Do you love a good spook? Or do you stay away from them altogether?
Whether you seek out spooky attractions or find them terrifying, a trip to your nearest haunted house this Halloween might be just what the doctor ordered. Of course, they’re fun, but haunted houses and hayrides are also great for mental health. From the adrenaline rush to the endorphins release, this post will prove haunted houses are good for your health too!
Are Haunted Houses Really Good for Your Health?
Haunted houses are popular entertainment, from small-town spooky hayrides to elaborate theme parks. And luckily, while haunted houses can be scary places, they’re also good for your health. Here are five surprising reasons why…
#1: Haunted Houses and Corn Mazes Stimulate Problem-Solving Skills
Haunted houses and corn mazes present so many brain teasers to solve! As you’re navigating the attraction, you have to…
- pay attention to the clues around you
- decipher them, and
- take action!
This stimulates a brain region called the cerebellum, which is responsible for motor skills and balance. The more you stimulate this area, the more active it becomes, improving problem-solving skills.
#2: Haunted Houses Help Overcome Fears and Anxiety, Which Promotes Overall Well-Being
Yes, haunted houses are scary, but they can help you overcome fears. When you feel scared, the body produces adrenaline in response (as it would for any other situation).
Adrenaline can help boost memory and attention, which helps you remember what scares you and how to cope better in the future. So, think of your next visit to a haunted house as a workout for your brain!
Interested in Learning Even More About Why Haunted Houses are Good for Health?
Check Out This Post About the Psychology Behind Fear!
#3: A Visit to a Haunted House Will Get Your Feet Moving — and Your Heart Pumping
Many haunted houses feature mazes and other physical challenges, which can increase your heart rate and make you sweat. This is especially true if you’re trying out the more extreme haunted house experiences with live actors who try to ‘scare your pants off’!
Spoiler Alert: You can expect plenty of heart-pumping, hair-raising surprises at Kersey Valley Spooky Woods.
#4: A Good Scare Can Reduce Stress
Did you know a good scare can reduce stress in your daily life? Frightening experiences trigger the body’s fight-or-flight response, which releases adrenaline and cortisol (a hormone that helps regulate metabolism). These chemicals can boost your mood, which reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression.
You already know the feeling if you’ve ever visited a haunted house.
Adrenaline pumps through your veins.
Goosebumps pop up on your arms.
Your heart races faster than usual.
You hear the chainsaws.
Sweat forms on your palms.
A ghoul jumps out at you unexpectedly.
You scream!
These are all signs the body has entered its natural state of heightened alertness, known as “fight or flight,” which releases endorphins and reduces stress.
#5: Good, Old-Fashioned Fun is Good for You—Which is Another Reason Haunted Houses Are Good for Your Health
Need one more reason to add a haunted house to your to-do list? Science has proven people who have fun are both happier and healthier overall. And haunted houses are a great way to enjoy yourself while also getting in some exercise. Plus, if you’re with friends or family, you’ll have an even better time!
Social interaction is one of the most important aspects of a healthy lifestyle. What better way to socialize than by working together to make it through a spooky attraction?!
Plan a Scary Fun Time with Your Friends and Family at Kersey Valley
Haunted houses aren’t only for the bravest thrill-seekers. Even if you don’t want to walk through a maze of cobwebs or crawl through a pitch-black tunnel, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for learning and practicing new skills at Kersey Valley.
So, don’t let fear stop you from going on a fun outing with your friends, family, or your date this Halloween— or any time of year! Face your fears and have loads of fun at Kersey Valley Attractions. While you’re here, why not book a full or half-day adventure?
Book Your Fright Night at Kersey Valley, Rated a Top-5 Haunted Attraction in the United States!