Trick Yourself Into Wellness (Halloween Edition)
Happy Halloween! You may think today is just for the kids but think again! There is so much in store for YOU, today! And, what’s more, there is a way to make today a totally mindful and enjoyable day that enhances your overall wellness in the spirit of Halloween! You may even trick yourself into being more well than you could imagine!
Halloween is often associated with vivid colors, unique sounds, and distinct smells. To make this holiday a mindful experience, focus on engaging your senses fully.
· Sight: Decorate your space with natural elements like pumpkins, gourds, and autumn leaves. Instead of relying solely on artificial decorations, consider creating a sensory-rich environment that reflects the season’s beauty. Take time to appreciate the changing colors of leaves and the intricate designs of fall. The best part is, you can leave these up until Thanksgiving if you wish.
· Sound: Create a playlist that includes not just spooky sounds but also calming music or nature sounds. This can help set a balanced atmosphere that encourages relaxation amidst the excitement of Halloween festivities. Some songs people like for Halloween: Monster Mash, Purple People Eater, Disturbia, and even Goosebumps. Which songs remind you of Halloween?
· Smell: Notice all the scents of the day. Take time to really let them resonate and see if they remind you of anything or maybe bring anything to mind. If you want to add in some scents, you can boil water and add in cinnamon sticks, sliced apples, oranges, cloves and whatever else you like to scent your home naturally. (If you get trick or treaters, they will all ask, what’s that smell?)
· Taste: Mindfully enjoy your food today. If you have special treats or snacks, notice all the flavors, textures and temperatures of each bite. If you are cooking today, take time to really be present in your preparation so you can appreciate your meals that much more.
Even if you didn’t spend a lot of time outside on Halloween, there’s something about spending time outdoors on a holiday that helps us to be more mindful. Get outside today, even if its nighttime, to just take in some fresh air, enhance your connection to nature and promote mindfulness.
· Nature Walks: Taking even a short nature walk is a fun Halloween tradition that may feel like a treat in itself. Pay attention to how the air feels against your skin, listen to rustling leaves, and notice wildlife around you.
· Outdoor Breaks: Make it a point to take a break outside today. These “breaks,” not only promote physical activity but also allow you to disconnect while enjoying fresh air. Taking
the extra time to walk outside and see some nature is always better than a mindless scroll on your phone.
· Mindful Reflection: Find a quiet spot outside or maybe even just sit in your car with the window down where you can sit and reflect on Halloween. Maybe you want to journal about past memories associated with the holiday or simply meditating on gratitude for the memories of the past.
Halloween can be an opportunity to focus on wellness rather than just candy consumption and frightful fun.
· Healthy Treat Alternatives: Yes, you can have sugary snacks but consider adding in healthier alternatives like fruit skewers shaped like ghosts or spooky veggie platters today if you can. People love this, your family will too! After a day filled with sugar, everyone loves a good healthy snack or meal.
· Move Your Body: Getting in some physical activity today will help in every way! You will burn off stress, be able to stay more focused, ensure a better night’s sleep and if you come to Zumba® at The Wellness Center (or any class today) it’s sure to be a party!
· Mindfulness Practices: Incorporate mindfulness practices into your Halloween by setting aside time for meditation or gratitude. List out H-A-L-L-O-W-E-E-N and list something that starts with each of those letters you are grateful for. Or take time to just be and breathe.
By focusing on any one or some of these aspects you can transform Halloween into a mindful experience that enriches both body and spirit. These are also great practices to help you slow down today and be more present to what is happening inside you and around you. No matter what, today and everyday is a great day to take great care of yourself and have fun! You never know you may just trick yourself into wellness!