This technique has been used for thousands of years to relax the body and mind and help one refocus.

Deep breathing also cleanses your body and teaches you to be in the present moment.

When we are in the present moment our minds cannot race to the past nor the future. It helps relieve our minds from worry.

I kindly suggest that you look at this link if you are interested in trying this technique. Millions of people have found mindfulness breathing most beneficial and research has illustrated its effectiveness.

Conclusion

Insha’Allah, by rebalancing your mind, body, and spirit, getting the proper rest, eating healthy foods, incorporating social and relaxing activities, you will begin to feel better.

Once you have the proper rest and focus insha’Allah these other thoughts and feelings will go away.

If they do not and your mental status is still the same, I encourage you to please seek out counseling for an assessment and ongoing sessions.

Sometimes when we get too stressed out our brain chemistry can change and professional intervention is needed to help us rebalance.

We wish you the best.