Apparently, there’s nothing wrong with a bit of fear, according to the experts: it keeps you alert and gives your heart a useful workout.
Which means that Halloween can have a very positive effect on young and old and why a visit to a National Trust for Scotland property this autumn could be good for you.
Halloween has pagan roots, then was used freely by many religions as a preparation for All Saints’ Day, also known as All Hallows’ Day, but now has a wider celebration.
The fun element of the festivity is seen in Trust places across the country, with many events scheduled to take place on the weekend of October 26/27.
These range from spooky tours in and around Culzean Castle in the west or Brodie Castle in the north, to going wild at Killiecrankie – all great venues for some kind of ghostly fun.
There are some great myths and legends to be explored, but some properties, such as Drum Castle near Banchory, have famous links to exploit.
The great traveller and author Washington Irving has family connections with the castle, and wrote the creepy tale The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, with its cast of spectres.
The short story will be read, preparing visitors for some of the spine-chilling experiences.
Looking down from his portrait on the wall, Irving will probably have a wry smile on his face as the shrieks of disturbed spirits rattle around the atmospheric rooms.
Like so many of the charity’s properties, it is a natural place for hunting the haunted, with its mediaeval tower and secret chambers.
At nearby Crathes Castle, a team of professionals reckon they have some creepy individuals to uncover.
Under the leadership of Nigel the Ninja Witch Catcher, there will be some serious spectre-searching going on there, thanks to the Argyll-based award-winning, Walking Theatre Company, who specialise in drama on the move.
They have a theme and a venue and create some magic around both, taking their audience on a fantastic journey.
The delight of the National Trust for Scotland is not just the range of buildings that are in its care, but it also has some wonderful gardens where youngsters can let off steam.
Falkland Palace, in Fife, for example, has some beautiful grounds, and the team there have planned an afternoon of ghost and ghoul chasing that should excite and exhaust most young detectives as they search for clues on a clever outdoor hunt.
And some of its birthplace properties are marking Halloween, too: the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum at Alloway has natural links between the Bard and ghostly experiences, so the challenge is thrown out to hear some scary stories before visiting the haunted Auld Kirk.
The David Livingstone Centre is one of several properties that are combining ghosts and creativity. There’s a full weekend of events at the centre in Blantyre, followed by a Halloween Hoot, all of which includes fun activities for young and old.
Something more sedate appears to be on offer near Aberdeen at Haddo House, but don’t be misled, the Children’s Tea Party is actually hosted by Griselda the Witch, who will no doubt be pulling out all the stops to create mischief.
One of the more unusual characters to appear is the Raging Rabbit who goes on the rampage looking for your veggies in and around Castle Fraser in Aberdeenshire.
For full details of events at National Trust for Scotland properties – not just at Halloween but all year round – visit the website: www.nts.org.uk/events