Colds can be a real drain on our happiness reserves. I currently am suffering from one, and I think it is close to being the flu!
I’d like to share some tips about coping with colds. Using “coping skills” is a repeated theme of my book and blog.
As always, be self-aware. Be aware of your negative thoughts and feelings. Then remind yourself that Islam teaches us to be patient during difficult times.
“…..Surely Allah is with the patient.” (Holy Quran 8:46)
And another truth to hold on to is that you never really know if something is “good” or “bad” for you. We tend to think of getting sick as a “bad” thing–but even our illnesses can be good for us in some way! Perhaps they will purify us of our sins and bring us closer to our Lord!
“No fatigue, nor disease, nor anxiety, nor sadness, nor hurt, nor distress befalls a Muslim, even if it were the prick he receives from a thorn, but that Allah expiates some of his sins for that.”
–The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) as recorded in Bukhari and Muslim
Of course, try to remember Allah (swt) as much as you can. And catch yourself if you start to have negative thoughts like, “Allah doesn’t like me” or “Why is this happening to me?” Remember that the Prophets of Allah suffered the most of all human beings!
“Whenever Allah wills good for a person, He subjects him to adversity.” (a hadith recorded in Bukhari and others)
“The most in their suffering among the people are the prophets…” (hadith recorded in Ahmad, Tirmidthi)
Along with being patient is the importance of being grateful. Try to find something to be grateful for when you are feeling sick or down. Perhaps be thankful that you are not as ill as you could be.
Another important tip is to try to improve your condition (i.e. look for solutions). When I am sick, I take a lot of Vitamin D3, a proven germ fighter. I also avoid gluten. I have observed that gluten (found in bread, flour and pasta) seems to weaken my immune system. Do what works for you. When you work on ways to improve your condition, you feel more empowered and hopeful.
Being sick gives you an opportunity to learn compassion and humility–extremely important traits of a believer.
When you are sick, don’t be afraid to seek help from others and to admit your vulnerability. You will help them to get blessings for helping you!
Remember that becoming sick is a sign that you need to take time off for yourself. Take care of yourself!
A great article about being patient during adversities can be read at: http://www.islamtomorrow.com/everything/tests.htm