Spooky self care is cool and all, but around here, we call it Self-Scare™, a spooky twist on taking care of yourself all year long. And let’s be honest: if you’re a Halloween-loving ghoul juggling work, family, and a never-ending to-do list, taking time for yourself can feel nearly impossible. But spooky self-care matters so much, especially when the world feels like a nonstop haunted hayride.
Self-Scare is about escapism. It’s a way to reconnect with your spooky soul, de-stress through magical rituals, and make time for the kind of comfort and joy only horror movies, witchy playlists, and Halloween nostalgia can bring. It can be as simple as a 15-minute break from your phone with a cozy spooky soundtrack—or as elaborate as a full moon bath with floating candles and magical tea. However you practice it, Self-Scare is your reminder that spooky ghouls need self-care too.
What is Spooky Self-Care (aka Self-Scare)?
Spooky self-care is self-care designed for the ghouls with a haunted heart. It’s comforting, cozy, magical, nostalgic—and sometimes just a little scary in the most healing way. It could be curling up with a ghost story, dressing like a witch even if you’re not leaving the house, or taking a solo stroll through a cemetery while listening to a spooky audiobook.
Self-Scare is our community’s twist on traditional wellness. For many of us, spooky self care is soothing. For some of us, horror can actually help ease anxiety by offering a safe space to process fear and emotion—and even horror fans have written about how it feels like medicine for the mind. And if you don’t lean into horror, that’s okay, too. Some of us prefer watching Coraline for the 10th time or doing a breathing exercise with the Practical Magic score playing in the background—it all counts.
Why We Need Self-Scare (Especially for Busy Spooky Ghouls)
You’re tired. Your notifications never stop. You’re supposed to be doing 900 things and somehow also meditating, meal prepping, and looking fabulous? No, thank you.
Spooky self care is about hitting pause. It’s about creating moments that make you feel like you again—the version of you who still believes in Halloween magic, finds comfort in the spooky stuff, and deserves a break without guilt. Even 10–15 minutes can change your energy and shift your whole day. Let yourself unplug, unwind, and get a little witchy.
12 Magical Self-Scare Rituals for Spooky Self-Care
- Put Your Phone on DND & Let the Magic In: Light a candle, press play on your favorite Practical Magic or Halloweentown score, and just breathe. You don’t need a full spa day—just a moment to reconnect with your inner ghoul through spooky self care.
- Brew a Potion (aka Magical Tea or Coffee Moment): Brew your favorite drink, stir in a little cinnamon or pumpkin spice, and set an intention while you sip. It’s your daily magic potion.
- Reflect & Manifest Like a Spooky Dream Girl: Journal about what you’re feeling, what you’re dreaming of, and what kind of haunted fairytale life you want to call in. No rules, just vibes.
- Have a Comfort Spooky Movie Night: Whether it’s Hocus Pocus, Scream, Beetlejuice, or a stop-motion classic, pick something that makes your spooky soul feel safe, seen, or scream—in a good way. As long as it brings you joy, it’s Self-Scare™ approved.
- Put on Your Spooky Pajamas & Read Something Paranormal: Cozy up with a witchy romance, ghostly mystery, or magical adventure. Don’t forget the candlelight and snacks.
- Take a Lavender Bath with a Witchy Playlist: Soak in calm with Florence + the Machine or some witchy lo-fi playing softly in the background. Let your bathtub become a little cauldron of peace.
- Play a Cozy Spooky Game for 30 Minutes (Guilt-Free): Dive into Dreamlight Valley, Costume Quest, or Luigi’s Mansion. Escaping into a spooky-cute world is part of the healing.
- Go for a Walk in a Cemetery (During the Daylight, of Course): Bring a magical playlist or a ghost story audiobook and get some fresh air with the ancestors. (And beware the Lafayette Vampire, obviously.)
- Craft Something Spooky Just for You: DIY a ghost garland, paint a pumpkin, or make a Halloween vision board. Let your inner spooky child play.
- Try a Tarot or Oracle Pull (If You’re Into That!): I don’t do tarot myself (yet), but I know our community loves it—and I’m definitely curious. If it brings you clarity or peace, that’s a ritual worth embracing.
- Give Yourself a Magical Halloween Manicure: Why wait for spooky season to rock Halloween nails? Whether you’re into witchy purples, pumpkin orange, or monster-themed nail art, this is your sign to glam up those claws.
- Dance It Out to a Halloween Playlist: Throw on Monster Mash, Calling All the Monsters, or Hex Girl and have a solo dance party. Movement is magic.
Bonus Tip: Join the Ghoulster Squad to connect with other spooky souls year round and get inspo from them on how to practice Self-Scare!
Final Thoughts: You Deserve Spooky Self Care!
Self-Scare isn’t about perfection. It’s about permission.
Permission to escape. To rest. To play. To let your spooky self be nourished in whatever way feels right to you.
Whether you try one ritual today or save the whole list for later, just remember: your magic is worth protecting. Spooky ghouls, let’s make Self-Scare a daily ritual.
Share this blog with a spooky ghoul who needs some self-scare in their life.
Until next time, sending you ghouls and kisses!
