Tariq Mantoo
Yesterday, as usual, I sat in my room and followed my daily routine of reading four to five pages of any book, regardless of the subject. This time, I was reading Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life by Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles, translated by Heather Cleary. On page 23, the authors discuss stress and scientifically explain how it affects the human body. As I reflected on their words, I noticed a striking paradox: despite the abundance of material comforts in the modern world, people seem more stressed than ever before. A few decades ago—particularly in our valley—life was simpler. Although resources were limited, people experienced less anxiety and lived with greater contentment. Today, however, our surroundings are filled with chaos, restlessness, and emotional strain. Modern life, with all its technological advancements and conveniences, has quietly become a major source of stress.
People constantly rush against time, burdened by expectations, financial pressures, and the demands of digital connectivity. Technology has blurred the boundaries between work and rest, and social comparison often overshadows true human relationships and genuine satisfaction. G. Stanley Hall famously described adolescence as a period of “storm and stress,” a stage marked by emotional upheaval, mood swings, conflict with parents, and risky behaviors. In contemporary society, this phenomenon seems to extend beyond adolescence. Ikigai further highlights compelling scientific research on stress and premature aging. Many people today look older than their actual age, and studies confirm that stress accelerates aging. The American Institute of Stress reports that most health issues are linked to stress. A noteworthy experiment conducted at Heidelberg University Hospital involved a young doctor who underwent a stressful job interview and solved complex mathematical problems for thirty minutes. Blood tests afterward revealed that his antibodies reacted to stress just as they would to harmful germs—activating proteins that trigger immune responses.
“The Quran and the Prophetic teachings provide a spiritual framework for moving from stress to serenity. By focusing on inner purification and the remembrance of God (Dhikr), individuals can find an authentic, timeless remedy for anxiety, as the Quran asserts that true tranquility of the heart is found only in its connection to the Divine.”
Shockingly, this reaction not only targets harmful agents but also damages healthy cells, causing them to age at a faster rate. Another study by the University of California examined women experiencing extreme stress while caring for an ill child compared to women under low stress. The researchers found that stress weakened telomeres—the protective parts of cells responsible for regeneration and aging. Higher stress levels resulted in greater cellular damage, underscoring that stress is not merely an emotional burden but a physical threat. It weakens immunity, accelerates aging, and deteriorates overall health.
Everyone needs a sanctuary—a place of peace—where one can retreat to embrace quiet and stillness. This special space becomes an oasis amid the stresses of modern life. It serves as a refuge from the relentless demands on our time, energy, and attention. A sanctuary does not need to be elaborate or luxurious; even the simplest place can offer profound comfort and tranquility. (Reference: Who Will Cry When You Die by Robin Sharma). Yet, amidst these challenges, Quran & the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) emerges as a profound remedy—a path that leads from turmoil to tranquility.Quran emphasis on inner purification and remembrance of the Divine, offers an authentic and timeless approach to a stress-free life.In the Holy Quran, Allah reminds us:“Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.”
(The author is a freelancer. The views, opinions and conclusions expressed in this article are those of the author and aren’t necessarily in accord with the views of “Kashmir Horizon”)
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