Break out your costumes and candy corn: Halloween is fast approaching! Halloween season is one of the best times of the year. But, it’s important not to get so caught up in the spookiness that you forget to make some time for yourself. Here are some great ways to practice self-care this Halloween season!

Schedule a Halloween Movie Marathon.

Watching movies is a great way to take a stress-free break and spend quality time with friends. Whether its horror films, Charlie Brown, or something nostalgic from your pre-teen glory days, you’re bound to find a great movie to help you replace your stress with Halloween spirit and boost your mood! Health Initiatives health dducator Sarah Morales said, “Movies are an easy way to spend time on your self-care. They let your mind rest and create a nice distraction for a few hours from any stressors you may have.”

Ghost from technology for more you time.

Want to try something extra spooky? Practice some healthy ghosting and take a break from your electronics and social media. Make a conscious effort to switch everything off, and relax. Health Initiatives health educator, Elaine Miller recommends, “Slowing down, turning off your devices and creating memorable experiences in real time instead of on your phone.” If you are looking for a place to slow down and unwind Health Initiatives hosts weekly Mindful Moments: Drop in & Relax sessions to help you learn new stress management techniques to incorporate into your every day!

Dress up for the Halloween Holla 5K.

Costumes, fitness, and prizes, oh my! Campus Recreation (CRC) is hosting its annual Halloween Holla 5k on October 26th at 7:30 a.m. Costumes are highly encouraged for the costume contest portion of this event. The treats don’t stop there, the first 200 students to check-in get a free t-shirt. Take time to celebrate fitness and see some zany costumes in the process.  For more information, check out crc.gatech.edu/halloweenholla! 

**** This event is postponed to Wednesday, October 31st at 7:30 am due to the impact of Hurricane Willa! 

Boost your mood with spooky tunes.

Listening to Halloween-themed music can brighten any activity, from working out to studying. Movie soundtracks, spooky noises, and classics like Thriller can be a festive mood-booster. Music has been shown to boost the brain’s production of the hormone dopamine and decrease feelings of anxiety and depression. Next time you need a mood booster throw on some tunes and increase your dopamine levels.

Make Halloween themed healthy snacks.

Candy corn and the vast expanses of sweet treats are great to celebrate this time of year. For some variety and balance there are also tons of healthy snacks you can make that are just as Halloween-y as candy corn. In need of some ideas? Health Initiatives dietitian, Leah Galante shares new easy to follow recipes every Tuesday at healthinitiatives.gatech.edu/tuesday-tastes. 

No matter what your style this Halloween make sure to carve out some time specifically for yourself. Practicing self-care is an important component of your overall health and well-being. For more self-care programs and events go to, healthinitiatives.gatech.edu/self-care.