Ramadan on Campus: Reducing Stress, Fighting Anxiety, and Promoting Healthy Well-Being through Fasting

Jakarta, UIN Online News -  A hadith from the Prophet, recorded by Bukhari and Muslim, states, "Whoever fasts with absolute faith and excitement for Allah's reward, his previous sins will be absolved.". This statement indicates that fasting purifies one's mind from transgressions and has beneficial effects on mental and psychological stability.

Would it be possible to implement fasting as a method to mitigate various psychological disorders in the face of increasing life pressures? This kind of question is best suited to Prof. Dr. Rena Latifa, M.Psy, a professor from the Faculty of Psychology.

"Surprisingly, by reducing consumption of food and entertainment, it allows for a greater emphasis on worship and self-reflection," she explained.

The psychological aspects of fasting

During this Ramadan research session, Prof. Rena stated that fasting provides several advantages that influence the human psyche, including

1. Building self-discipline: Prophet Muhammad said, "Fasting serves as a barricade against malevolence; therefore, when one of you is fasting, he should refrain from indecent speech and foolish behavior. If someone is trying to piss him off, he should warn them that he is fasting. " This hadith illustrates how fasting may serve as a mechanism for emotional regulation and mitigate susceptibility to provocation.

2. Enhancing mental fortitude and tenacity: Fasting instructs us in the regulation of impatience, rage, and irritation, fostering emotional stability. Moreover, fasting promotes opportunities for contemplation and self-awareness.

3. Improving serenity and alleviating anxiety: Another psychological advantage is the enhancement of inner tranquility and the alleviation of mental strain.

4. Promoting thankfulness: Fasting may divert sentiments of discontent and adverse emotions; thus, it promotes a more optimistic mindset and fosters gratitude for His blessings.

Psychological transformation via fasting 

In a concise interview, Prof. Rena underscored that fasting serves as a mechanism for reshaping our psychological state that enhances our soul and fosters emotional equilibrium and fortitude in confronting adversities.

"To acquire the wisdom of fasting and transform negative behaviors into positive ones, we must first impart knowledge and then cultivate belief in the advantages of fasting, which will foster a positive disposition toward the practice, ultimately resulting in improved behavior," the professor of the psychology department concluded. 

In the end, she inspires us to make the best out of Ramadan in progressing self-improvement across several dimensions: physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

If you are more interested in this Ramadan news series, you can watch this YouTube video below.

Also watch: Fasting in Psychological Scope | Prof. Dr. Rena Latifa, M.Psy. | Ramadan Kareem

(Alfina Ika A./Zaenal M./Muhamad Arifin Ilham/Photo: PIH)