October 31st, 2017

5 Ways to Have a Fabulous Halloween

Reading Time: 4 minutes

It’s the spookiest night of the year!

For most people, Halloween is so much fun – it’s scary. Trick-or-treating, fun costumes, haunted houses, and freakish frights.

But before this night creeps up on you, we have some tips to help you enjoy a happy Halloween – and stay healthy, too!

Here are 5 ways to have a Fabulous Halloween:

1. Don’t Stress

Should you dress up as a vampire? A pirate? Or how about Wonder Woman? It’s easy to get wrapped up in the craziness of Halloween, and costumes play a huge role. But all of those aisles, shelves, and online galleries of costumes may be hindering your decision instead of helping it.

Although it may seem great to have more choices, too many options can actually cause you more stress and leave you feeling overwhelmed. And when you do make a decision, your mind wanders to the other choices you rejected. Rather than feeling liberated and autonomous, you’re filled with regrets and “what-ifs” instead.

So how do you choose? By simplifying your choices and narrowing your focus:

  • Be a last-minute shopper. Halloween items are usually discounted on the day of October 31st. Most costumes are sold out by this time, which means less choice, less stress – and less of a strain on your wallet, too!
  • Cast a smaller net. Limit the number of places where you search and compare options. If you’re shopping online, browse 1-2 websites. If you prefer to shop locally, visit only a few stores in your area. And once you’ve made a decision, stick with it.
  • Trust your gut. Be confident with your choice, and “let go” of the other options.

Simplify your choices – and simply enjoy your Halloween.

2. Disconnect from Your Devices

We’re becoming increasingly wired to our devices, and it’s beginning to affect our sleep, relationships, happiness, and even public safety.

Dare yourself to do something different this Halloween night: disconnect from your devices – as frightening as that may seem. Take advantage of any downtime settings or features. Disable all unnecessary notifications. Mute your devices, or – if you can – turn them off altogether.

Once you’ve done that, then you can do any (or all) of these fun things instead:

  • Movie marathons. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly fun or a thrilling horror movie, there are lots of Halloween classics to keep you entertained throughout the night.
  • Food. There’s more to Halloween than just candy. Cook up some delicious Halloween-themed recipes for a ghastly treat.
  • Pumpkin crafts. What’s Halloween without a classic Jack-o-Lantern? Pick up some pumpkins and get in the Halloween spirit.
  • Haunted houses or amusement parks. If you’re a little more adventurous and like a good scare, then head to an eerie haunted house or visit an amusement park.
  • Halloween party. Host a Halloween party and give a prize to the scariest costume.

Disconnect this Halloween and make some “spook-tacular” new Halloween traditions!

3. Warm Up with Stretching Exercises

If you’re going trick-or-treating with your friends or your kids, then you’ll want to be prepared. Because of the amount of walking involved, trick-or-treating could easily turn into a fitness activity. So before you get all that candy, be sure to get a good stretch.

Here’s why:

  • Better posture. Stretching lengthens tight muscles and keeps you aligned.
  • Greater flexibility. Lengthening your muscles keeps them loose and limber, giving you a larger range of motion.
  • Increased stamina. Loosened muscles and tendons alleviate muscle fatigue and improve blood circulation, which helps to increase your endurance.
  • Less injuries. Proper blood circulation provides your muscles and joints with nutrients, reducing soreness and speeding up recovery.
  • Relieves stress. Stressed muscles tend to contract more easily, which can have a negative effect on your mind and body. Stretching encourages the release of endorphins, making you feel relaxed and peaceful.

It’s going to be a long night! So warm up with some stretching exercises.

4. Stay Hydrated

Whether you’re scouring the streets for candy, braving a haunted house, or dancing at a Halloween party, you’re going to need your energy. And the best way to keep your energy high is to stay hydrated.

Proper hydration is crucial. Approximately 60% of your body is made of water, and your brain is extremely sensitive to your body’s fluid balance. Even a mild case of dehydration can impair brain function, affecting your energy levels, memory, and mood.

Water does so much more than quench your thirst. It increases your energy; fuels your muscles; lubricates your joints; and boosts your productivity. Drinking enough water helps to maintain balance within your body and preserve your overall health.

To increase your water intake today – and every day – start by drinking a glass of water after you wake up, as well as 30 minutes before each meal. Make it a habit to carry a water bottle with you, and if you need some flavour, infuse your water with a fresh squeeze of citrus.

Refill your energy and feel “fang-tastic” with some water!

5. Keep Calm with Meditation

If you’re staying home to hand out candy to the little ghosts and ghouls, consider mellowing out with some meditation before the madness ensues.

Put your mind at ease with the following reasons:

  • Reduced anxiety. When you meditate, you activate the parasympathetic nervous system and shut off your agitated “fight or flight” response, weakening your anxious thoughts.
  • Reduced stress. With regular practice, meditation makes it easier to handle stressful situations by helping you remain calm and centered.
  • More kindness. Meditation increases feelings of elation, kindness, and empathy – so you can greet those trick-or-treaters with a big smile.

Don’t let this night give you a fright! Keep calm with meditation.

Have a “Fa-boo-lous” Halloween!

Scare up some fun this Halloween, and enjoy yourself with friends and family. But remember to stay healthy!

“Best witches” from Team Fabulous.