3 Ways to Step Into Your Strength (Even When You Feel Like You're Starting Over)
Let’s be real, sis. There are seasons in life where everything feels heavy. Maybe you've fallen off your wellness routine and you're currently not the productive muslim you want to be. Maybe as a muslim woman, muslim wife, busy muslim you're juggling motherhood, work, ibadah, and trying to remember the last time you had a hot cup of tea to yourself. And now, the guilt creeps in, that feeling like you should be doing more, or better.
But here’s your reminder, You’re not starting over. You’re starting from experience. And that matters more than you think.
This is your gentle nudge. A voice saying, "You’re stronger than you realise and here are three powerful ways to step into that strength today."
1. Shift your self-talk (because words carry weight)
If we spoke to our friends the way we sometimes speak to ourselves, we wouldn't have many friends left. Internal dialogue has the power to either nurture or destroy your self-belief. Ask yourself:
Am I rooting for myself or criticising everything I do?
Do I speak energetically and action my goals, or fear into my routines?
Try this today: Instead of saying, "I have to work out," shift to "Alhamdulillah Allah has blessed me to move my body with purpose."
Remember, Allah tells us that He does not burden a soul beyond what it can bear. So, trust that you're equipped. Start affirming your strength.
2. Move with intention, not obligation
You don’t need to run a marathon to be active. You just need to move, consistently, and with love and gratitude for your body. In fact, the Prophet Muhammad peace and blessings be upon him encouraged walking, riding, swimming, and archery. Movement is deeply embedded in our tradition.
A fitness tip: Try this 10-minute intentional movement circuit:
Inchworm walk to plank x 6 (builds strength for sujood and posture)
Superman hip hinge holds x 10 (strengthens lower back, mimics rukoo)
Wall push-ups or incline push-ups x 10 (builds upper body & energy)
Light walk or stretching dua session for 2 minutes
Feel your body. Make wudhu before. Start with Bismillah.
3. Anchor your day with a spiritual habit
Your strength isn’t just physical. It’s spiritual. And sometimes what we need isn’t another productivity hack, but a heart reset.
One anchor practice to try: Start your day with Quran before coffee. Even one ayah. Even one line. Let your body and mind know Who is in control, and why you're showing up for yourself today.
Studies even show that intentional spiritual practices improve focus, motivation, and emotional regulation, all things that support a sustainable health journey and as Muslimahs we already know this and have felt this now or at least some point in our lives, Alhamdulillah.
SOOOOO you’re not behind. You’re being built.
You don’t need to follow what everyone else is doing on social media. You don’t need to wait for the perfect planner or the perfect time.
You just need to begin.
And every time you show up for your wellness, even in a small way, you are honoring the amanah of your body. You are practicing shukr. You are building stamina for life and for your sanity.
So BISMILLAH take a breath. Pick one of these three. And step into your strength, one intentional choice at a time.