Summer is often painted as a time of freedom, fun, and sunshine. But for many young people, the long, unstructured days can bring a different feeling altogether — anxiety.
Whether it’s worries about the future, feeling isolated without school or university routines, or challenges at home, anxiety can feel more intense during the summer. But you’re not alone — and there are healthy, faith-friendly ways to manage it.
Here are 5 practical and spiritual ways to help cope with anxiety this summer:
1. Stick to a Gentle Routine
Summer doesn’t have to mean chaos. While it’s great to take a break, your mind often craves some structure.
Try this:
- Wake up at a similar time each day
- Set small goals (e.g., read one chapter, go for a walk, pray all 5 salah on time)
- Include time for rest, fun, and connection
🕒 Having even a loose routine can give your mind something to hold onto when everything feels overwhelming.
2. Use Your Faith as a Source of Strength
Islam offers deep spiritual tools for managing anxiety. Turning to Allah (SWT) in moments of worry can be calming and empowering.
Try:
- Reciting dhikr (remembrance) such as “Hasbunallahu wa ni’mal wakeel”
- Making heartfelt du’a when you’re feeling low
- Reading Qur’an, especially verses of comfort like Surah Duha or Surah Inshirah
🌙 “Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.” (Qur’an 13:28)
3. Limit Doom-Scrolling & Social Comparison
It’s easy to fall into the trap of endlessly scrolling through other people’s highlight reels — beach trips, outings, and ‘perfect’ summer lives.
If social media makes you feel inadequate, anxious or left out, take a step back.
🔇 Mute triggering accounts
🧘🏽 Try a 24-hour digital detox
💬 Focus on your reality, not the filtered one online
Remember: You don’t have to be busy or achieving to be enough.
4. Get Moving — Even a Little Bit
Physical activity is proven to help reduce anxiety. You don’t need a gym — just some movement.
Try:
- A daily 15-minute walk
- Gentle stretching or yoga
- Playing sports with friends
- Gardening or doing chores outdoors
🌿 Connecting with nature can also remind us of Allah’s creation and bring a sense of peace.
5. Talk to Someone You Trust
Bottling up anxiety often makes it worse. Speaking to someone — a friend, a sibling, or a helpline like MYH — can ease the pressure.
💬 Your feelings are valid. You deserve to be heard without judgment.
At MYH, we’re here to listen — anonymously, confidentially, and with understanding.
📞 Call us at 0808 808 2008
💻 Or visit: www.myh.org.uk
You’re Not Alone
It’s okay if summer doesn’t feel like a holiday. Life brings ups and downs, and faith reminds us that hardship is not permanent. Take it one step, one prayer, one day at a time.
If you’re struggling, don’t suffer in silence — reach out, reflect, and remember: you are not alone.