Caring for yourself this Halloween

Halloween is such a child-centred holiday. And when you're trying to get pregnant or recovering from a loss, seeing babies, children, and families dressed up in costumes can be understandably difficult.

As Halloween approaches, here are a few ways to care for yourself.

Give yourself permission to do Halloween differently

If the thought of opening your door to children in costumes feels too painful, it's perfectly okay to turn off the porch light, close the blinds, and make other plans. Order your favourite takeout and maybe spend time with a friend or loved one.

You might also decide to hand out candy for a little while and stop whenever you've had enough. There's no obligation to participate in traditions that feel difficult this year.

Enjoy the season on your own terms

If you enjoy Halloween, consider celebrating in ways that feel good to you. Carve pumpkins with friends, bake something seasonal, decorate your home, or plan a cozy evening with a Halloween movie.

You can enjoy the parts of the holiday that bring you pleasure while skipping those that feel difficult. And if your feelings change as the day approaches, it's okay to change your plans too.

Consider taking a break from social media

Halloween brings lots of photos of children in costumes and family celebrations. Even when we're happy for the people sharing them, these images can be triggering and painful emotionally.

If you know scrolling is likely to be difficult, consider stepping away from social media for a day or two. A little distance from those reminders can be a compassionate choice we make in protecting our hearts.

Honour your grief

If you've experienced pregnancy loss, Halloween may bring up feelings of grief as well.Some families choose to display a white pumpkin in remembrance. You might place one on your doorstep, keep one in your home, or light a candle beside it.

Find what feels meaningful to you, whether that's a small ritual or simply allowing yourself some quiet time.

Enjoy the treats while taking care of yourself

Halloween often means an abundance of candy and sweet treats will be around, and there's no reason to feel guilty about enjoying them.

At the same time, large fluctuations in blood sugar can affect energy and mood, particularly if you're managing PMOS or other conditions that affects blood sugar regulation. Enjoy the treats you love, eat regular meals, and pay attention to how your body feels. A little mindfulness can help you find a balance about what feels good without introducing rigid rules or restrictions.

However you choose to spend Halloween this year, wishing you kindness and care.