How Halloween scares can soothe anxiety

October 27, 2025 How Halloween scares can soothe anxiety By Angela Haupt Editor, Health and Wellness Every year, I embark on a tour of haunted houses—and grin the entire time, even as I scream. I'm not the only one who finds Halloween horrors strangely comforting. TIME contributor Delaney Rebernik talked to experts about the mental-health benefits of seeking out scares for sport. READ MORE » If you have a minute, please take our quick survey to help us better understand who you are and which health topics interest you most. Take the Survey WHAT ELSE TO READ 8 Ways to Stay Hydrated If You Hate Drinking Water Add one glass per week, schedule nudges throughout the day, and add herbs to your water or ice cubes.   Birdwatching Has Big Mental-Health Benefits. Here's How to Start Research suggests that seeing—and even just hearing—birds can relieve stress.   Why You Should Always Wash New Clothes Before Wearing Them The chemicals used in manufacturing clothing are potentially bad for your skin.   If you were forwarded this and want to sign up to receive it daily, click here. Today's newsletter was written by Angela Haupt and edited by Mandy Oaklander.   Want more from TIME? Sign up for our other newsletters.         Subscribe to TIME TIME may receive compensation for some links to products and services in this email. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Connect with TIME via Facebook | Twitter | Newsletters PRIVACY POLICY | YOUR CALIFORNIA PRIVACY RIGHTS Questions? Contact newsletters@time.com Update your email preferences or unsubscribe here © 2025 TIME USA, LLC. All rights reserved. TIME Customer Service, P.O. Box 37508 Boone, IA 50037-0508, United States of America Terms of Service