Do Scary Attractions Make You A Happier Person?
What do thrilling attractions like escape rooms and VR parks have in common with happiness?
While we might not always associate screaming with happiness, research shows that the thrills and chills of certain attractions can help people alleviate stress and unhappiness.
But does that mean anything can relieve stress?
Can You Scare Away Stress?
Though it might seem counterintuitive, research by Margee Kurr found a correlation between experiencing fear in safe conditions, such as an escape room, and relief from negative feelings.
Once our brains determine that the “danger” is not real, the flood of chemicals triggered during stressful moments becomes more pleasurable. Usually, this means dopamine is released, with the brain’s reward system kicking into action.
Building on the benefits of a good scream, when we experience fear in controllable ways, our minds can alter how we process stress and fear in the future. In a way, our brains learn to tone down the fight-or-flight response through exposure.
Simply put, the brain understands that the outcome of a fearful situation was pleasant, or at least not life-threatening, so it begins to expect that in future.
Is Mindfulness Actually Scary?
When we experience fear or stress, our brains react to potential “danger” in numerous ways, one of which is increased focus.
Your thoughts become centred solely on dealing with the perceived danger in front of you, and less on things like work stress or anxiety about the future.
With mindfulness often understood as the practice of being “in the moment”, the two can cultivate a similar response.
This can help break patterns of negative thinking that may have a longer-lasting effect than the attraction itself.
That interruption can help a person break free from the cycle of rumination that often sets in when stressors recur.
Knowing what fear can do for you, are you ready to get scared?
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How to Find Happiness and an Escape Room Near You
Ready to use thrills and chills to create happiness?
After searching far and wide for exciting spots, we found a few that might be worth screaming over.
Attractions and Escape Rooms In Singapore
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Attraction |
Address |
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111 East Coast Road 428801, Singapore, Singapore |
Less scary than puzzling, the Monopoly game in the Katong-Joo Chiat district offers guests the chance to explore the area and solve puzzles hidden throughout the neighbourhood. |
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510 Upper Jurong Rd, Singapore 638365 |
The Black Lake Facility at the Singapore Discovery Centre offers guests the chance to play immersive games. |
Attractions and Escape Rooms In Bangkok
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Attraction |
Address |
Highlight |
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Cave Fantasy at MBK Centre |
4th floor, Zone A, MBK Centre 10330, Wang Mai, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330 |
Leaning into a virtual experience, guests can choose from seven different experiences. |
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3rd floor, Skating rink Side, Seacon Srinakarin, Nong Bon, Prawet, Bangkok 10250 |
Bringing the chills and fear, Mystiworld offers guests immersive escape rooms set in horrifying locations, such as an asylum or a haunted shop. |
Attractions and Escape Rooms In Kuala Lumpur
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Attraction |
Address |
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L4-09A, Level 4, Nu Sentral, Sambathan,, 201, Jalan Tun Sambanthan, 50470 Kuala Lumpur |
For those who prefer virtual experiences, VAR LIVE gives guests the chance to explore faraway realms and take a break from reality. |
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3rd floor, Skating rink Side, Seacon Srinakarin, Nong Bon, Prawet, Bangkok 10250 |
Adding a bit of intrigue to its puzzles, Breakout offers guests seven distinct, immersive rooms that will challenge even the most experienced players. |
Attractions and Escape Rooms In Johor
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Attraction |
Address |
Highlight |
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A0129, ECO GALLERIA JALAN EKO BOTANI 3/2, TAMAN, Persiaran Eko Botani, 79100 Gelang Patah, Johor Darul Ta'zim |
Created by escape room aficionados, LOST in JB promises not only to puzzle its guests but also to transport them into new worlds with live actors for a more immersive experience. |
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30, Jalan Sutera Tanjung 8/4, Taman Sutera Utama, 81300 Skudai, Johor Darul Ta'zim |
Skip the thrills and go straight for the chills with a dedicated haunted house featuring seven rooms filled with fear. |
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Can You Be Scared and Happy?
So, with science to back it up, it seems that if we want to smile more, we have to be willing to scream a little.
In those moments of fear or confusion, long-lasting benefits for our mental health can emerge. And while every horror fan can tell you this, it is sometimes more reassuring to hear from scientists that a little fear can be good for us.
Want to learn more about hacking happiness into your life? Read our blog on the science behind “Dopamine Dressing”
