Self-Care Tips for Muslim Women: Nurturing Body, Mind, and Soul
Introduction
As women, our daily lives are filled with one task after another. We are the pillars of our families, the nurturers of our children, the companions of our partners, and dutiful daughters to our parents.
Being the anchor for our families is no easy feat. We’re on our feet all day long—working, caring, and giving our best to those we love. But in the middle of all these responsibilities, how often do we pause and take a moment for ourselves?
If you’re like most of us, the answer is probably “not often enough.”
That’s exactly why I want to share some simple, easy-to-follow tips to help you take care of yourself. Because when you feel your best, you can give your best—to yourself and to everyone who depends on you.
Our bodies take us through every long day and every little task, which makes it super important for us to take care of them. Here are simple tips that can easily be incorporated into your everyday lives, helping you take care of yourself better.
Choose the Right Clothing
The way we dress has a big impact on how we feel. It’s important for us to feel comfortable in our own skin—wearing what makes you feel good and confident is always better. That said, choosing modest clothing that provides comfort, coverage, and a sense of dignity can help us move through our day with ease and self-assurance. For inspiration or modest clothing options in your wardrobe, Nabia can be your go-to!
Skincare
It is often assumed that only when you have a long and unfollowable routine is your skincare complete. But that is not true! Consistency is what matters. Follow a simple routine that you can stick to every day, not only will your skin feel more radiant, but you will feel a lot more at ease. Here are a few tips for everyday skincare practices:
● Cleanse regularly.
Wash your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and impurities. This is especially important if you have frequent breakouts.
● Perform wudu (ablution).
The act of wudu not only refreshes our spirit but also helps keep our skin clean and glowing. Each time we wash for prayer, we’re also giving our skin a gentle cleanse.
● Moisturize with natural ingredients.
After cleansing, using a moisturizer with natural ingredients like aloe vera, honey, rose water, or olive oil can hydrate and nourish our skin. You can also look at halal skincare brands that use natural ingredients in their products as an alternative.
● Try rose water as a toner.
Rosewater is an age-old remedy for healthy skin owing to its soothing and balancing effects. Dabbing a little on your face after cleansing can help tighten pores.
● Exfoliate gently.
Using a mild, natural scrub once or twice a week—like ground oats mixed with honey or yogurt—removes dead skin cells and reveals a brighter complexion.
● Protect your skin from the sun.
Applying sunscreen before going outdoors shields our skin from harmful UV rays and helps prevent premature aging.
Regular Exercise
Islam always emphasizes taking good care of yourself and encourages movement. Any sort of exercise, be it weight training, cardio, or just a stroll around the park, can act as a great stress buster.
As women, it is important to also include a bit of weight training in our daily schedule to ensure our muscles remain healthy and so do our bones.
Relying solely on cardio results in loss of fat and muscle, so it is imperative to do weight training as well. Going to gyms is not necessary—you can buy dumbbells or use home DIYs like filled 2L water bottles, etc. Remember, ladies, perfection is not important; consistency is.
In case none of these is possible, you can try playing a sport regularly with a relative, family member, or friend—this allows you to exercise and bond with the people you care about!
Conscious Eating and Hydration
Every day, the choices we make about food and water play a big role in how we feel.
● Eat in moderation: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught us to avoid excess. He encouraged us to fill only one-third of our stomachs with food, leave one-third for drink, and keep one-third empty for breath. This gentle guidance reminds us to eat mindfully and avoid overeating.
● Try to be fully present with your food while eating: when we slow down and truly enjoy our food—appreciating its flavors, textures, and the effort behind it—we develop a deeper sense of gratitude. Taking a moment to say “Bismillah” before eating and “Alhamdulillah” after helps us remember the countless blessings in our lives.
● Food for the mind and body: Eating wholesome, nourishing foods not only supports our physical health, but it also helps clear our minds, boost our mood, and keep our energy steady throughout the day. Here is a small guide with a few healthy recipes you can try.
● Staying hydrated is essential for flushing out toxins, supporting digestion, and keeping our skin glowing.
● Keeping a water bottle nearby, sipping water throughout the day, and choosing water over sugary drinks are small steps that add up to big benefits for our health.
● Remembering to be thankful for clean, fresh water—a blessing many people in the world don’t have—helps us appreciate the little things and stay mindful of our blessings.
Fasting is a beautiful Sunnah that brings both spiritual and physical benefits. When we fast, our bodies get a chance to rest from constant digestion, which helps with detoxification—removing toxins, repairing cells, and improving organ function. Sunnah fasts, like those on Mondays, Thursdays, or the middle of the month, not only strengthen our faith but also support our health. Fasting helps our liver process and eliminate toxins, boosts our immune system, and can even improve mental clarity and energy levels.
Good Sleep: Rest for Body and Soul
A good night’s sleep is essential for our well-being. When we sleep well, our bodies heal, our minds recharge, and our moods improve. Sleep helps us process the day’s experiences and prepares us for the challenges ahead. Creating a calming bedtime routine—like reading, praying, or simply winding down—can make a big difference in how rested and refreshed we feel each morning.
