7 Ways to Use Halloween to Improve your Mental Health
Halloween is a time of year that is the beginning of the holiday season. As an adult, it is more than just costumes and candy; it’s an opportunity to explore ourselves, our fears, and our overall mental health in a safe and playful way. By engaging with spooky themes and participating in festive activities, we can build resilience, or our ability to bounce back, so that we can confront our mental health head-on.
Here are some ways to utilize Halloween activities to improve your mental well-being:
Watch Horror Movies that are Comedies: Choose horror films that are known for their comedic elements, like “Hocus Pocus”, “The Addams Family”, or “Goosebumps”. By laughing at the scares, you can lessen their impact and learn to face your fears with humor.
Visit a Haunted House: If you feel up to it, visit a haunted house. You can make a plan with friends to support each other as you venture through the experience. Discuss any worries beforehand and reward yourself after! This acknowledges your bravery and can help boost your confidence.
Create a Spooky Safe Space: Decorate your home for Halloween and create a cozy, warm atmosphere. Include elements that soothe you—such as soft blankets, scented candles, or your favorite treats. Having an environment that promotes self-soothing is a great way to take care of yourself.
Engage in Crafting: Use your creative brain by making your own Halloween decorations or costumes. Engaging in a hands-on project can be a welcome distraction and is also a break from technology and screens! A project can feel especially rewarding once it's finished.
Host a Halloween Gathering: Invite friends over for a movie night or a costume party. Being social during this time establishes a support system and a sense of connection with others which is essential to our mental wellbeing.
Get Grounded: Incorporate mindfulness practices into your Halloween festivities. Taking a moment to breathe deeply as you walk through a decorated neighborhood or during a scary movie can ground you in the present moment.
Turn Frights into Insights: After Halloween, take some time to reflect on what you experienced. Did you confront any fears? How did it feel to overcome them? Try setting goals for yourself before relying on the new year. Reflecting and gaining insight allows you to increase your sense of self.
This Halloween, embrace the thrills and chills of the season and take care of your mental health. If you would like to talk to a professional about your mental health more in-depth, do not hesitate to reach out to our SGTG therapists. We are here to tailor a treatment plan plan to your unique needs! Reach out for a consultation!
About the Author
Maddie Persanyi, LCPC is a clinical therapist specializing in anxiety, relationship issues, self-esteem, life transition, and trauma. She incorporates IFS, CBT, and strength-based therapy into her treatment. Read more about Maddie here.