Buzz
If you've just finished a horror flick and find yourself feeling anxious, don't worry! There are ways to calm down, like watching a comedy or listening to upbeat music. With some reassurance and distraction, you can easily shake off the fear and feel relaxed.
Procedures
Managing Anxiety While Watching
Opt for morning movie sessions to lessen the scare factor. Instead of watching at night, try viewing scary movies in the morning. By the time you hit the hay, you'll have a whole day's worth of activities to take your mind off the film. This way, you'll be less spooked.
Avoid watching scary movies alone. They can feel scarier without distractions, so always watch them with at least one other person. The more, the merrier! This way, you're less likely to feel scared afterward.
Engage in conversation during the movie to calm your nerves. Discuss the plot, characters, and setting with friends or family. If you're watching alone, make light-hearted comments to yourself, like 'How silly!' This helps reassure you and ease tension.
Inject humor into scary scenes to prevent getting too frightened. Laugh or make funny remarks when you sense a scary moment approaching. Even if it's not inherently funny, laughter relieves tension and lessens the impact of scary scenes.
Explore the special features to demystify the film. Watching how the movie was made often makes it less scary. DVDs and online platforms usually offer behind-the-scenes footage and director interviews, providing insights that make the movie feel less real.
Unwinding After the Movie
Remind yourself that the movie is fictional and you're safe. Repeat phrases like 'This isn't real' and 'I'm safe' until you believe them. Recall cheesy or unrealistic elements of the movie to reinforce this. Lock your doors if it helps you feel secure.
Engage in brief exercises for 5-10 minutes to release excess energy. After a horror movie, your body is in a heightened state. Exercise options include dancing, jogging in place, doing jumping jacks, or having a playful pillow fight.
Distract yourself with a light-hearted TV show, movie, or book. Shift your focus to something positive and uplifting immediately after watching a scary movie. Choose a comedy, inspiring documentary, or engaging book to divert your attention from fear.
Spent time with friends or family to avoid feeling isolated. If you watched the movie with others, continue socializing with them. If you watched alone and feel scared, reach out to a loved one for company. Having companionship reduces feelings of fear and anxiety.
Preparing for Sleep
Use a night light while sleeping if it brings you comfort. Illuminate your room with a nightlight before bedtime to ease any fears of the dark. Opt for a decorative or simple nightlight, like one shaped as a moon or star, to create a reassuring ambiance.
Listen to soothing music if you struggle to fall asleep. Background melodies, such as nature sounds or instrumental lullabies, can help calm your mind post-scary movie. Play tunes like ocean waves or forest birds to facilitate a peaceful transition into sleep.
Remind yourself “It's just a movie” if you awaken during the night. Combat nighttime fear by rationalizing that any distress is a result of the movie. Take deep breaths as you repeat this mantra to soothe yourself back to sleep.
Arrange a sleepover with a friend or family member for added security. If fear persists, invite someone to sleep in your room or spend the night at their place. Create a comforting environment with extra pillows, blankets, and snacks for a relaxed sleepover experience.
Additional Tips
- Visualize someone you admire or a powerful superhero defeating the antagonist. This can uplift your mood or even evoke laughter.
The suggestions provided here stem from the shared experiences of Mytour readers like yourself. If you have valuable advice to contribute, please share it with us below.
- Consider the clichés or unrealistic aspects of the movie. Envision creating your own horror film, injecting humor into scenes where characters act predictably. It's often easy to find amusement in horror movies.
- Write down your fears on a small piece of paper, crumple it, and discard it. Remember, any gore is fabricated, and in animated films, appreciate the effort put into realistic portrayals. These techniques can significantly alleviate fear.
- For slasher films, imagine victims fighting back with absurd objects like a soup ladle, accompanied by comical fencing moves. Additionally, explore DVD special features showcasing the production process, including makeup application and computer-generated effects.
Cautions
- If you're already frightened post-movie, refrain from watching another horror film as it may heighten anxiety. Opt for a comedy during movie marathons instead.
- After viewing, avoid activities that exacerbate fear, such as peering out windows or turning off lights. These actions will only exacerbate negative emotions.
