How to Watch Scary Movies Without Anxiety Symptoms
When you watch a scary movie, it can be a lot of fun, but it can also be scary. If you have a scaredy-cat friend or family member, there are things you can do to make the experience easier for them.
For example, one study suggests that watching scary movies may help kids learn to cope with their fears in a healthy way. But first, parents should know their child’s readiness for scary movies.
Know Your Limits
We all love a good horror movie, but there are some who find them triggering and can experience anxiety symptoms while watching. The key to enjoying a scary movie without experiencing any negative effects is knowing your limits and finding out what may push you over the edge.
One thing to consider when deciding whether or not to watch a scary movie is the age of the person you are watching with. For instance, if your child is 7-10 years old and has a fear of getting hurt by strangers or being threatened then a scary movie with a bad guy or stranger will probably cause them distress.
If you are concerned that your child is experiencing anxiety while watching a scary movie, make sure to talk with them aftewards and see how they are coping. Some of the warning signs that a movie is too scary for your child include: An increase in nightmares or night terrors, trouble falling asleep, or fears of strangers and the dark.
Besides telling them to turn it off, another important step to take is to give them some space. It is normal for kids to want to play or explore after a movie so allowing them some time to do this can help them relax and let go of the film.
You can also use exercise to help reduce the stress that a scary movie can cause. This can be done by dancing around, jogging in place or doing jumping jacks.
Another great way to deal with your fear is to get some support from friends and family. These people can encourage you, offer advice and help you get your mind off of the scary movie.
The best part is that it doesn’t have to be expensive or require much effort. Just find a friend or family member who can spend a little time with you. They are not only going to be there for you, but they will also have the benefit of being able to help you out when you feel scared or uncomfortable.
Don’t Forget the Lights
There are a lot of things you can do to improve your viewing experience, but the most important is not to forget the lights. This will ensure you have a better view of the screen and are less likely to be scared by anything that happens in the movie.
Watching a scary movie can be a good way to unwind, but it should be done in moderation. Studies have shown that bingeing on movies can cause anxiety and lead to sleep deprivation, which isn’t healthy for anyone.
To avoid this, watch your horror movie at home with the lights on and a nightlight in your room. This can help to reduce your fears, and will make you feel more comfortable if you’re watching a spooky movie with your family.
If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed by the movie, try watching something else at the same time to give your mind a rest. For example, try listening to a podcast or reading a book. This will not only distract your brain, but can also help you to focus on what’s happening in the film.
The best part about this is that you can still see the screen as you’re doing it. This is especially helpful if you’re using a projector to watch your favorite scary flick.
Finally, a few extra lights around the house can be a big help when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep. This includes a nightlight in your bed or a light that can be turned on by the motion of your hand. This will help you to get a better night’s sleep and prevent the nightmares from coming true.
Know When to Leave the Theater
The dark theater and the eerie soundtrack can be enough to send you over the edge, but there are some things you can do to keep yourself from being too overwhelmed by the film. The first thing to do is set your boundaries and know when it’s time to stop watching. If you’re getting physical anxiety symptoms like heavy breathing, a racing heart, sweating or trembling, it might be time to turn off the movie and take a break.
It’s also a good idea to have some sort of support system while you watch scary movies. This might be a friend, a spouse or someone you trust. It could also be a pet, so that you can feel safe and secure during the movie.
Another way to get rid of your fear is to imagine something that would make you less afraid, says Amy Poffenroth, a psychologist and author of The Anxiety Book. She recommends thinking of a friend, a family member or even a superhero that you admire. This will help you to refocus and see the movie in a different light.
Finally, she advises doing some research on the plot of the movie before you go to see it. This is a good idea for any film, but it can be especially important when watching horror films. If you know what’s going to happen at the end, it can help you to prepare for the scares.
Lastly, she suggests not watching scary movies at home. This can be dangerous, as it can lead to a binge-watching habit, which has been linked to higher levels of anxiety and depression.
A good rule of thumb when watching scary movies at home is to watch them with the lights on, so that you can see what’s happening. This can also be useful if you’re dealing with Nyctophobia, which is a fear of the dark.
You should also avoid watching scary movies alone or with friends who aren’t familiar with the theme of the movie. This can be difficult, but it’s essential if you’re struggling with anxiety.
Don’t Forget the Snacks
Whether you’re watching it on Netflix or in the theater, it’s important to make sure that you have the right snacks to go along with your favorite scary movie. The right snacks can not only keep you fueled throughout the movie, but they can also help to distract your mind from thinking about the scary things that are happening on screen.
One of the best and most effective ways to keep your blood sugar levels up is by consuming something sweet. You can either stick with the classics like ice cream or a bowl of cereal, or you could try a fruit salad.
Fruit is a great choice because it’s delicious and is packed with vitamins and minerals. You can even dip it in chocolate to make a fruity treat that is both healthy and fun.
Another popular option is peanut butter. Spread some on bread or crackers and you’ve got a healthy, calorie-dense snack that will keep your energy levels up.
If you’re not into a lot of sugar, peanut butter might be the better choice for you. It’s a protein-rich food that is low in fat and has a long shelf life.
You can find peanut butter in a variety of forms, including jars and tubes. This can be a convenient way to take your favorite snack on the go, and it will keep you feeling full and energized throughout the movie.
In addition to having the right snacks, you can also create a more comfortable environment to watch the film. You can set up a blanket on the floor to make it easier to get warm, or you can even slip into some thematically appropriate pjs.
Having the right snacks and a good atmosphere will help you to enjoy your scary movie, and to feel less scared. If you’re going to watch the movie with a friend, it’s a good idea to ask them to hold your hand during scary parts of the movie as reassurance.
