“When is Halloween?” – This month? So soon?! If the end of the beautiful fall season has snuck up on you like a creepy crawler, you’re not alone. Between preparing those costumes, thinking up spooky snacks, or simply being too busy with other things, your wellbeing may have fallen by the wayside.
Let’s get it back on track without having to sacrifice the fun of the holiday season, but first some fun facts.
What is Halloween?
The spookiest time of year! Today, Halloween is celebrated in many countries around the world, but way, way back, it began as the Pagan festival of Samhain (sow-in), marking the end of summer and the harvest season.
But why all the ghosts and ghouls?
It was believed that at this time of year, a significant change occurred between the bright, fruitful fall and dead of winter, and at this time, the boundaries between the worlds of the living and the dead too were blurred, allowing ghosts to walk among us.
The traditional bonfires and masks that we see today were initially thought up to confuse the spirits and keep them from ruining the fruitful harvest.
Today, the tradition has been adopted worldwide as a celebration of October 31st and enjoys great popularity as a fun (and frightening) event for children and adults alike and is a favorite of those who like the scarier things in life.
How can fear be good for your health?
You might think that being scared is terrible for your health, and it is, most of the time – long term stress or fear can lead to heart disease, among other illnesses – however, Halloween scares are different and can have some fantastic health benefits.
Think of all that time you’ll spend with your friends – from dressing up to partying to trick or treating. Halloween has some fantastic social benefits for your mind and body. As you engage in activities with others, your brain will naturally relax and release feel-good chemicals, which benefit your body long after the event has taken place. So, what better excuse do you need for a get-together?
But social benefits aside, fear can almost boost your focus and help lift your mood. In controlled situations – haunted house, scary movie, moonlit walk – fear can deliver a charge to your adrenaline, which once you’ve run for your life, will help your body relax.
But, a word of caution, if you have a health condition (such as heart disease), you might want to consider taking things easy this holiday season.
Best ideas for keeping fit over Halloween
Although those tasty pumpkin lattes might have you thinking otherwise, Halloween can be the perfect time for keeping healthy. Aside from adding vitamin-packed treats like apples (hold the candy), pumpkin soup, and creepy grape eyes to your diet, why not try out these fun activities:
Haunted House
Grab a group of friends and head to your local haunted house. Nowadays, almost every city has one for those who love a good scare. From creepy clowns to ax murderers, to ghoulish ghosts and terrifying zombies, there’s no doubt you’ll find one that gets your blood pumping as you run and scream in terror!
Corn Maze
A fall classic, a corn maze is a perfect way to spend an afternoon or even evening (just bring a trusty torch). Can you find your way out, or will you be trapped forever along with that spooky scarecrow? Either way, you’ll get those steps in.
Pumpkin Patch
Who doesn’t love the taste of pumpkin?! Baked in a pie, like soup, perhaps, even in that fall latte. But have you ever picked your own? Take your friend and family and head to the local pumpkin patch to find the perfect pumpkin for you. You can even carve it up and make a scary lantern for your porch. Plus, it’s an excellent opportunity to get some weightlifting in. P.S don’t forget those Instagram-worthy photos while you’re there.
Trick or Treating
Picking out the perfect costume can be a challenge – witch or ghoul? Vampire or werewolf? What will you be this Halloween? You’re never too old for trick or treating, so grab that costume and let’s go. As you walk from door to door, you’ll be adding steps to your routine and keeping yourself healthy!
Verv’s latest Halloween update
If you need a little extra inspiration, we’ve got just the treat for you! This Halloween, Verv has a spooky new update that lets you keep frightened and fit with the help of our app.
