Anxiety Disorders Rise 27% Ahead of Eid al-Fitr: What Are the Reasons?
Eid al-Fitr celebrations are synonymous with family togetherness and traditional festive dishes. However, alongside the festive atmosphere, the public must maintain a balance between mental and physical health to remain in optimal condition during and after Eid.
The Indonesia Health Insights Q1 2026 report from Halodoc reveals that public health dynamics during Ramadan through Eid al-Fitr extend beyond physical condition to encompass mental health. The data shows that anxiety disorders increased by 27% in the third week of Ramadan compared to pre-fasting conditions.
“These disorders typically manifest as sleep difficulties, heart palpitations, and chest tightness,” said Halodoc Chief Marketing Officer Fibriyani Elastia in Jakarta recently.
She noted that such conditions are often triggered by social pressure, travel preparations, and family dynamics ahead of the holiday. This psychological situation can also affect a person’s physical condition. When stress levels increase, the immune system can weaken, triggering various health complaints.
Dr. Waluyo Dwi Cahyono, Sp.PD-KEMD, FINASIM, a specialist in internal medicine, stated that maintaining health during Eid does not mean avoiding traditional holiday foods, but rather regulating consumption patterns wisely.
“Maintaining health during the holiday does not mean limiting joy and celebration. With minor adjustments to how we prepare and consume food, we can still protect our digestive health and metabolism,” he said.
To keep the body fit during the Eid al-Fitr period, Dr. Waluyo shared several simple tips for maintaining balance between mental and physical health:
- Regulate meal portions in a balanced manner
Traditional Eid dishes such as opor, rendang, and dry cakes are still permissible to enjoy. However, meal portions should be controlled and balanced with vegetable and fruit consumption to ensure adequate fibre intake.
- Transition eating patterns gradually
After a month of fasting, the body needs time to adapt back to normal eating patterns. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid immediately consuming excessively spicy or acidic foods.
- Choose healthier cooking methods
Food preparation methods affect health. Cooking methods such as grilling or stir-frying with minimal oil can be an alternative to keep food tasty yet healthier.
- Ensure adequate fluid intake and rest
Busy socialising activities often reduce rest time. Therefore, it is important to maintain proper hydration and ensure sufficient sleep to keep the immune system strong.
Beyond maintaining eating patterns, stress management is also important to keep mental health stable during the Eid al-Fitr period.