The World Is Scary, So Who Needs Halloween?

Even though the world is scary from the chilling economy to the menace of terrorism, Halloween celebrations are on the rise. This year’s costumes are estimated as an almost five-billion dollar retail celebration, down from last year because of the recession, so expect more homemade versions. Did you know that Halloween can be a great stress reliever because you get to act out fears, release sexual inhibitions and assume supernatural power – all without any social repercussion. And who doesn’t enjoy a good party with friends during difficult times?

Living in ambiguity about things you cannot control along with a powerful imagination for future catastrophe are potent stressors. During Halloween you get to control this kind of stress, like watching a horror movie and leaving the theatre unharmed. This can potentially raise your stress threshold for the next stressor because you now have experience as you have imaginatively acted it out and conquered it.

According to Lynn Schofield Clark, associate professor of communication at the University of Denver, this year there is greater interest in the paranormal and the supernatural. This observation makes sense because daily reality is a struggle; you reach out to the magic of the unknown for help. Organized religion is supposed to take care of that, but many people have abandoned religion for spirituality. The next step is a quantum leap into science or the supernatural. Who knows what might be possible? You want to know the secret, especially during these troubled times.

Now that you understand the reason for the Halloween partying here is how to intensify the experience:

* Dare to be outrageous. Try on a new identity for size. What can you learn about your subconscious? For example: Are you a pirate looking for buried treasure and tired of obeying all the rules? Are you a ghost who is disconnected mind and body eager to be noticed? Are you a vampire who feels that others have taken advantage of you and that you are afraid of living your true life? Are you a Frankenstein who feels monstrous and misunderstood? Are you a Snow White, Peter Pan or Alice in Wonderland who longs for clear labels and childhood innocence?

* Don’t go into more debt to impress others with your costume. Do it yourself with hidden treasures in your closet, or your friend’s closet. Use makeup instead of a mask.

* Have fun without feeling guilty about having fun. Give yourself permission to play even if you have lost your job or your friends are out of work. A little joy will make you more creative and resiliently optimistic. Happiness is contagious.