Do you often think, “I just need to watch something and relax” after a long day or on the weekend? Well, you are not alone in this. In this fast-paced world, our to-do lists feel endless, and we often forget to sit back and relax. The solution? Turning to TV not just for entertainment but for comfort, escape and emotional support.
Let’s explore how television has quietly become one of the most powerful and affordable forms of self-care in our lives.
-
The Comfort of Familiar Shows
Friends, The Office or Modern Family are some of the shows which always feel like home. There’s something truly magical in them which makes us stick to the television for hours without any stress. And the best part is, you know what’s going to happen next; there are no surprises. It’s like catching up with old friends who always say the right things.
A study from the University of Chicago found that rewatching favourite shows can help people regain control and reduce stress. That’s why people often call these shows their “comfort shows.” When you watch familiar shows, you don’t need to think too hard and give your brain a break. You can just relax and feel safe. This is especially helpful when we’re anxious or overwhelmed.
-
Laughter is Good Medicine
Laughter opens the lungs, and the lungs are the doorways to the heart. You can always watch comedy shows with your family to relieve stress and anxiety. After a hard day, a comedy show can lift the mood. There are many comedy shows that air on television. Whenever you laugh, it triggers the release of endorphins, the feel-good chemicals that help reduce pain and stress.
-
TV Helps in Understanding Oneself
Many shows that air on television talk about real-life emotions, relationships and struggles. They explore themes like love, heartbreak, mental health, and family issues. Shows like Us, Atypical and many other shows handle deep topics gently and truthfully.
When you see characters go through something similar to what you’re facing, you feel understood. It reminds you that you are not alone. This connection helps you heal and rejuvenate. Sometimes, you even learn how to talk about your feelings better because you see it modelled on screen.
-
TV as a Shared Experience
Watching TV can also bring people closer. Whether it’s family movie night, a binge-watch session with friends, or even chatting online about the latest episode, TV creates shared moments. Nowadays, everyone is busy and always online, watching something together helps you connect. It gives you something to talk about, laugh over, or cry through.
-
TV Helps to Escape into Other Worlds
Sometimes, we just want to escape reality, and TV is the perfect platform. Whether it’s Game of Thrones, Stranger Things, or the dreamy world of travel and food in documentaries like Street Food or Chef’s Table, TV takes you somewhere else, somewhere far from bills, chores, or deadlines. This kind of escape gives your mind a rest and a pause from real-life pressures. Just like a vacation, but from your couch.
-
Learning Becomes Enjoyable
TV is also a fun way to learn. Documentaries, real-life stories, and educational series feed your curiosity and spark new interests. When you learn something new, it gives you a sense of growth and achievement. It boosts your confidence and distracts you from worries. Even a cooking show can inspire you to try something new and enjoy your time in the kitchen.
-
Sets The Mood for Rest
Many people turn to TV to relax before bed, and watching a calm and slow-paced show with soft lighting can help signal to the brain that it’s time to wind down. It creates a comforting routine that says, “The day is over, let’s rest.” But here, you also need to realise that too much screen time right before bed can affect sleep, therefore, you need to balance well.
Don’t Forget to Press Pause
TV can be very therapeutic, but it’s crucial to also understand you need to stop. Spending too much time in front of the TV can leave you lethargic and out of touch with the rest of the world. If you catch yourself sitting for hours or cancelling important meetings & plans to simply watch a show, it may be time to take a break. Excess of anything is bad for health. The best kind of screen time is the kind that supports your well-being, not replaces real-life experiences. So indulge, but also find time for fresh air, exercise, and human interaction.
(We’re always open to hearing from our community! If you have any feedback or believe your contributions should be recognized, please get in touch.)
Must Read:
