We live in a time of endless opportunities and convenience. Technology places the world at our fingertips—one click connects us to information, friends, and learning. Life should feel easier and more exciting than ever. Yet many people feel tired, anxious, and constantly behind. The same tools that promise ease—smartphones, notifications, and unlimited data—can also cause stress if not handled carefully.
Hans Selye’s theory of stress management explains this well. He saw stress as the body’s natural reaction to demands or challenges, described through his General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) model. Stress unfolds in three stages: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion. In today’s digital age, constant messages, heavy workloads, and nonstop notifications often trigger the alarm stage, preparing the body to respond. If stress is managed properly, we enter the resistance stage—where stress sharpens focus, boosts energy, and enhances productivity. But when stress lingers without management, it moves into exhaustion, leading to burnout, fatigue, and unhappiness.
The Trap of Overwork and Multitasking
Stress is not always a bad thing. It can become a positive force when linked to our personal purpose and values. True success is not only about reaching goals or beating others; it is about growing, learning, and making meaningful contributions. Many people feel exhausted because they take on too much and try to multitask all the time. Students and workers often juggle emails, assignments, and meetings, which leads to mental overload and anxiety—especially when the work does not match their personal goals.
Negative competition, where the goal is only to beat others, worsens stress and kills motivation. By contrast, healthy competition, self-reflection, and focusing on one’s unique strengths can turn stress into energy. This transforms challenges into opportunities for personal growth instead of burdens.
To handle work effectively, it is important to understand and use your unique abilities—the strengths gifted to you. By focusing time and energy on tasks that match those strengths, you not only work more efficiently but also avoid the mental exhaustion of doing too many things at once. This approach keeps stress in the resistance stage, where it fuels motivation instead of draining it. Using natural talents not only improves performance but also builds a deeper sense of satisfaction, reduces boredom, and prevents the constant feeling of being left behind.
Research shows that stress can actually be used in a positive way. At Chiang Mai University in Thailand, students who practiced techniques like deep breathing, relaxation, mindfulness, and cognitive therapy reported lower stress levels and performed better in daily life. Another study with hundreds of undergraduates found that those who used healthy coping methods felt less tired and enjoyed better overall well-being. These results support Selye’s idea that when stress is managed properly, it stays in the resistance stage—giving energy instead of causing exhaustion.
Turning Stress into Growth
In today’s fast-paced world, stress is inevitable—but it is not necessarily harmful. When managed well and connected to meaningful goals, stress provides focus, motivation, and energy. It helps us stay productive without burning out. The key is to prioritize tasks, set healthy boundaries with technology, take regular breaks, and seek support when needed. With the right approach, stress becomes not a destructive force but a source of growth, balance, and long-term success.
Above all, as Muslims, we must believe that every stress, problem, anxiety, or moment of difficulty is temporary. Allah (SWT) is always there to help us and relieve our burdens. As the Qur’an reminds us:
"Sufficient for us is Allah, and He is the best Disposer of affairs." (Al-Imran 3:173)
This belief gives us inner strength and reassurance, helping us face challenges with patience, focus, and hope.
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