Taking Breaks: Listen to Your Body
Sometimes, the best thing we can do for ourselves is to take a break. Whether it’s a short walk, a few minutes of deep breathing, or simply sitting quietly, giving ourselves permission to pause helps prevent burnout. Listening to our bodies and taking breaks when we need them is an important part of self-care—one that helps us stay balanced, focused, and ready to give our best to those around us.
Nurturing Our Mind and Soul
Caring for our physical health is part of honoring the trust Allah has given us—but the body is only one part of who we are. Our thoughts, emotions, and spiritual connection deserve care too. They are where faith takes root.
Just as our bodies need nourishment and rest, so do our minds and souls. Without tending to them, even the healthiest body can feel restless.
A positive mindset filled with gratitude elevates our daily life. This mindset begins at home—with the simple teachings the Almighty has given us. Everyday actions can help build it.
For example, start each task with Bismillah—whether it’s making your morning cup of coffee or a task that’s heavier. Faith in that moment brings focus and ease. When the task is done, say Alhamdulillah. It brings barakah, even into the smallest parts of the day
Prayer: Connection and Reflection
As Muslim women, our focus must be on praying all five times a day—with khushu (deep focus and humility). Salah brings calm in hectic moments and even more joy in peaceful ones.
No matter how packed your schedule is, try to pray as consistently as possible. With time, you’ll notice the tranquility it brings to your life—how it reconnects you with your Creator and fills your heart with love, patience, and kindness.
Spending a few quiet moments with the Qur’an each day helps us stay connected to our faith. If possible, try reading it not only in Arabic but also with translations. You can find translations in your native language or use the many resources available online.
This helps you understand your religion better and strengthens your beliefs. The Qur’an is more than a book—it’s a way of life. Through the stories of the prophets before us, we learn valuable lessons on how to live better. And through inspiring examples of women like Aisha (RA) and Khadija (RA), we can celebrate the strength and empowerment that comes with being a Muslim woman.
Our faith always encourages us to seek more knowledge, not just about our faith, but about the entire cosmos. With the huge amounts of responsibility, we often forget to nurture our own Try reading books that interest you, taking hobby classes, or trying something new. You can also return to something that once intrigued you but was set aside as life got busy.
Positive Connections and Community
Socializing is an important aspect for being happy. Being around people you are close to or around people in your community who have similar beliefs as you do helps uplift your spirits!
In the hustle of everyday life, we often get so worked up that we forget to take out some minutes for ourselves. Even 10-15 minutes every day, where the focus is on grounding ourselves, can help us be more present and do better. Deep breathing exercises, journaling, or simply sitting in silence to allow your thoughts to process better can make a huge difference to your stress levels. Dhikr and Muraqabah can also help in regaining mindfulness.
Always remember to trust Allah’s plan and turn to Him whenever you feel worried—this brings comfort and strength to your heart.
Duas for Nurturing Mind and Soul
Here is A list of a few dua’s you can recite daily, to stay healthy, happy, and unther the protection of Allah.
● For Gratitude and Blessings:
“Allahumma inni as’aluka ridaka wal-jannah, wa a’udhu bika min sakhatika wan-nar.”
(O Allah, I ask for Your pleasure and Paradise, and I seek refuge in You from Your displeasure and the Fire.)
● When Feeling Overwhelmed:
“La ilaha illa Anta, Subhanaka, inni kuntu minadh-dhalimeen.”
(There is no god but You, exalted are You! Indeed, I have been of the wrongdoers.) — Surah Al-Anbiya 21:87
● For Guidance:
“Rabbana la tuzigh quloobana ba’da idh hadaytana wa hab lana min ladunka rahmah, innaka antal-Wahhab.”
(Our Lord, let not our hearts deviate after You have guided us and grant us from Yourself mercy. Indeed, You are the Bestower.) — Surah Al-Imran 3:8
● For Useful Knowledge:
“Rabbi zidni ‘ilma.”
(My Lord, increase me in knowledge.) — Surah Ta-Ha 20:114
● For Good Company:
“Allahummaj’alna minas-salihin, waj’alna ma’as-salihin.”
(O Allah, make us among the righteous and make us join the righteous.)
● For Peace and Ease:
“Allahumma la sahla illa ma ja’altahu sahla, wa anta taj’alul-huzna idha shi’ta sahla.”
(O Allah, there is no ease except in what You have made easy, and You make the difficulty, if You wish, easy.)
● For Protection and Rest:
“Bismika Allahumma amutu wa ahya.”
(In Your name, O Allah, I die and I live.) — Sahih Bukhari
As Muslim women, we have so much on our plates, but let’s not forget to take care of ourselves along the way. Whether it’s a little dua, a quiet moment, or simply pausing to breathe, every bit of self-care counts. Remember, you’re doing amazing, and you deserve this care. Let’s keep supporting each other—share what helps you feel your best!
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