Try not to watch the movie late at night when you tend to be sleepy. If you cannot physically spend time with another person after the movie, try calling, texting, or video chatting with someone.
You can also ask them how they handle scary movies. They may have some tips that you have not thought of. Do not spend time alone with someone who is just as scared as you are. You may actually feel worse and freak each other out.
The subject of your funny movie does not matter. As long as it makes you laugh out loud, you will reap the benefits. [4] X Research source If you cannot find anything funny to watch, at least watch something that is pleasant or not scary at all. What you watch affects what you dream about and how well you sleep. Reading jokes and funny stories that make you laugh are also an option.
Tell yourself out loud, “That movie was pretend. ___ are not real. I do not need to worry about this. “[5] X Research source If the movie was more realistic, remind yourself that you are in a safe place and those things did not happen to you. The people you watched were actors and were pretending.
For example, if you are concerned about the shower, go to the bathroom and see that no one is hiding in there. If you are worried about someone breaking into your home, double check the locks on the doors and the windows so you feel safe and secure. Turn the lights on or use a flashlight to look under your bed. If darkness is scary to you, sleep with a nightlight or keep the lights in the hallway on.
Taking deep breaths is also a way to relax and calm yourself. Breathe in slowly through your nose and count to four. Hold your breath for seven seconds ,and then exhale through your mouth for eight seconds. You should feel better after a few minutes of deep breathing[9] X Trustworthy Source HelpGuide Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources. Go to source Doing activities that engage your mind and body are also helpful. Washing dishes or fixing yourself a snack can also get your mind off of the movie.
If the movie is coming on television, DVR or record the movie and watch it at another time. Watching a scary movie earlier in the day also gives you time to do other activities before you go to bed.
If you find yourself getting too caught up in the movie, go to the bathroom or get a snack to give your mind a break. Watch scary movies with other people instead of sitting in the dark by yourself and watching the movie.
For example, if you babysit a lot, a scary movie about breaking into a home while babysitting may really get to you and cause you to be paranoid the next time you babysit. When you know your limits, you have greater control over how the movie will affect you. [13] X Research source
Write down exactly what you are afraid and everything that is related to that fear. [15] X Trustworthy Source HelpGuide Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources. Go to source For example, if you are afraid of the dark, you may write that you are afraid of the dark, afraid of going to sleep, and are scared of having nightmares.
For example, if you are afraid of Freddy Krueger, you may watch the movie every week. To control your environment, you could watch the movie in the daytime with some of your friends. The more you expose yourself to something, you will develop more control and the movie will have less of an impact on you. If watching the entire movie is too scary for you, start small and work your way up. Watch the movie for 15 minutes one week and then 30 minutes the next week. Continue to build until you can watch the entire movie.
Try to find time to do relaxation techniques every day. You will see the best results if relaxation becomes part of your regular routine. You can practice multiple relaxation techniques or stick to one that you really enjoy.
If your negative thought is, “I am afraid dolls and stuffed animals are haunted,” you may remind yourself that many people sleep near dolls and stuffed animals and are not harmed, and that you have never been attacked by a haunted doll. If you developed a fear of taking showers when you were home alone, you may remind yourself of all the times you have safely taken a shower, and all of your friends and family members that shower safely. You would also remind yourself that you have never been attacked while you were taking a shower and that you have no evidence that it is unsafe for you to take a shower when you are home alone.
