How to Have a Healthy Halloween

Halloween doesn’t have to be scary this year – at least health-wise! We often associate Halloween with candy galore, but it doesn’t have to be that way. This year, find out how you can enjoy your Halloween parties, and not fall off the health wagon.

• Step up
• Friendships
• Willpower

1. Step up. You probably don't associate Halloween with exercise, but maybe it's time to rethink. We get it – it's nice to sit on the front porch with a hot chocolate while handing out candy, but this year accompany your grandchildren on their trick or treating routes. The average trick-or-treater walks an average of 1.25 miles. Walking is a great way to exercise, and we think trick-or-treating is an exercise in disguise. Of course, we know that walking is good for your body, but it's also good for you brain. When you walk outdoors, you can lower stress levels and improve well-being and brain health. An extra perk to walking with your grandchild? Extra bonding time! Which brings us to our next benefit...

2. Friendships. Halloween is a night where you can form new bonds and friendships. If you trick-or-treat with your grandchild, this will give you the opportunity to meet your neighbors. You can never have too many friends. Friendships affect your serotonin, influencing your mood, behavior, memory, and learning! Our brains need to have social interaction in order to be as healthy as it can. When you form a connection with people, you will also be forming intellectual conversation. With new friendships, comes countless brain health benefits. Who would have thought Halloween could create this brain health benefit?

3. Willpower. We've saved the toughest one for last – practicing willpower. Halloween and candy go hand-in-hand. It's important to practice willpower and not splurge on leftover trick-or-treating candy. We're not saying to completely resist – indulging in a couple pieces of candy is perfectly fine. However, if you splurge on sweets on a regular basis, it can cause weight gain. Eating a couple of pieces of candy a day is also a great opportunity for you to practice mindfulness. Slow down when you chew your food and be aware of sensations while you eat. Turn off your electronics and think consciously about what you're eating. Plus, slowing down while you indulge will truly make you enjoy every bite.

So, there you have it! Halloween does have health benefits. Here’s to a happy, healthy, and safe holiday. Enjoy!