Replace your wicked thoughts with a hint of wellness
By Maha Chaudhry
Spooky season is the perfect reminder that sometimes the scariest things aren’t in haunted houses, but in our own daily routines: burnout, sleepless nights, and the ghosts of unfinished to-do lists. This season, instead of letting stress play the villain, here’s how to cast a little magic over your wellness and make October feel both spooky and soothing.
1. Light Your Lantern (or Candle)
Jack-o’-lanterns were originally carved to ward off spirits, but today a simple candle or lantern can help you ward off stress. Dim the lights, strike a match, and let the flicker calm your nervous system. Scented candles with notes of pumpkin, clove, or cedar double as aromatherapy. It is said that using candles as an evening ritual instead of artificial lights before bed can reduce blue light exposure, helping the body produce melatonin naturally.
2. Keep it Moving (Don’t be a zombie)
It might be zombie season, but it is no time to be a zombie. That’s why my friend, we got to keep it moving. Movement as we know it has a powerful effect on overall health. For one, physical activity lowers cortisol (the scary stress hormone) and boost endorphins (the feel-good hormones). It also sharpens focus, boosts mood, improves sleep and also strengthens the heart. So whenever you can, take a walk, do a little dance, partake in a sport or other physical activity, and lead in motion.
3. Avoid poison of all kind
What’s toxic in your life? Take inventory, and when you find your answer, remove! This season we are saying no to anything toxic, also known as poison for the mind, body or soul. After all, not all treats have to be tricks for your body. This can be everything from setting firmer boundaries, to nourishing your body with beneficial nutrients.
4. Face Your Fears (Gently)
Are you ready to confront your fears? In wellness, this can mean acknowledging the habits or thoughts that haunt us. Take a few minutes to journal: What drains your energy? What lifts it? Naming your fears (instead of hiding from them) is the first step to taking their power away. Once you take their power away, you gain your power back, and now you’re back in the driver’s seat.
5. Rest in Peace (Literally)
Instead of staying up late and being deprived of a good night’s rest, choose rest. Trade out the crazy with the calm. A calming read, sip a cup of chamomile “moon tea,” and imagine tucking yourself in like a mummy — cocooned and safe. One of the biggest reasons most people complain of brain fog is due to the lack of rest and sleep, which also contributes to poor memory, a weakened immune system, mood swings, and a risk of chorionic diseases. All the things you don’t want! Instead, make self-care a priority and get those hours of sleep back. Bonus, if you want to stay looking youthful.
The Treat You Deserve
Wellness this season doesn’t mean skipping out on fun, it means finding balance between the sweet and the soulful. When you light your lantern, move your body, brew something warm, face what’s haunting you, and honor your rest, you’re not just celebrating the season. You’re writing your own story where wellness wins – this season, don’t let your body be haunted by your thoughts. When you make time for you, the magic begins.
