Self-care isn’t just about spa days and scented candles (though those can be nice). For us, young Zen Muslims living in the hustle of modern life, self-care needs to go deeper, it’s about connecting with our faith while staying on top of our lives with the help of a little tech magic. Yes, you can use your phone for more than scrolling TikTok or binge-watching cat videos.
Here’s how to craft a self-care routine that aligns with your deen and makes the most of today’s tech tools. Bonus: You’ll still have time for your iced coffee obsession. Ready? Let’s dive in!
1. Wake Up Right: Fajr Alarms Are Non-Negotiable
We all know that Fajr can be a challenge, especially if you’re a night owl. But let’s be real: your self-care routine starts with catching that first Salah of the day.
Here’s a tech twist:
- Adhan Apps: Download an app like Muslim Pro or Athan to wake you up with a soulful Adhan. It’s like having your own personal muadhin!
- Smart Alarms: If you’re a chronic snoozer, try apps like Alarmy, which won’t turn off until you solve a math problem or take a picture of your sink (weird, but effective).
Pro Tip: Pair this with a gentle sunrise lamp to feel like you’re waking up in Jannah.
2. Dua Journaling: Old-School Meets New-School
Let’s bring the sunnah of reflection into 2025! The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) often emphasized gratitude and making dua. Why not make it part of your self-care routine?
- Use a digital journal like Day One or Notion to write down your daily duas and things you’re grateful for.
- Create categories like “Deen Goals,” “Dua Requests,” and “Alhamdulillah Moments.”
- Set reminders to review your entries weekly, it’s like a faith-based progress tracker for your soul.
You’ll be amazed at how calming this is, especially when life feels overwhelming.
3. Fitness for the Soul and Body
Physical fitness is part of our deen (hello, archery and horseback riding in the sunnah!). But instead of galloping through the suburbs, let’s use tech to stay active.
- Halal Workout Apps: Try fitness apps that align with your values, like Sunnah Fit, which incorporates Islamic reminders into your workout.
- Step Trackers: Use your smartwatch to remind you to walk around after each Salah. Aim for those 10,000 steps and spiritual gains.
- YouTube Yoga: Follow halal yoga instructors who offer modest routines. Yes, you can namaste your way to Jannah (sort of).
4. Mindful Salah: Quality Over Quantity
Salah isn’t just a checklist item, it’s your daily dose of spiritual therapy. Use tech to make it more meaningful:
- Prayer Time Blockers: Apps like Forest or Focus Keeper can block notifications during Salah, so you’re not thinking about memes during Sujood.
- Guided Khushu’: Use apps like Quran Companion for tips on improving concentration in prayer. Think of it as mindfulness for Muslims.
Pro Tip: Invest in a comfortable prayer mat (bonus points if it’s tech-inspired, like those ergonomic ones that feel like a cloud).
5. Digital Detox With Dhikr
We’re glued to our screens, but even our devices can remind us to disconnect and reconnect with Allah.
- Dhikr Apps: Download apps like Tasbeeh Counter to help you make dhikr throughout the day. Set reminders for after Salah or while waiting in line at Starbucks.
- Screen Time Limits: Use your phone’s settings to limit social media scrolling (yes, even TikTok). Replace it with Qur’an reading or listening to Islamic podcasts.
Pro Tip: Turn off notifications from that one WhatsApp group where aunties are debating biryani recipes. Trust us, it’s self-care.
6. Halal Meal Prepping: Feed Your Soul and Stomach
Your self-care routine isn’t complete without nourishing your body.
- Meal Planning Apps: Use apps like Mealime to plan halal, balanced meals for the week.
- Du’as Before Eating: Set a reminder for the du’a before meals until it becomes second nature.
Pro Tip: Batch-cook your meals on Sundays while blasting your favorite nasheeds. Multitasking for the win!
7. Sadaqah: Self-Care Through Giving
Sometimes, the best way to care for yourself is by caring for others. Use tech to automate acts of kindness.
- Charity Apps: Apps like LaunchGood or GiveLight make it easy to donate regularly, even if it’s just $5 a month.
- Random Acts of Kindness: Set calendar reminders to send a sweet message to a friend or drop off treats at your local masjid.
8. Faithful Friendships: Virtually and IRL
Your squad can make or break your self-care journey. Surround yourself with people who uplift your deen.
- Islamic Study Groups: Join virtual halaqas on platforms like Clubhouse or Zoom.
- Shared Goals: Start a group chat where everyone tracks their faith goals. (But keep it supportive, no shaming allowed!)
9. Nightly Wind-Down: Digital Ibadah
End your day with a calming, tech-supported ibadah session:
- Qur’an Apps: Listen to a soothing recitation before bed.
- Sleep Reminders: Use apps like Sleep Cycle to track your sleep and wake up refreshed for Tahajjud (or at least Fajr).
Final Thoughts
Creating a self-care routine that combines faith and tech isn’t about doing everything perfectly, it’s about intentionality. Use these tips to find a balance that works for you, so you can thrive in both your dunya and akhirah.
Remember: self-care isn’t selfish; it’s sunnah. And yes, you can absolutely journal your duas while sipping your oat milk latte.
So go ahead, Zen Muslim. Be the spiritual-tech-savvy-goal-getter you were meant to be!