What is the way to overcome the feeling of distress and laziness that prevents one from studying and reading books, while regaining energy in acts of worship and fulfilling the covenant with Allah after breaking it?

To deal with worries and sorrows, one must resort to Allah through supplication and fervent prayer, as Allah Almighty says: "Our Lord, let not our hearts deviate after You have guided us and grant us from Yourself mercy. Indeed, You are the Bestower," and His saying: "Our Lord, pour upon us patience and plant firmly our feet."

It is also important to associate with good people, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "A person is on the religion of his friend, so let one of you look at whom he befriends."

One must remember that calamities atone for sins, as stated in the Hadith: "No fatigue, nor disease, nor sorrow, nor sadness, nor hurt, nor distress befalls a Muslim, even if it were a thorn that pricks him, but Allah expiates some of his sins thereby."

Moreover, contentment and joy are found in obedience, while worry and distress are found in disobedience, as Allah Almighty says: "Whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, while he is a believer - We will surely cause him to live a good life," and "But whoever turns away from My remembrance - indeed, he will have a difficult life."

Among the well-known supplications to remove worry and sorrow are: "O Allah, I am Your servant, son of Your servant..." and "O Allah, I seek refuge in You from anxiety and sorrow, and helplessness and laziness, and miserliness and cowardice."

Ibn Al-Qayyim mentioned that among the reasons for the expansion of the chest are: Tawhid (Oneness of Allah), the light of faith, beneficial knowledge, repentance to Allah and His love, continuous remembrance of Allah, and kindness to creation.

As for acquiring knowledge, one must not give up, but seek help through the virtue of knowledge and patience with it, read the biographies of the righteous predecessors, relax oneself when feeling bored, seek help from colleagues, and sometimes read beneficial stories. There is also no harm in lawful Ruqyah (Islamic exorcism).