How to Stop Being Scared after watching a scary movie? Don’t worry—it’s completely normal to feel anxious. By engaging in activities like watching a funny show or listening to lively music, you can shift your focus and calm your nerves. With a little reassurance and trust in yourself, you’ll quickly let go of the fear and find your peace again.
Part 1 .Easing Anxiety During the Film
Step 1: Watch the Movie in the Morning
To reduce the scare factor, try watching the movie in the morning. Instead of waiting for nightfall, start your movie at the beginning of the day. By bedtime, you’ll have a full day of activities behind you to keep your mind occupied, which will lessen the fear. Watching horror movies in the dark can amplify the tension, so daytime viewing can make a big difference.
Tip: You can still enjoy your popcorn, just watch the movie in daylight!
Step 2: Avoid Watching Scary Movies Alone
Watching a scary movie alone can amplify the fear, as you’re more likely to dwell on what you’ve seen without distractions. It’s better to watch scary movies with at least one other person. The more, the merrier! When you’re with others, you’ll feel more relaxed and less likely to be scared afterward.
Step 3: Talk to Yourself or Others During the Movie
Talking through the movie can help ease the tension. If you’re watching with friends or family, discuss the plot, characters, or settings aloud to take your mind off the scares. If you’re alone, make humorous comments like, “How silly!” or “That’s so unrealistic.” Reassuring yourself with humor and comments helps break through the fear and reduces anxiety.
Fun Tip: Try saying, “Did you see how slow she ran?!” or “Nice hairstyle!” in a sarcastic tone to lighten the mood. You can also share your survival strategies with others on wikiHow forum.
Step 4: Laugh During the Scary Parts
When you hear intense music or see a scary moment coming, laugh or say something funny—even if the scene isn’t comical. Laughing helps alleviate tension, and the horror will seem less terrifying. This works especially well in group settings, as your laughter will help others relax as well.
Step 5: Watch Special Features or Behind-the-Scenes
If the movie has special features, such as behind-the-scenes footage, watch them to see how the film was made. Knowing the tricks used to create the scares can make it seem less realistic and frightening. Most DVDs or streaming platforms offer these extras. Understanding the making of the movie, such as the actors, special effects, and direction, can demystify the fear factor.
Pro Tip: You can also check out movie reviews or director’s commentaries to get more insight into the film. This will make the plot and characters appear less menacing.
References:
By using these techniques, you can stop being scared after watching a horror movie and enjoy the thrill without the lingering fear!
Part 2 Relaxing After the Movie
How to Calm Yourself After Watching a Scary Movie
Watching a scary movie can sometimes leave you feeling tense or anxious, especially if you’re sensitive to horror content. Fortunately, there are effective ways to calm down and regain your sense of safety. Follow these tips to help manage your fear and get back to feeling relaxed.
Step 1: Remind Yourself That the Movie is Not Real and You Are Safe
One of the best ways to calm yourself after watching a scary movie is by reminding yourself that it’s just fiction. Reassure yourself with phrases like, “This is fake,” and “I am safe.” Repeating these affirmations can help reinforce the idea that what you saw is not real. It might take a few repetitions, but trust in the fact that the movie is a work of fiction.
If it helps, focus on details in the movie that are exaggerated or unrealistic. For instance, maybe the villain’s makeup is obviously fake, or the creatures are clearly computer-generated. If the movie claims to be “based on a true story,” remember that such films often intensify and exaggerate the events to make them more dramatic. Even the most terrifying movies are designed to be entertaining, not factual.
If you find it comforting, lock your doors or take other actions to feel more secure. These small steps can remind your brain that you are in a safe, controlled environment.
Step 2: Do Brief Exercises for 5-10 Minutes to Release Extra Energy
Horror movies can trigger your body’s “fight or flight” response, which often leaves you with lingering stress or unease. A great way to release that built-up energy is through short, vigorous exercise. Take about 5-10 minutes to do activities like:
- Dancing around
- Jogging in place
- Jumping jacks
- Having a pillow fight
These exercises can help reduce the stress hormones and make you feel less tense. Be careful not to over-exercise, though, as that could actually make it harder to relax and fall asleep if it’s close to bedtime.
