Scared to Death? A Halloween Fright Could Be Good for Your Health
Halloween is here, and you know what that means—haunted houses, horror movies, and plenty of reasons to scream!
But before you dismiss it as just a spooky holiday thrill, let’s talk about why a good scare might actually benefit your health.
Yes, you read that right—those creepy corn mazes and haunted hayrides could be doing more than just keeping you on the edge of your seat.
We’ve talked about the potential of AI in medicine, the new uses for GLP-1 antagonist drugs—and we’ve covered the upsides and concerns of each.
Well, here’s another area where humans are finding surprising benefits, only this time it’s from one of our most primal instincts—fear!
It may sound strange, but fear—when experienced in a controlled environment like a haunted house or scary movie—can actually feel good.
When you’re startled by a jump scare or chased by someone in a terrifying costume, your body kicks into its natural fight-or-flight response.
Your heart rate spikes, your breathing quickens, and your blood pressure rises, just as it would in a real-life dangerous situation. But here’s the fun part: your brain knows it’s not real.
You’re in a safe place, and you can always stop the fear by walking away or turning off the TV. Once the scare is over, your brain rewards you with a rush of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that makes you feel good. It’s a little like a runner’s high—without all the running!
In fact, one study found that people who went through a high-intensity haunted house had less anxiety afterward. So, if you’re feeling stressed about your health or just life in general, taking a spooky break might actually help you relax!
Fear doesn’t just give us a rush—it brings us closer to the people around us. Going through a creepy maze or watching a scary movie with friends triggers a bonding response in the brain.
It’s called the tend-and-befriend reaction, which makes you feel more connected to others during stressful situations.
Remember that last time you clung to your spouse during a scary scene or huddled together after a loud noise startled everyone? That’s oxytocin—the so-called “love hormone”—at work, helping you build stronger relationships. And let’s face it, as we get older, maintaining those social connections is vital for both mental and physical health.
So, if you’re looking for a way to strengthen your social bonds this Halloween, skip the quiet night in and opt for a haunted house adventure with your friends or grandchildren instead.
Believe it or not, those heart-pounding moments during a scary movie or haunted house may also help prepare you for real-life challenges. Studies show that people who regularly consume horror media—movies, books, games—tend to have more psychological resilience during actual stressful events.
Think back to the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Movies like Contagion started trending, as people watched scenarios that mirrored the real-world fear we were all experiencing.
By practicing fear in controlled environments, horror fans were better equipped to handle the anxiety and uncertainty of the pandemic.
Scaring yourself on purpose, it seems, is a way of mentally rehearsing how to handle real-life fears. It’s like training your brain to stay calm under pressure—pretty useful as we age and face more challenges in life.
So, what’s the takeaway? A little fear isn’t just fun—it’s good for you. This Halloween, consider embracing your love of all things spooky by diving into a haunted house, watching a creepy movie, or even reading a thriller.
You’ll get that heart-pumping adrenaline rush, strengthen your social bonds, and maybe even build a little more resilience to life’s real scares.
But don’t overdo it! Just like too much stress can be harmful, too much fear might leave you feeling more anxious than before. Find your balance, and remember: fear can be a tool for thriving—not just surviving.
To your (spooky) health!
Rachel Mace
Managing Editorial Director, e-Alert
with contributions from the research team
P.S. Could these blood-sucking creatures treat modern diseases? Check out the Health Science Institute’s October newsletter for the chilling details.
Sources:
The Conversation. (2024, October 21). Why Do People Love to Be Afraid? An Expert Explains Why Fear Feels Good. ScienceAlert. https://www.sciencealert.com/why-do-people-love-to-be-afraid-an-expert-explains-why-fear-feels-good