Step 3: Distract Your Mind with an Uplifting TV Show, Movie, or Book
Distraction is one of the quickest ways to get your mind off the scary movie. Put on something lighthearted or uplifting, like a comedy or a feel-good documentary. Focus on positive themes that make you feel good rather than dwelling on negative, scary thoughts.
Alternatively, you could read a book, flip through a magazine, or even engage in creative activities like drawing. Another great way to distract yourself is to think about exciting upcoming events. Perhaps you have a fun date, a concert, or a trip you’re looking forward to. Shifting your focus onto something positive will help you stop feeling anxious.
Step 4: Spend Time with Friends or Family So You Don’t Feel Alone
It’s natural to feel more scared when you’re by yourself, so spending time with others can help reduce your anxiety. If you watched the movie with friends or family, continue hanging out with them. If you watched the movie alone, try reaching out to a loved one for support. Invite someone over or make a quick phone call to chat.
You can cook a meal together, talk about your day, or even play a game to take your mind off the fear. The presence of others can offer a comforting reassurance that you are safe.
For more tips on managing fear after watching a scary movie, check out:
- Managing Fear and Anxiety – Psychology Today’s tips on coping with fear
- How to Deal with Anxiety – National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) resources
By following these steps, you can help your mind and body return to a calm, relaxed state after the unsettling experience of a scary movie.
Part 3.Getting To Sleep
How to Overcome Fear After Watching a Scary Movie
Watching a scary movie can sometimes leave you feeling unsettled, especially when it’s time to go to bed. However, there are a number of strategies you can use to calm your nerves and get a good night’s sleep. Here’s how to manage your fear after a spooky film and ensure you feel safe and relaxed.
Step 1: Sleep with a Night Light Turned On if It Makes You Feel Safer
If you’re feeling uneasy after watching a scary movie, using a night light can provide comfort and reassurance. Plug a nightlight into an outlet near your bed and turn it on before going to sleep. This will help you see in the dark and feel confident that there’s no danger lurking in the shadows. While it’s okay to use this technique immediately after watching a scary movie, try not to rely on it every night. Eventually, you’ll want to sleep without it as part of your journey to overcoming fear.
You can choose a decorative nightlight, such as one shaped like a moon or star, or a simple, soft glow light for a calming effect.
Step 2: Play Relaxing Music if You Are Having Trouble Falling Asleep
If your mind is racing after the movie, playing soothing music can help calm you down. Background sounds, especially nature sounds, are proven to help reduce stress and encourage sleep. Try listening to sounds of waves crashing, rainfall, or birds chirping to create a peaceful atmosphere.
Alternatively, you can opt for instrumental lullabies such as Brahms Lullaby. Whether you listen through headphones or a sound system, calming music will help distract your mind and guide you into a more restful state.
Step 3: Tell Yourself “It’s Just a Movie” If You Wake Up in the Middle of the Night
If you wake up feeling scared in the middle of the night, remind yourself that the fear you’re feeling is just a lingering effect of the movie. “It’s just a movie,” you can repeat to yourself. Acknowledge that what you saw is fictional and not a real threat.
Taking deep breaths while repeating this mantra will help you relax and reduce anxiety, allowing you to fall back asleep more easily.
Step 4: Ask a Friend or Family Member to Have a Sleepover So You’re Not Alone
If you’re still feeling scared and can’t seem to sleep, it might help to have someone with you. Invite a friend, relative, or roommate over for a sleepover. This way, you can sleep soundly knowing you’re not alone, and it will be easier to feel safe.
If you do invite someone, make it a fun experience by bringing extra pillows, blankets, snacks, and activities. Turn it into a slumber party atmosphere to help you focus on something enjoyable rather than the scary movie.
For additional tips on managing fear and anxiety, visit:
- Coping with Nighttime Anxiety – Psychology Today’s advice on overcoming nighttime fears
- How to Deal with Fear After a Scary Movie – National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) resources
By following these strategies, you’ll be able to calm your mind and find a peaceful sleep after watching a frightening film.
